Frequently Asked Questions

During your first visit you will be asked to complete a new client intake form. We will ask you about your health history and then discuss with you treatment options including diet and life style changes. During your first visit you will receive an acupuncture treatment and a treatment plan for the following sessions will be discussed. For more detailed information read here.

In order to benefit the most from your first acupuncture appointment I:

• To eat a light meal before the treatment

• Dress comfortably, most of the time the needles will be placed in arms and legs so there is no need to undress

• Avoid doing strenuous exercise, eating heavy meals, drinking coffee or alcohol

• Rest after the treatment

• Remember the feelings and sensations you experience during and after the treatment and share them with your therapist during the following appointment.

Acupuncture, along with herbal medicine, is one of the pillars of Chinese medicine. It’s an ancient therapeutic technique which uses hair-thin needles to stimulate certain parts of the body to induce a beneficial effect. Acupuncture has evolved over 3000 years based on efficacy and energetic theories. According to Chinese medicine physiology, acupuncture stimulates points along parts of the body called meridians or vessels which adjust the energy flow in the body and produce a healing and restorative effect.

From a biomedical point of view, the meridians are a map of our vascular and nervous system. Through its stimulation the brain releases substances called endorphins and neurotransmitters which are natural hormones that have analgesic, anti-inflammatory effects and restore homeostasis.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a list of conditions for which acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment through controlled clinical trials. Among the conditions we find all kinds of pains such as low back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain menstrual pain, abdominal pain, sciatic pain, colic pain, traumatic or postoperative pain, toothache, elbow and knee pain, etc. Equally acupuncture can be an effective treatment in alleviating the symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, infertility, hypertension, cardiovascular problems, respiratory and digestive problems.

Yes. Usually people with more complicated issues have a main complaint and several secondary problems. Acupuncture works holistically on our body systems and can therefore treat several issues at the time. In each session the treatment protocol focuses on the main complaint however also points that address secondary problemas are used.

Patients perceive a variety of sensations when they have an acupuncture treatment. Thanks to the hair-thin needles we use and gentle techniques we apply, sensations experienced by patients vary from mild tingling, pulsating, warming, a dull ache, a small pinch that dissipates quickly or nothing at all. Acupuncture is foremost a very calming experience and some patients reach such a deep level of relaxation that they are able to fall asleep during the treatment.

This will vary a lot between individuals and depend on on the health of the person, their age and how long the problem has been going on for. Generally speaking if the problem has become chronic then the number of treatments needed tends to be more. Acupuncture resolves acute issues quicker than chronic issues. The majority of people will experience changes within 4-6 treatments. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, therefore in order to achieve a quicker therapeutic effect, we suggest to have a few sessions closer together within the first week.

Once the problem is solved, we suggest to start regular maintenance sessions to avoid possible relapses.

Once you have recovered completely and in order to avoid any relapses, I always suggest that you start regular maintenance sessions. These sessions be can scheduled every three to six weeks, depending on your age, constitution and lifestyle.

This will depend on how each individual responds to treatment. Generally 10 to 25 needles are used in one session. Single-use, sterile needles are used to guarantee maximum hygiene and the patients’ safety.

The sooner the better. When symptoms start to appear we suggest that you commence treatment right away. The sooner treatment starts, the quicker the problem can be solved.

Generally speaking there aren’t any major risks nor contraindications. It is important though that your therapist has undergone formal training consisting in a university degree or similar that includes 1000+ clinically supervised hours and belongs to a professional health organisation. Possible problems that can arise during or after a treatment are slight discomfort, bruising or a mild fatigue or drowsiness that is the result of the therapeutic process initiating in the body.

Most people who are looking for a natural way to balance their health are a fit for this type of treatment. In any case, your therapist will take a complete health history during your first visit and will make sure that acupuncture is appropriate for you. We do not recommend acupuncture for people who have infectious skin diseases or blood clotting problems.

You will find a complete list of the fees here.

Absolutely! Acupuncture is a very safe treatment to have while pregnant and is effective in treating pregnancy related issues at a time when many women avoid taking drugs for minor problems. Acupuncture has also been proven to help support pregnancy and to help prepare for labour and birth.