Frequently asked questions

The number of sessions you will need will depend on your individual circumstance and what you are seeking acupuncture treatment for.

Most patients require more than one treatment. If you are wanting lasting results, especially for a chronic condition, you must commit to the process of regular sessions, often a course of 6-10 weekly sessions is advised.

There are certainly instances of acupuncture producing immediate results, although this is not always the case.

Often patients see incremental improvements over a course of weekly sessions. The regularity of sessions helps the treatment to “stick”.

Patients often report feeling very relaxed after treatment and most go back to work or carry on with their day as usual.

Occasionally patients may feel a bit tired or slightly ‘spacey’ after treatment but this usually wears off after about half an hour.

Acupuncture is not supposed to hurt.

Pain tolerances do vary so some patients may feel a slight sensation when the needle is inserted. If felt, this sensation usually subsides very quickly. Many patients say they feel calm and at peace during acupuncture treatment. It is very uncommon for treatment to be painful and uncomfortable.

KMS acupuncture is characerised by a very gentle needling style where very fine needles are inserted very shallowly with very little manipulation. This usually results in pain-free treatment.

Responses to treatment can sometimes include tiredness or mild dizziness and occasionally minor bruising may occur. All such reactions are short-lived, however.

If you are receiving treatment from your doctor it is advisable to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture.

Acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted about any such changes.

You should inform your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Yes. Please avoid alcohol and large meals. Please make sure you are not hungry and that you have eaten something before treatment.

Loose clothing which easily goes above the elbow and knee is advised but not necessary since paper coverings will be used for modesty purposes if necessary.

Yes, acupuncture is suitable for children and adolescents. Our acupuncturist, Diane doesn’t treat those under 16 years old but if necessary can refer on.

Yes. Needles are inserted extremely lightly in the Japanese style of acupuncture Diane uses. Acupuncture needles are very much finer than the needles used for injections and blood tests. You may not even feel them penetrate the skin and once in place they are hardly noticeable.

Other techniques, such as magnets or moxa, may be used in the very rare event that someone cannot tolerate needles at all.

Many private insurance policies cover acupuncture treatment but you would need to check the details of your own policy. Payment will be required at time of booking and you can reclaim your costs directly with your insurance provider.

Diane runs a very busy clinic and so, due to time restrictions, home visits are not available at present.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is currently the major professional regulatory body of traditional acupuncturists in the UK. Members carry the letters MBAcC after their name.

BAcC members have completed at least three years intensive study in both traditional Chinese and Western medicine. In addition, Continuous Professional Development is mandatory for all members.

The BAcC maintains common standards of education, ethics, discipline and practice to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times. Members are covered by Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance.

If you would like further information please contact Diane.