Q: What should I do before treatment?
A: Try not to have a big meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. Also avoid alcohol and foods or drinks which colour your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment.

Q: How will I feel after acupuncture?
A: Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment has been particularly strong.

Q: Should I tell my doctor?
A: If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture – Most GPs are open to the idea of their patients receiving acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some medication, but your doctor should ALWAYS be consulted regarding any change of prescription. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to acupuncture treatment.

Q: Does it hurt?
A: Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people’s experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to these. They are much finer and solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted the sensation is often described as a tingling.

Q: What about the needles used?
A: Members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) use single use pre-sterilised disposable needles which are disposed of after each treatment. BAcC members observe a Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for other equipment.

Q: Is it safe?
A: All BAcC members observe a Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene, these procedures have been approved by the Department of Health, and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases. Patients who have been treated by BAcC members are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service