Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen on my first visit?

At your first consultation, the practitioner will assess your general state of health. You will be asked about your current symptoms, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping habits, and emotional state. You will also be asked about what treatment you have received so far, including any medication you are taking.

The practitioner will feel your pulses on both wrists to assess how the energies are flowing in your body. She will also look at the colour and shape of your tongue.

Using the information gathered from this examination, the practitioner assesses the likely causes of your problems and the best approaches for treatment. She will discuss this with you, and advise on the most appropriate treatment for your condition and preference. The aim is to improve your specific complaint, and to provide treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.

How long is an appointment?

All appointments at The Women’s Clinic, including the initial consultation, last 50 minutes.  Depending on the nature and complexity of the complaint, you may or may not have an acupuncture treatment at your first appointment.

How often will I need treatment?

The philosophy behind Chinese medicine is that every person is unique. Therefore, the number of treatments required depends on the individual and on the condition being treated. Sometimes the effects of treatment are immediate and dramatic, and only one or two treatments are required. Sometimes the effects are more subtle and treatment may need to continue over a longer period.

It is usual to have treatment once a week at the outset. As your energy becomes stronger and more harmonious, you will find you need treatment less often.

Should my doctor know?

If you are under the care of a doctor, it is advisable to tell him or her that you are having acupuncture or patent herbs.

Can I have any of these treatments while having conventional medical treatment?

All the treatments offered at The Women’s Clinic are intended to support conventional medical care, and can be used for both chronic and acute illness. In certain conditions, they may be used instead of conventional medical treatment, offering you a wider range of treatment options.

Treatment may enable you to reduce or stop taking certain forms of medication. However, it is important to consult your doctor about any change of prescription.

It is important to tell your practitioner at The Women’s Clinic about any medication that you are taking as this may affect your response to treatment.

For whom are these treatments suitable?

Many women come for treatment for specific symptoms or conditions, such as any of those mentioned previously on these pages. Some women have treatment as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution. Others have treatment because they feel unwell in themselves without being ‘ill’ in the conventional medical sense. Women trying to overcome addictions such as those relating to smoking, alcohol, food, or drugs will also find the treatments helpful.

The benefits of these treatments frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many women find that they experience increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep, as well as an enhanced sense of overall well-being.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those used for injections or blood tests. They are very fine and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or a dull ache.

Needles may be inserted for a few seconds only, or they may be left in place for up to 20 minutes. During treatment, patients often experience a sensation of heaviness in the limbs, or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. It has proved to be effective in pregnancy management, for the relief of pain, and for a wide range of other conditions.

Members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) must observe a Code of Practice that lays down standards of hygiene and sterilisation for needles and other equipment. These procedures have been approved by the Department of Health and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases.

A recent research study into the safety of acupuncture has shown that there are few adverse effects associated with acupuncture treatments administered by a properly trained acupuncturists, and that it is, overall, a safe form of treatment.  The results have been published in the British Medical Journal

Can I give blood if I have acupuncture?

Patients who have been treated by a BAcC member are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood Service.

What does treatment cost?

Please contact The Women’s Clinic to ask about the cost of treatments.