FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions2023-11-27T20:00:48+00:00
What are your qualifications?2018-02-13T13:13:51+00:00

Maria is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and therefore bound by their strict codes of ethics and practise. She holds a Licentiate in Acupuncture from the London College of Traditional Acupuncture and a BA Degree in Acupuncture.

Who can have traditional acupuncture?2018-02-13T13:16:15+00:00

Acupuncture is suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly and can be used alongside conventional medicine.

How many sessions will I need?2018-02-13T13:13:51+00:00

Depending on a patient’s condition, Maria usually recommends a course of 6 sessions and then a review.  However, for some acute conditions the effects of the treatment are dramatic and only a few treatments are required. Chronic, longstanding conditions, will require more sessions. Once a patient’s health has stabilised, they may wish to have top-up treatments as a maintenance or preventative measure.

What does having acupuncture feel like?2018-02-13T13:13:50+00:00

Most people find acupuncture to be relaxing, often describing the needle sensation as tingling or a dull ache.

Are there any unpleasant side effects?2018-02-13T13:15:24+00:00

Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side effects. Occasionally it may cause bruising at the needle point or a short term flare up of your symptoms.

I’m scared of needles – can I still have acupuncture?2018-02-13T13:13:50+00:00

Yes, the needles are very fine – unlike hypodermic needles used for injections or blood tests and you may not even feel them being inserted.

What should I do before a treatment session?2018-02-13T13:15:14+00:00

Try not to have a meal at least 1 hour before your treatment and if possible wear loose clothing.

What happens during my first consultation/treatment?2018-02-20T11:34:34+00:00

The first consultation can last up to 1 hour with subsequent sessions lasting up to 45 minutes. The purpose of the initial consultation is to gather relevant information such as medical history, medications being taken, symptoms of conditions, lifestyle and diet, etc. As part of the consultation, Maria will look at your tongue and feel your pulses, helping form part of her diagnosis.  She then formulates an individualised treatment plan based on her finding. At the end of the consultation, you will receive your first treatment.

How will I feel after a treatment session?2018-02-20T11:34:29+00:00

Patients usually feel relaxed and calm after their acupuncture treatment. If they feel drowsy or tired then they’ll need to be mindful of this if planning to drive or operate machinery soon afterwards.

Should I tell my doctor that I’m having acupuncture?2018-02-20T11:34:41+00:00

If a patient is currently receiving medication from their doctor, it is sensible to mention that they are planing on having acupuncture. With a patient’s consent, Maria can write to the doctor to inform them about your acupuncture treatment(s).

Should I still take my prescribed medication while I’m having a course of acupuncture?2018-02-20T11:34:43+00:00

Yes. The acupuncture treatment may enable a patient to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication,  but it is important to consult your doctor regarding any changes.

What forms of payment do you accept?2018-02-20T11:35:18+00:00

Payment can be made by cash or cheque.

What if I have to cancel my appointment?2018-02-20T11:34:49+00:00

Should you wish to cancel your appointment please give at least 24hr notice. A late cancellation or missed appointment may incur a fee of £20.

I have private medical insurance. Will it cover the cost of my treatment?2018-02-20T11:34:52+00:00

Coverage of acupuncture treatments depend on the insurer; it is wise to check the terms and conditions for reimbursement with your insurance company.

Which Health Insurers Approve BAcC Members?2018-02-20T11:34:01+00:00

Health Insurers that approve BAcC members:

What are your qualifications?2018-02-13T13:13:51+00:00

Maria is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and therefore bound by their strict codes of ethics and practise. She holds a Licentiate in Acupuncture from the London College of Traditional Acupuncture and a BA Degree in Acupuncture.

Who can have traditional acupuncture?2018-02-13T13:16:15+00:00

Acupuncture is suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly and can be used alongside conventional medicine.

How many sessions will I need?2018-02-13T13:13:51+00:00

Depending on a patient’s condition, Maria usually recommends a course of 6 sessions and then a review.  However, for some acute conditions the effects of the treatment are dramatic and only a few treatments are required. Chronic, longstanding conditions, will require more sessions. Once a patient’s health has stabilised, they may wish to have top-up treatments as a maintenance or preventative measure.

What does having acupuncture feel like?2018-02-13T13:13:50+00:00

Most people find acupuncture to be relaxing, often describing the needle sensation as tingling or a dull ache.

Are there any unpleasant side effects?2018-02-13T13:15:24+00:00

Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side effects. Occasionally it may cause bruising at the needle point or a short term flare up of your symptoms.

I’m scared of needles – can I still have acupuncture?2018-02-13T13:13:50+00:00

Yes, the needles are very fine – unlike hypodermic needles used for injections or blood tests and you may not even feel them being inserted.

What should I do before a treatment session?2018-02-13T13:15:14+00:00

Try not to have a meal at least 1 hour before your treatment and if possible wear loose clothing.

What happens during my first consultation/treatment?2018-02-20T11:34:34+00:00

The first consultation can last up to 1 hour with subsequent sessions lasting up to 45 minutes. The purpose of the initial consultation is to gather relevant information such as medical history, medications being taken, symptoms of conditions, lifestyle and diet, etc. As part of the consultation, Maria will look at your tongue and feel your pulses, helping form part of her diagnosis.  She then formulates an individualised treatment plan based on her finding. At the end of the consultation, you will receive your first treatment.

How will I feel after a treatment session?2018-02-20T11:34:29+00:00

Patients usually feel relaxed and calm after their acupuncture treatment. If they feel drowsy or tired then they’ll need to be mindful of this if planning to drive or operate machinery soon afterwards.

Should I tell my doctor that I’m having acupuncture?2018-02-20T11:34:41+00:00

If a patient is currently receiving medication from their doctor, it is sensible to mention that they are planing on having acupuncture. With a patient’s consent, Maria can write to the doctor to inform them about your acupuncture treatment(s).

Should I still take my prescribed medication while I’m having a course of acupuncture?2018-02-20T11:34:43+00:00

Yes. The acupuncture treatment may enable a patient to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication,  but it is important to consult your doctor regarding any changes.

What forms of payment do you accept?2018-02-20T11:35:18+00:00

Payment can be made by cash or cheque.

What if I have to cancel my appointment?2018-02-20T11:34:49+00:00

Should you wish to cancel your appointment please give at least 24hr notice. A late cancellation or missed appointment may incur a fee of £20.

I have private medical insurance. Will it cover the cost of my treatment?2018-02-20T11:34:52+00:00

Coverage of acupuncture treatments depend on the insurer; it is wise to check the terms and conditions for reimbursement with your insurance company.

Which Health Insurers Approve BAcC Members?2018-02-20T11:34:01+00:00

Health Insurers that approve BAcC members:

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