Help & FAQs
Ask Me A Question
If you have any questions please contact me, I will answer your questions via email or telephone as
quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions: Acupuncture
Through the insertion of extra-fine needles at chosen points along the channels of energy, the aim of acupuncture is to stimulate the body's own healing response and restore its natural balance. Several points may be used during a typical session, depending on the number of symptoms you may have. Once the needles are in place, they may be left in position for a length of time lasting from a few minutes up to around 30 minutes.
Acupuncture is suitable for all ages, including the elderly, children and babies. If you are on medication, or having other treatments, it is advised that you contact us to talk through your condition in more detail before booking an appointment.
Acupuncture treatments are not painful; some people find the insertion of the needle into the skin as a fleeting feeling of light pressure. When the point is stimulated you may feel a warmth, tingling or dull ache around the needle; however, most clients find it enjoyable, relaxing and often fall asleep!
The average acupuncture session lasts for 60 minutes, and the number of sessions needed will depend on your issues or ailments. Before your first session, we will complete a short assessment of your general health and medical history, in addition to completing a physical examination. As such, as your first session will be 30 minutes longer than the rest of your sessions during your treatment course.
Once the treatment has finished, you will likely feel tired and relaxed. Some people wait for a little after the needles have been removed before they get up. At first, you might feel tired, or there might be a flare-up of symptoms as your Qi clears and settles; once this has passed, you will have less pain, more energy and an improved sense of wellbeing.
The number of sessions needed will all depend on your condition; how long you have had the problem and how ‘deep’ or severe it is. Small ailments may only need a few sessions. However, lifelong conditions such as ME or Rheumatoid Arthritis will require long-term treatments. Additionally, many people use acupuncture as preventative healthcare and return for a ‘retuning’ session to prevent any issues raising their heads.
One of the fantastic advantages of acupuncture is that there no common significant side effects, when completed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. You may experience the occasional small bruise, minor dizziness or a slight nauseous feeling, but is acupuncture is generally very safe.
When undertaken by a trained professional, acupuncture during pregnancy is considered safe with little risk, as stated by the NHS. However, your practitioner should be made aware of your pregnancy before your session, to ensure that certain acupuncture points are not used.
Acupuncture is not a placebo effect. As well as humans, it is commonly used on animals (veterinary acupuncturists do exist!) who do not have any beliefs or opinions on acupuncture.
We advise not to have a large meal within an hour of your treatment to decrease the chance of digestion issues. Additionally, you should avoid tea, coffee and alcohol. Wearing loose-fitting clothing is a good idea, so your acupuncture points are more easily accessible, and you are more comfortable.
If you have specific pains and ailments, please bring a list of medications, copies of blood test results, scans or x-rays to assist the acupuncturist.
Don’t worry! Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests, it is likely you won’t even feel them penetrate the skin. Additionally, all needles are sterile, single-use disposable needles. I am well-equipped to work with clients that have needle phobias, and am here to guide you along your acupuncture journey in a safe and gentle way.
A period of rest for a few hours after your treatment is advisable to allow it to take full effect.
Frequently Asked Questions: Reflexology
Reflexology is a complementary health therapy that involves the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, which correspond to organs, glands and other parts of your body. Using thumb, finger and hand massage techniques to manipulate these reflex areas, any blockages in nerve or blood supply can be released to boost your circulation, general wellbeing or specific symptoms and illnesses.
Whilst reflexology is particularly beneficial for the relief of stress, tension and anxiety, this amazing therapy can also rebalance hormones, boost your immune system, improve sleep, increase energy levels and flush the body of toxins. My clients have told me that they have experienced improvements in conditions including arthritis, digestive health, migraines, respiratory health, sleep disorders, women's health, fibromyalgia, insomnia and much more.
The average reflexology session lasts for 60 minutes, and the number of sessions needed will depend on your issues or ailments. Before your first session, we will complete a short assessment of your general health and medical history, in addition to completing a physical examination. As such, as your first session will be 30 minutes longer than the rest of your sessions during your treatment course.
Most of my clients feel extremely relaxed, and some may even fall asleep during treatment! This is very common, so don't worry if this happens. I will gently wake you up and provide you a few minutes to gather yourself together before needing to get up. Some clients experience freedom from emotional or physical issues, and often experience increased energy, awareness and enhanced productivity which can last for a number of days.
The number of treatments you require will depend on your ailment or condition, its severity, how long you have had it, and what you are hoping to achieve from reflexology. For general relaxation and enhancements to wellbeing, I typically recommend a monthly session, whilst specific health issues may be best treated weekly or fortnightly, and then monthly to maintain its benefits. However, whilst I provide a treatment plan tailored to you, it is ultimately your decision on the frequency of your treatments and your personal preference.
After a reflexology session, clients can experience a variety of side effects - but the majority of these are positive! These side effects are simply part of the body's natural healing process as it returns to a balanced state, showing that reflexology is making a difference to your body. Reactions such as increased energy, enhanced sleep, pain relief, increased mobility, headaches, spots, drowsiness, increased urination and bowl movements, emotional release (e.g. crying) and minor cold symptoms are extremely normal and may last from 24 to 48 hours.
We recommend that you take good care of yourself after each session, such as avoiding caffeine, smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs, in addition to strenuous activity, long distance driving, heavy meals and heat treatments wherever possible. Try to relax as much as possible and drink plenty of water.
Reflexology is completely safe and highly beneficial during pregnancy, helping to restore a sense of balance to your changing body, encourage good quality sleep, soothe aches and pains, assist with digestion and reduce any anxiety or stress. Please let me know before your first treatment if you are pregnant, so that I can tailor your reflexology treatment plan to your specific needs and pregnancy stage.
We advise not to have a large meal within an hour of your treatment to decrease the chance of digestion issues. Additionally, you should avoid tea, coffee and alcohol before attending your appointment. We also recommend wearing comfy clothes - whilst your treatment will take place whilst you are fully clothed, this helps to enhance the relaxation benefits you receive from reflexology post-treatment.