FAQs

What is acupuncture?

Traditional acupuncture is an ancient healing art, developed over several thousand years in the Far East. It takes a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment, considering each patient as a whole, and as a unique individual. It can be used to preserve health as well as to treat illness. It can treat a wide range of conditions.

It aims to correct imbalances and bring the body, mind and emotions back to harmony and balance, just as conventional medicine also aims to bring the body back to a state of healthy homeostasis. Diagnosis and treatment within Chinese Medicine is a highly skilled art, which requires years of training to develop.

It looks at the human body through an Eastern paradigm, where bodily processes are powered and maintained by the flow of Qi energy. Disturbances in this flow generate illness. Acupuncture points are sited in key locations for influencing the flow of Qi, and are used to restore a smooth flow.

How often will I need treatment?

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture regards each person as an individual with a unique pattern of symptoms, and this is what makes the treatment so effective. Predicting the number of treatments required depends on the individual and the condition, and this will be assessed during the initial consultation. Most patients start coming for treatment weekly, and see improvement within 4 treatments.

As treatment progresses, the interval between treatment lengthens to fortnightly and then monthly if on-going treatment is required.

Is it safe?

Holly observes a code of practice which lays down stringent procedures regarding standards of hygiene and sterilisation for needles and other equipment. All procedures have been approved by the Department of Health and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases. All of the needles used are disposable.

What does it feel like?

Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those used for giving injections or for taking blood. The needles are very fine and the sensation of having acupuncture is more like a tingling or a dull ache.

During treatment, many people experience a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

Wider Benefits

People receiving acupuncture frequently report benefits well beyond their original complaint - often feeling better in themselves and more resourceful in facing the world and the challenges of work, family or relationships.