Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one branch of Chinese Medicine, which also includes herbs, massage (known as tui na), exercise (Qi Gong) and diet.
In Chinese Medicine ‘channels’ or ‘meridians’ of energy known as ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) run throughout the body, each channel is related to an organ. The Qi that flows throughout our channels provides the vital energy we need for our bodies to function properly. If our Qi becomes blocked or deficient we become unhealthy. Acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points on these channels to disperse any blockages and restore balance.
What can I expect during my treatment?
What does acupuncture feel like?
What is moxa?
What is cupping?
We use cupping as an effective way to:
- relax muscles,
- improve blood circulation,
- activate the lymphatic system,
- calm the nervous system.
While cupping can be used all over the body, it is best known as an effective therapy for neck, shoulder and back pain (and cups are typically applied to the back). Many do not know that cupping can also be useful for:
- treating respiratory conditions like asthma,
- clearing chest congestion associated with colds and flus,
- enhancing the immune system,
- calming stress and anxiety.
Stationary cupping enhances the effects of an acupuncture treatment, improves circulation, and remove blockages. It can create positive effects in many body tissues including the skin, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and lymph.
Most common conditions treated with cupping
- neck pain
- back pain
- shoulder pain
- hip pain
- colds/flus, chest congestion
- anxiety
- stress
- migraines
- immune system booster
What is a stationary cupping treatment like?
The cupping part of the session involves cups placed on the skin (usually the back) and the creation of a vacuum. The vacuum causes suction, which creates positive pressure on the skin, pulling it up into the cup and generating deep muscle relaxation.
Does acupuncture have any after effects?
What can acupuncture treat?
Although practitioners know that acupuncture can treat a huge number of conditions, ‘research’ is still proving its effects. There is little funding for this research in the UK, and much more has been accomplished in China.
So far in the UK research has shown that acupuncture is effective in the short-term improvement and relief:
- Overactive bladder
- Tension and migraine headaches
- Chronic low back pain
- Neck and chronic neck pain
- Temporo-mandibular (TMD/TMJ) pain
- Osteoarthritis knee pain
However, the World Health Organisation’s report in 2001 reviewing clinical trials into the effects of acupuncture lists 28 conditions that acupuncture has been proved to treat effectively and 63 where acupuncture was proved to be effective but further proof was needed. For a list of these conditions click here.
Is acupuncture safe?
How many sessions will I need?
Should I tell my doctor I’m having acupuncture?
Acupuncture and pregnancy – how can it help?
Please visit our acupuncture for Pregnancy page for further information.
Is acupuncture safe for children?
How do I know I'm receiving the best standard of care?
All our acupuncturists are trained to the highest standard and receive continual personal development training and supervision. Our acupuncturists have all received accreditation by the British Acupuncture Council. Clinical hygiene is of the upmost importance, as is client confidentiality. We have on-going working relationships with a number of medical practitioners within the NHS and private practice.
What is Five Elements acupuncture?
How much does it cost?
Treatment prices vary with each practitioner:
- Jill Glover – £85
- Helen Fielding – £75
- Julie Kelham – £65
- Kristy Perry – £60
- Lucy Macgregor – £60
- Claire Thorne – £60
Chinese herbs prescribed by Jill or Helen are charged separately in addition to the treatment cost.
What is the cancellation policy?
Should you need to change or cancel your appointment, please give a minimum of 48 hours / 2 working days notice Monday–Friday prior to your appointment, as we have a waiting list and this appointment can then be offered to someone else.
Half the appointment fee will be charged for any appointments changed with less notice.
The full appointment fee will be charged if you do not attend your appointment.
Still unsure and have questions? Contact us on 0117 377 1186 or info@almavalecentre.co.uk and we can arrange for one of our acupuncturists to call you back.