Acupuncture. Further Information

I have reproduced (with permission) the leaflet entitled "The Theory & Practice of Acupuncture" which is produced by the British Medical Acupuncture Society.

It is a basic patient guide to acupuncture:- what it is, and what it is used for, as well as giving an indication as to what might be expected from a competent experienced Medical Acupuncturist.

To the information given in the leaflet I would add the following answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Does it Hurt?

Acupuncture is rarely totally pain-free. However as the needles used are very much finer than those used for taking blood samples or giving injections, and have very sharp points it is rare for the discomfort felt to be more than these, and usually considerably less. 

Generally  when treating painful musculo-skeletal conditions, it is often necessary to produce a little pain to gain an improvement. The discomfort is very short lived however.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

This obviously varies from patient to patient, and from condition to condition. Occasionally one treatment alone is sufficient, however the usual number is between 3 and 6.
Treatments are usually at weekly intervals initially, increasing in time interval as the condition improves.

Can Acupuncture Transmit Infections including AIDS or Hepatitis?

I only use pre-sterilised single use needles which are disposed of immediately following use. I also sterilise the skin prior to inserting the needles. There is therefore no possibility of transmission of AIDS or Hepatitis, and the only risk of infection is the same as that for any sterile injection or blood sample where the skin is of necessity punctured. The pre-sterilisation of the skin reduces this risk considerably.

Are There Any Risks?

Sometimes a small bruise may appear at the site of the insertion of one of the needles. This is not serious, it simply means that a small vein was broken beneath the skin, and it will resolve satisfactorily without any treatment being necessary.

Acupuncture of necessity carries the same risks as any other medical procedure involving the use of needles. These risks are extremely small, assuming of course that the acupuncturist is a qualified doctor with an adequate knowledge of anatomy and medicine.

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