Frequently Asked Questions...
Are you a registered practitioner?
I am a fully qualified acupuncturist (Licentiate In Acupuncture - LicAc) and herbalist (Licentiate in Oriental Herbal Medicine - LicOHM). I belong to the regulatory bodies for these professions – I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS), and the Register for Chinese Herbal Medicine (MRCHM). Members of these bodies uphold a strict code of ethics and accountability.
I am also registered with Waverly Borough Council – Certificates of Registration numbers 125 (practitioner) and 126 (premises).
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. As long as you are being treated by a practitioner who is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), you can be sure that your therapist has completed a thorough training in Traditional Acupuncture and appropriate Western Medical Sciences. Look for the letters MBAcC after a practitioner’s name. I am MBAcC.
Does acupuncture hurt?
No. Acupuncture needles are so fine that the prick of the needle as it goes through the skin is barely felt. As the needle begins to affect the Qi (energy) of the body an unusual sensation may be felt – like numbness or a tingling sensation.
Will I need to get completely undressed?
No. You will only need to expose certain parts of your body. Some needles may need to be inserted into the abdomen or back, but your underwear will always stay on and you will be covered by drapes so that only the part of the body to be worked on is visible.
It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes when coming for treatment.
What happens on the first visit?
Initial consultations with me usually take about one hour and fifteen minutes.
For the first half hour I will ask you detailed questions about your medical history, menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies, miscarriages, terminations, and use of the contraceptive pill. Traditional Chinese Medicine is quite different from Western medicine in that rather than just focusing on the area in need of treatment, it looks at the person holistically to try and ascertain why that particular person has the problem they do. I will collect detailed information on your lifestyle, diet, energy levels, sleep patterns, and emotional life.
If you have undergone any Western medical tests of your hormone levels or sperm, please bring the results along. If you are taking any medication (either in relation to your cycle, IVF, or any other medical condition), please bring a list of it them your first consultation. Your pulse will be taken and you tongue examined.
Once there is enough information to make a diagnosis, I will be asked to lie on the bed and the treatment will get underway. Please be sure to wear loose and comfortable clothing to enable easy access to the acupuncture points on your arms and legs.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine - so fine that the prick of the needle as it goes through the skin is barely felt. As the needle begins to have an effect on your energy, you may feel an unusual sensation - like numbness or tingling.
Needles are frequently left in place for up to twenty minutes, depending upon the effect required. The needles come sealed in sterile, individual packs and are used once only, then disposed of.
Will I have to take herbs?
Not necessarily; this will depend on your diagnosis.
Is Chinese Herbal Medicine safe?
Chinese Herbal Medicine is completely safe when prescribed properly by a fully qualified practitioner. Herbalists have an unbroken tradition dating back over thousands of years, and great emphasis has always been placed on making sure that treatments are safe and effective. Given these safeguards, serious adverse reactions are extremely rare occurrences. Make sure that you only accept Chinese herbs from a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Animal parts and endangered species are not prescribed.
Can I take Chinese Herbal Medicine alongside my prescribed ART medication?
Each case will be analyzed on an individual basis, depending upon the herbal formula, your medication, and where you are in the ART/ IVF process. Chinese Herbal Medicine works on different cell receptors to Western medication, and taking the two side by side is generally safe. However, I might advise you to stop taking your formula before undergoing any invasive procedures.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you require will depend on many factors including your age and your constitution. Generally, I suggest a minimum of three cycles’ treatment.
This does not necessarily mean that treatment will need to take place every week, just that deep-rooted problems take much longer to treat. Click on the Testimonials button above to read about peoples' experiences of treatments with me.
Do I need to do anything before treatment?
Not really, but please do not arrive very hungry or after a glass or two of wine! If it is your first visit, please be sure to bring a list of the medication you are taking, and remember to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Will I need to do anything after treatment?
Acupuncture affects different people in different ways. Some people get tired after treatment, especially if they have not had acupuncture before.
Please note that it is advisable to not drink any alcohol on the same day that you have treatment. Acupuncture is a very subtle treatment, and the affect of alcohol may negate the efficacy of the treatment. This applies just to the day of treatment – taking alcohol on the day before or after is completely OK. Please do not book an appointment on a day when you are intending to drink alcohol afterwards.
Can I have acupuncture once I'm pregnant?
Absolutely! Acupuncture is a safe throughout pregnancy.
Will I need to come with a medical diagnosis of my problem?
No, although if you have one I would like to know the details. Cases of unexplained infertility are just that – unexplained – in terms of Western medicine. If you have a 'medical condition' I will insist that you consult with a Western medical physician.
Does my consultant need to know that I’m having acupuncture?
No, although I would recommend that you mention it. Many consultants working in the ART/ IVF field have seen the studies on acupuncture and are open to its inclusion in the treatment. I have treated several women undergoing IVF who have had acupuncture on the advice of their consultant.
Is it safe to take herbs or have acupuncture before a medical procedure such as a HSG?
Each case will be analyzed on an individual basis, depending upon the herbal formula and the invasiveness of the medical procedure.
ancient China to modern England.
