Question 1

Is acupuncture painful?

Accepted Answer

The needles used are extremely thin, about 10 acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of an injection needle.

Patients may not feel the needles, others describe a sensation of: aching, buzzing, tingling, heaviness, flowing and occasionally a 'zing'.

Needles can be adjust or removed if there is any discomfort.

Question 2

Can I have acupuncture if I am scared of needles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a Nervous Patients Programme.

Patients are encouraged to close their eyes and relax.

Needles will be placed very superficially and not stimulated.

It may take several visits to build the confidence to accept more powerful treatments.

Question 3

Is acupuncture safe?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is very safe.

Occasional minor side effects include: tiredness, minor bleeding or bruising, worsening of symptoms or feeling faint.

Serious side effects are very rare. In 2018, British Acupuncture Council practitioners carried out approximately 2 million treatments with 20 reported an adverse event, that's only 0.001%.

Question 4

How many treatments will I need?

Accepted Answer

Every patient responds differently to treatment.

Many patients notice an improvement to their symptoms within a few days.

Most patients initially need a course of six weekly treatments.

As a general guide, acute conditions respond faster than chronic conditions.

Long-term conditions may require regular top-up treatments, usually monthly.

Question 5

What is acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into carefully chosen points.

Every diagnosis and treatment plan is individually tailored to the patient.

Sheffield Community Acupuncture uses diagnostic techniques and knowledge based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture has been practised in China for over 2000 years and is rooted in the observation of nature.

Question 6

What's the evidence?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture has been around for a long time. In ancient times it was based on the observation of nature and as time has past the practice has evolved and developed whilst keeping its roots in humanity.

The British Acupuncture Council has a page about acupuncture (https://acupuncture.org.uk/about-acupuncture/)in general and factsheets on the most recent developments. Find out more(https://acupuncture.org.uk/about-acupuncture/acupuncture-research/evidence-a-z/)

Evidence Based Acupuncture (https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/)is a community run project that was created to show the current state of knowledge about acupuncture. Through clearly communicating acupuncture’s body of scientific research using the language of biochemistry and physiology, they enable patients, clinicians, and healthcare decision makers to best leverage this powerful treatment that has huge potential to improve and save lives while offering excellent value.

Question 7

I had acupuncture at the hospital, is it the same?

Accepted Answer

A form of acupuncture called ‘dry needling’ is offered by physiotherapists, doctors and chiropractors.

This involves the insertion of needles, however, it lacks the diagnostic framework found within Traditional Chinese Medicine.

British Acupuncture Council Practitioners study for a 3 year degree, dry needling courses take a couple of weekends.

Question 8

How does acupuncture work?

Accepted Answer

In acupuncture we talk about Qi (pronounced Chee) flowing through channels in the body, for many people this is a concept which is difficult to comprehend.

It is possible that Qi is a form of electricity so small that we currently cannot detect it.

What is known and documented for thousands of years is that moving and nourishing Qi can restore balance to the body and help the body to help itself.

Many people who receive acupuncture will experience the feeling of Qi. The patient does not have to believe in it for it to work.

Question 9

What style of acupuncture do you use?

Accepted Answer

We practice acupuncture based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medical Acupuncture.

We also practice Master Tung style, Dr Tan Style balance method,  auricular, applied channel theory and trigger point therapy.

We choose the approach that will achieve the best outcome for our patients.

Question 10

Should I have acupuncture during Ramadan?

Accepted Answer

Many Muslim patients choose to take a break from acupuncture during Ramadan as their blood sugar levels can drop when fasting. We do offer some early evening appointments that may be better for you.

Question 11

How often should I come for treatment?

Accepted Answer

Initially weekly, then for maintenance if required.

Question 12

Do you write letters for patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the fee for this is £25.

Question 13

Do you treat children?

Accepted Answer

No. Paediatric acupuncture is a specialist field that we do not practice.

SHEFFIELD COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE

Please get in touch if there is anything else you'd like to know