Anna Bennett Acupuncture


		Frequently Asked Questions

		What is Acupuncture?

		Acupuncture is a complete healthcare system that has been widely used for thousands of years, and is still increasing in popularity today. For many health problems, acupuncture is extremely effective and can have profound results. This is largely because it aims to remove the underlying causes of your health problem, rather than just suppressing the symptoms, and also because it does this by redirecting your body's own energy, which is a natural method of healing that is extremely safe and does not have any of the side-effects that are associated with drug treatments.


		Does it hurt?

		Acupuncture needles are much finer than needles used for injections and blood tests. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as tingling or a dull ache.


		How does Acupuncture work?

		There is a powerful energy flowing in your body. It circulates everywhere and plays an important part in the functioning of all your bodily processes, including the functioning of all your major organs. The Chinese have known about this force for thousands of years and call it ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’). It is a force similar to electrical or magnetic energy. This energy flows in channels that travel up and down your arms and legs and enter your abdomen, where they connect with all your major organs.


		What can Acupuncture treat?

		Chinese Medicine is a complete healthcare system that has stood the test of time. It has been widely used for thousands of years and is still growing in popularity today. It can treat a vast range of health problems, and is commonly used to treat such conditions as:

		Muscular and joint problems • tennis elbow; frozen shoulder; other joint injuries • carpal tunnel syndrome • back ache, lumbago • arthritis, rheumatism • hernia • general aches and pains Digestive problems, and low energy • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); abdominal pains • heart burn, nausea, acid reflux • constipation, loose stools • food intolerances • bloating or tiredness after eating • high cholesterol levels • excessive gas or wind • ulcers • low energy levels • ME (chronic fatigue syndrome, post-viral syndrome) Respiration and other lung-related conditions • asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath • hay fever • persistent cough, bronchitis • pleurisy, emphysema • frequent colds and flu • sinusitis, laryngitis Menstrual, or period, problems • painful periods • pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) • excessively heavy periods, erratic menstrual cycle • menopausal syndrome • infertility, impotence During pregnancy • Morning sickness • Anxiety/Depression • Constipation • Breech presentation • Delayed labour Headache, migraine, and nervous conditions • Migraine and headache • trigeminal neuralgia • sciatica • facial paralysis • dizziness, tinnitus Stress-related, mental and emotional • depression, anxiety, panic attacks • palpitations, fearfulness • poor concentration and memory • insomnia • general feeling of stress • high blood pressure Other conditions • stopping smoking • cystitis, frequent urination • difficult urination, incontinence • oedema • skin conditions


		Acupuncture as a preventive treatment?

		Many people also choose to have acupuncture as a preventive treatment, or because they feel unwell in themselves but do not yet have an illness that Western medicine would be able to detect. Indeed, after receiving acupuncture treatment, people often say that they feel better within themselves, as well as having their symptoms eased or cleared up completely. This is largely because Chinese Medicine is an holistic form of healing, which aims to remove the underlying causes of your health problem, rather than just suppressing the symptoms.


		What will happen on my first visit?

		Your first consultation will be longer than subsequent sessions. Your general state of health, will be assessed in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most effective treatment. You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, the pulses on both wrists will be felt and quality, rhythm and strength will be noted. The structure, colour and coating of your tongue also gives a good guide to your physical health. Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the most appropriate treatment can be selected. Loose, comfortable clothing should be worn, and you should be aware that access to points on your torso as well as on your arms and legs, may be needed.


		Is it safe?

		Acupuncture has a very sound track record. The needles are single-use, sterile and disposble. Responses to treatment can sometimes include tiredness and mild dizziness however these are quite rare.

		For further information on Acupuncture please click here