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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions
Click on your question:
What problems can be helped by acupuncture?
A very wide range! See page about acupuncture.
It really varies, for each person and also for different points on the body, see page on treatments.
People often imagine hypodermic-sized needles, but acupuncture needles are MUCH finer. A typical needle size is 0.2mm in diameter.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes! They are single-use, disposable and sterile.
Can I give blood after receiving acupuncture?
Yes. As a member of the British Acupuncture Council Jessica can issue you with a certificate confirming that you can continue to give blood following your acupuncture treatment, as described on the website of the National Blood Service: "Acupuncturists and other therapists who are members of professional organisations that are approved by the NBS are permitted to issue their clients/patients with certificates showing that the body piercing has been carried out under approved conditions and is free of the risk of infection."
Where are the acupuncture points?
All over! The network of Meridians run from the tips of the toes to the top of the head. However, many of the most frequently used points are on the hands and lower arms, and the feet and lower legs. Jessica will treat points on any body areas that you are sensitive about only if you are completely comfortable with it.
What will happen on my first appointment?
Click here for details!
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothing.
Are there times when I shouldn't have acupuncture?
It's better not to have acupuncture while very hungry, full or tired.
How much does it cost?
Your first treatment will be longer than subsequent treatments because, to allow a detailed discussion of your health, and costs £65. Subsequent treatments are £45. Private acupuncture treatment may seem expensive, since we are used to receiving medical care for free! For example though, your GP's time together with the costs of their training, equipment and facilities, is actually very expensive, we just pay for it through our taxes instead of per visit. Meanwhile of course, acupuncture may seem excellent value by comparison to having your hair cut or going out for dinner.
How can I pay?
By cheque or cash, Jessica doesn't have facilities for credit cards.
Can I treat a friend with a gift voucher?
Definitely! Get in touch to buy a voucher.
How long are the treatments?
First treatment: 90 mins
Subsequent treatments: 40-60 mins
The length of your consultationa will vary with the complexity of your health. The duration of your treatment will vary depending on whether your individual diagnosis requires any needles to be left in for a short while, or inserted only briefly.
Can I have acupuncture after working hours?
Yes, Jessica is available some evenings, usually until 8pm, with the last treatment at 7pm. These spots are popular though, and often booked up a little way in advance! For a first appointment, which is longer, the latest time is 6pm.
When and where can I have acupuncture?
Scroll down the contact page to see where Jessica is available, and on which days.
How do I make an appointment?
Click here for contact details.
How does acupuncture work?
Aha! Now you're asking. Scroll to the bottom of the about acupuncture page for an overview.
How well does acupuncture work?
New research confirming the effectiveness of acupuncture is published all the time, see the about acupuncture page for an overview and links.
How safe is acupuncture?
A review by the British Medical Journal concluded that acupuncture (in properly qualified hands) is a "very safe" treatment, and indeed often safer than conventional treatments for the same condition, see the about acupuncture page.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
Within Chinese medicine acupuncture is considered safe in pregnancy. Gentler treatments are often given, and specific points are avoided, for example points which are known to promote labour. An Australian study in 2002 which examined acupuncture treatment for morning sickness found no significant adverse effects on mother or baby from these treatments compared to their control group, see article in Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your problem. Some conditions may respond well within 4-6 treatments. Generally, more chronic conditions may take longer, for example 10-15 treatments, and some degenerative conditions may need ongoing treatment. Many people who have experienced the benefit of acupuncture treatment continue to come for maintenance treatments after their original complaint has been resolved, for example monthly or a few times a year.
How often will I need to come for treatment?
Initially you will need to come weekly. After a few weeks, depending on your progress, the interval between treatments can increase gradually, for example to monthly or bi-monthly.
What qualifications does Jessica have?
Jessica obtained her Licentiate in Acupuncture after three years study at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine. She is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and has full professional indemnity and public liability insurance cover. Click here for more information about Jessica.
What style of acupuncture does Jessica practice?
Jessica practices an integrated style including both the Five Elements and 'TCM' (Traditional Chinese Medicine) approaches. Click here for more information about Jessica.
Should I have acupuncture instead of seeking conventional medical help?
For any medically-significant symptoms, it is important to utilise both systems: acupuncture is great for some things, conventional medicine is great for others.
Historically people often came to acupuncture as a 'last resort,' for example if they had been scheduled for surgery for a long-standing complaint that had not responded well to other treatments. Happily in those cases acupuncture can often improve things significantly. Fortunately public awareness of acupuncture is now growing all the time, and although people are often surprised to hear about the range of conditions that acupuncture can help, they are more likely to realise sooner that it may be a good option for their problem!
Should I have acupuncture instead of taking my prescription drugs?
No! With many prescription drugs it is very important for your health that you do not stop taking them suddenly. It may be that acupuncture treatment will improve your symptoms to the point where you would like to cut back or stop taking your medication, but this is something you should discuss first, with both Jessica and your GP, so that your dosage is reduced at a safe pace.
Where can I find out more about acupuncture?
Read more at the British Acupuncture Council or the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine.
I have a new question for this page
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© Jessica Kennedy 2005-8, all rights reserved