FAQs | DrFiona

What's the difference between Medical Acupuncture and traditional Chinese acupuncture?

Medical acupuncture is a modern, safe, and evidence-based form of acupuncture that combines traditional techniques with modern understanding of physiology and neuroscience.

It draws on research into pain perception, muscle and organ function, the nervous and immune systems, and hormonal regulation. This allows medical acupuncturists to support and encourage the body’s own natural balancing, healing, and pain-relieving processes. Through understanding these mechanisms, medical acupuncture can exert powerful effects on a wide range of symptoms and conditions.

Medical acupuncture offers a holistic treatment that brings together the best of both traditional Chinese acupuncture and modern medicine in the safe hands of a fully qualified medical professional.

What happens during an acupuncture session?

Acupuncture treatment involves very fine sterile, single use needles (disposable and single use) being inserted through the skin, and left in position for anything up to 20 minutes or occasionally longer. Sometimes a low voltage electrical current is applied to provide a stronger stimulation and slightly alter the effects on the nervous system. This can feel like a buzzing or pulsing, but it is not painful. The number of needles varies from perhaps 2 up to 10 or more. Each treatment session is individualised based on the patient’s condition and the response to the last treatment. In some specific circumstances and with appropriate advice, tiny needles on a ‘plaster’ may be left in place for a few days, or occasionally and with appropriate support, I can teach patients to treat themselves with needles at safe and simple points for long term conditions.

How many sessions will I need?

Treatment is usually started at weekly intervals – occasionally twice a week will be recommended initially. If often takes 2 or more sessions for the effects to start showing. Most acupuncturists would certainly expect to see an effect after 4 sessions (or possibly 5 for severe/chronic conditions). Depending on response, the treatment gaps are gradually lengthened. Most people reach the point where they either have an occasional ‘maintenance’ treatment when needed – perhaps even once a year!

I hate needles! Does that rule out acupuncture?

Absolutely not! The needles are much smaller than the ones used for the sorts of medical procedures which might have caused your concerns about needles. Most people are pleasantly surprised at how well they tolerate acupuncture even if they start off feeling anxious. I am very experienced in starting with very gentle treatments when people are nervous. Many people even find that it helps them to get over their worries about needles.

Does acupuncture work for everyone?

A few percent of people seem to be ‘wired’ in a way which means that their nervous system just does not respond to acupuncture (it’s the same for many medications). At least 90% of people DO respond to a varying degree. Some will respond quite profoundly – feeling very drowsy or emotional, sometimes even experiencing a temporary worsening of their condition. This is actually a great sign but does mean that future treatments must be adjusted accordingly. Most will be somewhere on a scale from mild to significant improvement or even cure as the course progresses. Clearly this also depends on the condition being treated. Most people say that they feel a general improvement in their wellbeing and a reduction in stress levels, even if the condition being specifically targeted does not improve.

Can I have acupuncture alongside standard medical treatment?

Absolutely! I will want to know what sort of treatment you are having and sometimes this will mean adjusting the acupuncture treatment. It is very rare for acupuncture to be inadvisable or unsafe. Some medications can actually increase the effectiveness of acupuncture, eg antidepressants or medicines used for chronic pain. I am very happy to tailor acupuncture treatment to support ongoing treatment or plans, such as fertility investigations or treatment. As a GP, I will have a good understanding of what is happening and I am very happy to communicate with other medical professionals at your request.

Are there any side effects or risks?

Mild drowsiness is quite common, and if this is severe, you should not drive straight afterwards.

A small percentage of people find acupuncture painful (but if this happens, even smaller needles or very gentle treatments can be used). Occasionally, people can faint – but treatment usually takes place on a couch to minimise any risk of this.About 3% of treatments can result in minor bleeding or bruising.

The most significant risk is of a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) – estimates of the frequency vary but the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) quotes less than 0.0002%. This is only a risk when inserting needles near the lungs and the BMAS training in techniques to minimise this risk is extremely thorough.

How does acupuncture work?

Many people think that acupuncture is a bit mysterious, but we actually understand the mechanisms behind it very well. The needles stimulate nerves in skin, muscle and other tissues, resulting in effects in the tissues nearby and in the spinal cord and brain. Amongst other effects, this increases the release of the body’s natural painkillers, including endorphins and serotonin. This alters the way pain signals are handled by the brain and also causes changes in the spinal cord which can affect muscle tone and blood flow. Changes in the activity of various organs such as the gut and the uterus have been shown. Changes in hormone release from the brain and other organs have also been demonstrated.

What conditions do I need to discuss before treatment?

If you have any of the following, please let me know before starting treatment:

A history of epilepsy, fainting or funny turns
Diabetes
Pregnancy – confirmed or possible
Chemotherapy – ongoing or recent
Pacemaker, implantable defibrillator or any other electrical implants
Bleeding disorder such as haemophilia
Blood thinning medication such as apixaban, edoxaban, warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel or aspirin
Heart valve problems
Weakened immune system, take long term steroid tablets or any other particular risk of infection
HIV positive or are a carrier of infectious hepatitis