ACUPUNCTURE FAQS
WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY FIRST ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENT ?
Your first appointment begins with a consultation where we'll discuss your main concerns, general health, lifestyle and what you'd like to achieve from treatment.
As part of a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment, I may also look at your tongue and take your pulse. Your acupuncture treatment is then individually tailored to your presentation.
Very fine, sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are gently inserted into selected points. Depending on your treatment, other techniques such as cupping, heat therapy or gentle electrical stimulation may also be used.
Most people find the treatment relaxing.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and are very different from the needles used for injections or blood tests.
You may occasionally feel a brief sensation as a needle is inserted, followed by sensations such as heaviness, warmth or tingling around an acupuncture point. Many clients find acupuncture surprisingly relaxing.
WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP WITH?
People visit an acupuncturist for many different reasons, including muscular tension and discomfort, stress, headaches, sleep concerns, digestive complaints, women’s health and general wellbeing.
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes an individual approach to treatment. Your consultation considers your symptoms, general health and overall presentation so that your acupuncture treatment can be tailored to you.
WHAT IS COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE?
Cosmetic acupuncture is generally gentle. The facial needles used are extremely fine, and most people feel very little as they are inserted.
Want to learn more? Read my guide to cosmetic acupuncture and how it works.
IS THERE ANY DOWN TIME WITH COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE?
Occasionally you may feel a brief prick or tingling sensation, but treatment is usually comfortable and relaxing.
You may notice temporary redness or flushing immediately afterwards. Minor bruising can occasionally occur at a needle insertion point and usually settles naturally. If LED therapy or another treatment is included in your appointment, I'll also explain any relevant aftercare.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE ?
Come with clean skin where possible and avoid heavy makeup before your appointment. Comfortable clothing is recommended.
It's also helpful to arrive a few minutes early for your first appointment so we have plenty of time to discuss your health history, skin concerns and treatment goals.
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HOW MANY COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
This depends on your skin, age, treatment goals and individual response.
Some clients choose a course of treatments followed by occasional maintenance appointments, while others simply incorporate cosmetic acupuncture into their general wellbeing and skincare routine.
We'll discuss an appropriate treatment plan during your consultation.
CAN I HAVE COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE IF I HAVE HAD BOTOX OR FILLERS?
If you've recently had cosmetic injectables, please let me know before your appointment. Appropriate timing can depend on the type of injectable, the area treated and when it was performed.
We can discuss this before booking your cosmetic acupuncture treatment, and where appropriate you may also be advised to check with your injecting practitioner.