Acupuncture FAQ's

Below are a list of frequently asked questions regarding acupuncture and the treatment process. For further information on Acupuncture, please go to the British Acupuncture Council website

For information on Holly Mulheron's background and qualifications, please visit the Home page or for how to find The Glebe Barn Clinic, based on the Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire border, visit the Location and Contact page.

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a complete healthcare system that has been widely used for thousands of years, and is 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. To do this it redirects your body's own energy, which is a natural method of healing. This is extremely safe and does not have any of the side-effects that are associated with drug treatments.

What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is the burning of cones made from the wool of the Mugwort plant on Acupuncture points, or on broad areas of the body to achieve specific healing effects. In many cases, especially of deficiency it acts similarly to the Acupuncture needle to stimulate the point. More information can be found at ChinaMed's website.

Does Acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very fine, 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?
The British Acupuncture Council provides fact sheets with accurate and unbiased general information for a variety of conditions. An up-to-date and comprehensive list of these can be found at Research Fact Sheets: A-Z of Conditions.

Can Acupuncture be used 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.

Can I claim for acupuncture on my private health insurance?
Some private health care schemes allow you to claim for acupuncture treatment given by a British Acupuncture Council member.  For some conditions (e.g. low back pain) you may be able to ask your GP to refer you for acupuncture.  

Please check directly with your insurance provider to confirm up-to-date policy details.

The following companies do cover acupuncture treatment from members of the British Acupuncture Council, but please check with your provider for specific details.

Aviva health Uk Limited
Buck & Willis Health Care Ltd
Bupa Cashplan (not BUPA)  
Clinicare
CS Healthcare
Forester Health
Healthshield
Hospital Saturday Fund
HSF
SimplyHealth (formerly HAS)
Leeds Hospital Fund
Legal & General Healthcare
Medisure
Pinnacle PLC
Royal & Sun Alliance Healthcare and Assistance
Standard Life Health Care
Sun Alliance Health Insurance
Westfield
WPA