The best way is to ask about the professional association they belong to. Associations like the Federation of Holistic Therapists have very stringent requirements about the qualifications that the practitioner hold and the college that they trained in. They also have a code of ethics and practice that members have to follow.

The Advertising Standards Authority forbids any non-medical therapist from claimimg to treat any conditions at all. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a comprehensive list of ailments that can successfully be treated [click here to view]. Even the NHS lists some conditions they believe is helped by acupuncturists.

Yes. Only the highest quality stainless steel disposable needles are used. These come in pre-sterilized sealed packets and are discarded after use.

Because the needles are as fine as a human hair, insertion is generally pain free. There may be an occasional sharpness or a dull ache, but these sensations are only momentary and far less unpleasant than a medical injection.

The initial session takes up to one and a half hours and includes a thorough medical and personal history, description of complaint(s), a review of the body systems, and a physical examination. This includes establishing a pulse pattern [usually felt at the wrist] from which I can determine the state of the energy in each of the major meridians. Using the diagnostic tools of classical acupuncture, which include analysing a patient’s energetic state, I can determine the underlying cause of the condition. From the information gathered, a unique treatment plan is devised.

An interval of a week is recommended between the first three sessions. Most people see a level of improvement within this time although deep-seated problems might take longer. Treatment intervals are then lengthened as the body adapts to better health. Eventually, only seasonal maintenance sessions might be necessary to keep the person in healthy state.

Yes, indeed. Five Element acupuncture views the body, mind, and spirit as a whole. All physical disorders will cause an imbalance in the mental outlook and spirit of a person. This may manifest as depression, anxiety, anger, sadness, or frustration. Mental disturbances, stress, and emotional conflict will conversely affect the physical body, and can result in insomnia, lack of appetite, fatigue, menstrual disorders, migraines, susceptibility to disease, aches, pains, or any other ailment one can imagine. Classical acupuncture treatment aim to restore the harmony of body, mind, and spirit so the physical and non-physical aspects of a patient are treated at the same time.

Classical acupuncture may certainly be used in conjunction with other medication. It is important for me to know what medicines you are taking as this is taken into account in the planning of treatment. As acupuncture treatment progresses, the need for certain drugs may well decrease. It may be appropriate to reduce or discontinue medication, always of course, with the approval of the prescribing doctor.

No, faith is not involved. Acupuncture works for animals, and they have no beliefs one way or the other!

Treatment costs differ depending on which practice you go to with fees for the first session starting at £65 and may and take up to 1½ hours. Subsequent session fees start at £50 and takes around an hour.