During the initial visit, which normally lasts an hour, a full consultation and treatment will be performed. Your practitioner will ask you questions regarding your medical history, diet and lifestyle and will provide a traditional pulse and tongue diagnosis.

A treatment plan will be discussed in depth which will outline the anticipated course of treatment for your specific concern. Follow-up visits normally require about 45 minutes and are usually scheduled once a week. Although all cases are different and unique, generally patients will begin to achieve results after 3 to 6 treatments.

Do acupuncture needles hurt?

Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or may be left in place for 30 minutes or more, depending on the effect required.

During treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.