Question 1

What is acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance.

Question 2

How does acupuncture work?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupoints. This stimulation helps to release tension, increase blood flow, and trigger the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms.

Question 3

Does acupuncture hurt?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture generally does not hurt. The needles are very thin, and most people feel little to no discomfort when they are inserted. Some might feel a slight tingling or a dull ache at the needle site.

Question 4

What can acupuncture treat?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture can treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, migraines, stress, anxiety, digestive issues, and sleep disorders. It is also used to support overall wellness and balance.

Question 5

How long is the training to become an acupuncturist?

Accepted Answer

To become an acupuncturist in London, you typically need to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in acupuncture or Chinese medicine, which takes around 3 to 4 years. Additionally, practitioners must pass accreditation by a recognised professional body, such as the British Acupuncture Council, and meet the standards required for practice.

Question 6

Will medical insurances pay for acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Many insurance plans now offer coverage for acupuncture, especially for pain management and certain other conditions. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage.

Question 7

What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Accepted Answer

While both involve inserting needles into the skin, acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on treating the body as a whole system (holistic). Dry needling, used primarily by physical therapists, targets trigger points in muscles to relieve pain and improve function, which is a form of Ashi needling in Chinese medicine.

Question 8

How does cupping work?

Accepted Answer

Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction helps increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing.

Question 9

Does cupping hurt?

Accepted Answer

Cupping should not be painful. You may feel a pulling sensation and experience some bruising where the cups were placed, but it generally should not cause significant discomfort.

Question 10

What can cupping help with?

Accepted Answer

Cupping can help with muscle pain, inflammation, blood flow issues, relaxation, and overall well-being. It is also used to treat respiratory issues and certain types of skin conditions.

Question 11

Can I train after acupuncture, massage, and cupping treatments?

Accepted Answer

It is usually recommended to rest and avoid intense physical activity immediately after acupuncture, massage, and cupping treatments to allow your body to heal and adjust. Light activities, such as walking or gentle stretching, are generally fine.

Question 12

How many sessions do I need to get better?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions needed varies depending on the condition being treated and individual response to therapy. Some may experience relief after one session, while others might require several treatments.

Question 13

How often do I need treatments?

Accepted Answer

Treatment frequency depends on the specific condition and your overall health. Initially, treatments may be more frequent, such as once or twice a week. Over time, the frequency can be reduced as symptoms improve.

Question 14

What should I wear to the appointment?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. This allows easy access to areas of the body that may be treated. You may also be asked to remove some items of clothing, but you will always keep your underwear on.

Question 15

Which specific acupoints are targeted to boost energy flow?

Accepted Answer

Our practitioners focus on key points such as LI4, ST36, and GV20. These acupoints are chosen for their proven ability to regulate Qi, thereby enhancing blood flow and promoting a natural, sustained energy boost throughout the body.

Question 16

How many sessions are usually required for noticeable pain relief?

Accepted Answer

Patients often experience improvement after 3 to 5 sessions. The treatment plan is personalized based on pain severity and individual response, ensuring each session builds on the last to provide gradual, lasting relief and improved mobility.

Question 17

Are there any risks associated with acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by certified professionals. Minor side effects like slight bruising or temporary soreness may occur, but these are rare and typically resolve quickly without interfering with the overall calming and stress-reducing benefits.

Question 18

What mechanism does cupping therapy use to enhance circulation?

Accepted Answer

Cupping creates a controlled suction effect that draws blood to the skin’s surface, increasing local oxygenation. This process widens capillaries, promotes nutrient exchange, and accelerates tissue repair, thereby boosting overall circulation in the targeted area.

Question 19

How does cupping therapy specifically reduce muscle tension?

Accepted Answer

The suction from cupping helps to gently lift and separate muscle fibers, releasing entrenched knots. This mechanical separation eases stiffness and improves muscle flexibility, leading to reduced discomfort and a smoother range of motion.

Question 20

In what way does cupping support the body’s natural detoxification process?

Accepted Answer

By drawing stagnant blood and accumulated toxins towards the surface, cupping stimulates lymphatic drainage. This enhanced detox action assists in clearing impurities from the tissues, thereby supporting a more robust immune response and overall vitality.

Question 21

How does deep tissue massage promote the removal of metabolic waste?

Accepted Answer

Deep tissue massage applies focused pressure to break up the accumulation of metabolic byproducts. This targeted pressure stimulates lymphatic flow, aiding in the efficient clearance of waste from muscle tissues and supporting the recovery process.

Question 22

Can massage therapy measurably improve flexibility and joint mobility?

Accepted Answer

Yes, by mobilizing tight muscles and stretching connective tissues, massage therapy increases tissue elasticity. Regular sessions have been shown to enhance joint range of motion, reduce stiffness, and contribute to improved overall flexibility and movement.

Question 23

What is the recommended frequency of massage therapy for effective stress relief?

Accepted Answer

For optimal stress management, many clients benefit from massage sessions once or twice a week. This regularity helps maintain increased circulation, continuously lowers cortisol levels, and supports sustained relaxation throughout daily activities.

Question 24

How does massage therapy stimulate circulation to specifically reduce cortisol levels?

Accepted Answer

Massage uses rhythmic, deep pressure strokes to enhance blood flow, which accelerates nutrient delivery and waste removal. This increased circulation helps clear cortisol from the body, lowering stress and promoting a more balanced and healthier physiological state.

Explore all our Frequent Questions

Explore all our
Frequent Questions