Click on one of the frequently asked questions below

What is the difference between Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

What about being a blood donor?

What is the cost of treatment?

How many treatments are needed?

Where are the appointments held?

What is acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body.

What is the difference between Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

The Chinese are generally credited with “inventing” acupuncture but in fact it has been found in earlier cultures. The Chinese certainly embellished the principles of acupuncture and came up with concepts that you may have heard of, such as “chi” (the life force that flows through the body in channels or meridians) and ”ying and yang” (opposites such as day and night, hot and cold or male and female). Originally the Chinese physician could only examine your hands and face so pulse and tongue diagnosis were invented. Together with techniques such as cupping, moxibustion and some herbal treatments these form Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM acupuncture works by re-balancing your “chi”. When China became more open to the West (after President Nixon’s visit in 1974) many doctors felt that acupuncture worked, even though the concepts of meridians and chi did not fit with what was known of anatomy and physiology. Western Medical Acupuncture (WMA) therefore uses the treatment without using the Chinese explanation or method of diagnosis. It has been accepted that the traditional nomenclature to describe where the needles are placed should be retained to allow all practitioners a short hand way to describe treatment. There is now a body of scientific research which try’s to explain how acupuncture works and tests whether it is as good as other medical treatments. Although I do not use the concept of “chi” I do think acupuncture – and indeed many medical treatments – work by helping the body heal itself, by re-balancing its complex physical systems.

How does acupuncture work?

This is still not fully understood. It is thought that the needles stimulate nerve fibres that send messages back to the spinal cord. Further messages are then sent between the brain and spinal cord telling the body to switch off pain. This seems a good explanation when needles are inserted in the muscle near the pain but acupuncture can also work if needles are inserted in other places. It is thought in these cases the body releases natural pain killing chemicals. In WMA the commonest level to stimulate is the muscle layer, so needles are usually 3 – 5cm long but to reach deep muscles such as those in the buttock needles up to 7-10cm long can be used. The skin also has a nerve supply and can be stimulated or the periosteum (this is a thin covering over your bones). Stimulating the needles by moving them up and down or twisting them is thought to keep reminding the body that the stimulus is there. One continual way to do this is to apply a low frequency electric current to the needles – so call electroacupuncture. Using the connection between spinal cord areas that stimulate both the internal organs and the muscles means conditions, of the bowel and womb for example, can be treated by putting needles into muscles.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally very safe. Serious side effects are very rare – less than one per 10,000 treatments. The commonest serious side effect, with acupuncture to your neck muscles or chest, is causing an air leak from the lung (pneumothorax). Acupuncture is much safer than most prescribed medications.

What about being a blood donor?

Single-use, sterile, disposable needles are used to eliminate any risk of blood borne infection.

How is a diagnosis made?

As a qualified and practising General Practitioner (GP) I will make a conventional medical diagnosis and talk in the same language as your usual GP. Your GP or Specialist may have already given you a diagnosis. Information about your current problem, past medical history and an examination will be used to review the diagnosis. If there are any concerns about the diagnosis or any other issues that are raised I would be able to write to your GP, with your permission. I will gather some preliminary information by speaking to you on the telephone and then send you some forms to complete and bring to the clinic, which will give me more information about your pain and past medical history. I will also advise on the telephone if I do not think your problem is suitable for acupuncture treatment. After treatment I can also advise on other medical options. It is helpful to wear loose clothing that can be rolled up. Vests tops are helpful if your problem involves the neck or shoulders.

What is the cost of treatment?

Each treatment session costs £30, payable in cash or by cheque after each treatment. 24 hours notice of cancellation is required.

How long is a treatment?

Each treatment session is approximately 45 minutes. The needles are left in for 20 minutes with mild manual stimulation or 20-30 minutes if electroacupuncture is used. Some medical acupuncturists argue that the needles need only be left in for 2 minutes and indeed a system of micro-acupuncture has been invented where the needles are inserted and removed straight away.

How many treatments are needed?

I would generally recommend three initial treatments to see if acupuncture is helpful for your condition. A further 3 treatments may then be needed to consolidate the effect. For many conditions acupuncture is not a cure and you may find you want to return at intervals for “top-up” treatments. Most people find that they only need 1-3 treatments in each of these top-up sessions.

How do I book an appointment?

First telephone 07766 254978 and leave a message with your name and telephone number. I will contact you and if we agree that acupuncture would be suitable we can arrange an appointment and I will send you the forms to complete.

Where are the appointments held?

I am currently only working on Friday afternoons at Verney Close Surgery, Verney Close, Buckingham MK18 1JP. Some home visits will be offered once an effective treatment has been established. It is important that you present yourself to the reception desk in the surgery to be told where to wait for the appointment. They will have a list of names for the afternoon clinic.

After your appointment:

Some people can feel drowsy after acupuncture so if you have not had it before I advise you not to drive to your first appointment. Acupuncture is more beneficial if you can also relax after treatment for half an hour. Some people feel drowsy a few hours later.

Am I qualified?

There is currently no statutory regulation of acupuncturists. Most TCM practitioners have no medical qualifications but should be registered with the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). Doctors already have qualifications in diagnosis and experience of anatomy so they can be trained, like me, by the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) to add on acupuncture treatment to their usual practice. The BMAS run further updating courses, which I attend, and I have been awarded a Diploma in Western Medical Acupuncture by the University of Hertfordshire, which is recognised by the BMAS.

Am I insured?

I have indemnity insurance with the MDDUS (The Medical and Dentists Defence Union of Scotland)