Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Does acupuncture hurt? What does it feel like?

2. Is acupuncture safe for children, babies and the elderly?

3. How many sessions of treatment will I need and how often?

4. Do I need to prepare before coming for treatment?

5. What are the fees?

6. I have private medical insurance, will it cover my acupuncture treatment?

7. Are there any side effects?

8. Should I tell my doctor/GP before coming for treatment?

9. I am already taking precribed drugs, should I continue taking them whilst having acupuncture?

10. Do you do home visits?

 

If you have any other questions, please contact us via email at info@hongtaoaclinic.com

To book an appointment, please contact our clinic

 

1. Does acupuncture hurt? What does it feel like?

The needles used in acupuncture are super-fine and not at all similar to the 'needles' used in orthodox medicine for e.g. injections, blood withdrawal etc. Most patients describe the needling as a light tingling or dull ache sensation.

2. Is acupuncture and TCM safe for babies, children and the elderly?

Absolutely. Many paediatric, adolescent and age-related conditions and diseases can be treated very successfully with acupuncture and TCM.

3. How many sessions of treatment will I need and how often?

The number of treatments required depends entirely on your current condition, its history and the your response to treatment; all of these factors vary within each individual. As a result, our consultant will not be able to give you a idea of the number of treatments you may require until seeing you for a consultation and initial treatment and then readdressing and observing changes and response. Regarding the frequency of treatments, generally, for more chronic and protracted illnesses, it may be beneficial to have treatment twice a week; in the majority of cases, treatments are once weekly. Similarly, it is not uncommon to have treatment several times week if the condition requires it.

If you would like to discuss your individual case prior to coming for treatment, our Consultant Acupuncturist and TCM practitioner is happy to conduct a brief telephone consultation at no cost, or you can email your enquiry to: info@hongtaoclinic.com

4. Do I need to prepare before coming for treatment

There is little for you to prepare for, prior to coming to treatment. It is advisable to avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea and alcohol just before treatment, as stimulants can alter the behaviour of your Qi thereby affecting your pulse reading. For a similar reason, it is not a good idea to come to treatment very hungry, nor after a very large meal.

5. What are the fees?

Your first visit is a full consultation and treatment and is between 40mins to 1hr; subsequent treatments, depending on your presenting needs which are always assessed at each session, are approximately 40mins to 45mins:

Pinner Clinic: £50 (first session £65)
Marlow Clinic: £56 (first session £65)
Chelsea Bridge Clinic: £78 (first session £117)

The range in the subsequent treatments' fee reflects our different clinic locations, it is not dependent on your requirements for that treatment session.

This is for treatment only and does not include any Chinese herbal medicines, nutritional supplements and other products where prices vary. Not all patients will require additional products/medicines. To comply with our commitment to honest and ethical practice, any additional product(s) will always be discussed and clarified with you first.

6. I have private medical insurance, will it cover my acupuncture treatment?

Many private medical insurers do cover acupuncture treatment or part of it. However, it very much depends on the insurer and also the particular premium that you have with them. The best thing to do is contact your insurers directly and ask about your policy.

7. Are there any side-effects?

Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side effects. Any side effects that do occur after are very mild and self-correcting such as minor bruising at the needle point which can occur in those that typically bruise easily.

8. Should I tell my doctor/GP that I am coming for treatment?

A referral from your GP is not necessary for acupuncture treatment. However, to keep all practitioners well-informed, if you are currently seeing your doctor for your condition it may be a good idea to let them know you are also undertaking acupuncture treatment. Likewise, it is important to inform your consultant acupuncture practitioner of any prescribed medication you may be taking.

If you have any notes or information regarding previous fertility-related examinations and tests, it would be useful to bring these with you.

9. I am already taking precribed medication, should I continue taking them whilst having acupuncture?

Yes. Do not discontinue your presciption medication unless adivsed to do by a professional consultant.

10. Do you do home visits?

Home visits can be arranged in special circumstances though it depends on distance and scheduling; the treatment fee is assessed on this basis. Please call Sarah direct on 020 8133 2996 to enquire.

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If you have any other questions, please contact us at email info@hongtaoaclinic.com

To book an appointment, please contact our clinic