Frequently Asked Questions

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Stephen aims to make your treatment as professional, painless and caring as possible, because this is how he would like to be treated. He is aware of people’s fears about needles but, as he frequently tells clients:

"I use a very fine, high quality, expensive South Korean needle, that’s specially designed to be patient friendly. They are inserted via a hollow plastic tube, and are literally flicked through the top layer of skin. This is where the pain cells are most concentrated, and by using this method any discomfort is kept to a minimum, generally being felt as just a slight prick, if at all. Cheaper needles tend to be thicker and in my experience cause discomfort to the client.”

"In addition, there are specific techniques in western medical and Chinese TCM acupuncture practice that call for the needles to be strongly manipulated after insertion. I do not use these methods as they may cause discomfort to the recipient. My aim is always to be as gentle as possible, for example Mrs S from Sprowston said "I have found Stephen's acupuncture to be virtually painless" ."

However, for more sensitive clients, or if they simply prefer, Stephen can also substitute the acupuncture needles for tiny magnets to energise the acupuncture points equally as well. They are manufactured with a small plaster backing, and can easily be stuck on the skin, and removed as easily afterwards.

How do you make a diagnosis?

To make a diagnosis the acupuncturist needs a detailed understanding of the patient’s lifestyle, diet, work, medical history, emotional states etc.

This case history is taken during the first session. From this a ‘picture’ of the person is established, which helps to tell Stephen where the health problem is located. He constantly upgrades his formulations during eachh visit to ensure the treatment and recovery remains on track.

Stephen will also interpret your energy state from taking your pulses. Each of the body’s 12 major organs has a pulse associated with it upon the radial artery at the wrist which informs Stephen about the energy of that organ, and therefore you as a whole.

These signs, amongst others, form the basis of diagnosis.

How does Acupuncture work?

Traditional acupuncture is an ancient form of healthcare that has been practised in China and the Far East for close on two thousand years. It is proven to be an extremely safe therapy.

Acupuncture was founded upon the belief that disease is felt in the body when its vitality, or Qi, is disrupted by imbalances in its physical, emotional and mental faculties. It is a holistic therapy, in that it aims to treat the whole person as a way to regain balance and restore vitality, to improve their wellbeing. Because the person and their condition is treated, they may generally feel better in themselves, have more energy, improved sleep and feel happier.

These days, studies have revealed that acupuncture has numerous physiological effects upon the body which can provide health benefits, with regards to increasing positive hormone levels, stimulating nerve pathways, and through producing an anti-inflammatory effect.

This makes acupuncture effective in not only relieving pain, but to treat a wide range of conditions through its ability to stimulate the body's own natural healing response. More and more clinical trials are being conducted to demonstrate its value, both here in the UK and abroad, helping it to gain recognition with organisations such as The National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the World Health Organisation.

How much does it cost?

Each session costs £40. 

What can acupuncture treat?

Since March 2011, all British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) members are obliged to follow strict advertising guidelines from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). This restricts the mention of treatment for specific medical conditions by the use of Acupuncture.

Research Fact Sheets have been produced by The British Acupuncture Council in order to provide accurate and unbiased information for a variety of conditions. They provide summaries of research and how acupuncture may be beneficial.

Fact sheets are available on:

• Acne
• Allergic rhinitis
• Anxiety
• Back Pain
• Bell’s Palsy
• Cancer care
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Childbirth
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Chronic pain
• Colds and Flu
• COPD
• Cystitis
• Dentistry
• Depression
• Dysmenorrhoea (period pain)
• Eczema and Psoriasis
• Endometriosis
• Female fertility
• Fibromyalgia
• Frozen Shoulder
• Gastrointestinal tract disorders
• Headache
• Herpes
• Hypertension
• Infertility ART
• Insomnia
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Menopausal symptoms
• Migraine
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Neuropathic pain
• Obesity
• Obstetrics
• Osteoarthritis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• PCOS
• Post-operative pain
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMT)
• Raynaud’s
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sciatica
• Sinusitis
• Sports Injuries
• Stress
• Stroke
• Substance misuse
• Tennis elbow
• Tinnitus
• Type-2 diabetes
• Urinary Incontinence
• Vertigo

Visit www.acupuncture.org.uk for this information.

How many needles will I need?

In traditional Acupuncture it is usual to use between 4 and 10 points for each treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the condition you are being treated for.
Generally for pain relief you should notice an improvement by the 3rd visit, but for general wellbeing / emotional health issues 6-10 weekly visits are usually required

Save