Common Questions and Answers about Acupuncture
Q: What about the needles used?
A: BAcC members use single-use pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of immediately after use. The BAcC Code of Safe Practice, drawn up in consultation with experts in the field of skin piercing, lays down stringent standards which all BAcC members are required to follow. The rules also extend to the hygiene and sterilisation of other equipment.
Q: Is it safe?
A: There have been three surveys in the last six years which have shown that acupuncture is amongst the safest therapies in use in the UK today. Out of 68,000 recorded treatments in two of the 2001 surveys, there were only 14 minor (bruising, feeling nauseous) adverse events. There have been very few reports of serious adverse events, and most adverse effects are transient, lasting no more than a day or so.
Q: What should I do before treatment?
A: You should try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. You should have eaten something, however small, in the two hours preceding your treatment. You should also avoid alcohol, and food or drinks which colour your tongue, such as coffee, immediately prior to treatment.
Q: How will I feel after acupuncture?
A: You may feel rather relaxed and calm. If the treatment has been particularly strong you could feel quite tired or drowsy for a few hours, and you should take this into account if you are planning to drive or use machinery. Occasionally there may be a short-term flair-up of your symptoms as your Qi clears and resettles itself. Please note that due to the individualised nature of the treatment we provide, there is no hard and fast rule as to how you will feel after treatment – everyone reacts differently.
Q: Is there anything I should not do after an acupuncture treatment?
A: We at The Fertility Support Company feel that it is best if the patient does not exercise or drink alcohol after an acupuncture treatment.
Q: Should I tell my doctor?
A: If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it is sensible to mention that you plan to have acupuncture. Your acupuncturist needs to know about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
Q: Should I continue with my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?
A: Yes. Although many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment, because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable, you MUST NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance. In the case of treating while taking fertility drugs or undergoing an ART cycle, the acupuncture will help to mitigate any side effects you may be experiencing.
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