FAQ's
Is acupuncture safe?
All British Acupuncture Council Members observe a strict code of practice, which governs their standard of care and level of conduct. All registered acupuncturists must have been trained for at least three years in traditional acupuncture and western science. All needles used are sterile and disposable.
Is it safe for babies, children and teenagers?
Yes. Children and adolescents respond very well to acupuncture. Children and young adults under the age of 16 require parental consent or that of a legal guardian.
Is acupuncture covered by private medical insurance?
As the demand for acupuncture increases many private health insurance companies are now covering acupuncture treatment. Yes, although the cover you receive depends upon the policy you have agreed with your insurance provider. Please contact your provider to confirm if they will cover your treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
How many treatments required is assessed on a case-by-case basis and the degree of control necessary to maintain it. The likely time frame required will be discussed with you on your initial consultation and will be adjusted appropriately in response to your treatment and goals.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are pain free and are as fine as a strand of hair. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing and many patients fall asleep on the treatment bench. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache. This is one of the signs the body’s qi, or vital energy, has been stimulated.
I am scared of needles - can I still have acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture needles are very much finer than the needles used for injections and blood tests. You may not even feel them penetrate the skin and once in place they are hardly noticeable. Patients often report feeling relaxed during and after treatment. Acupuncture should not be a painful or unpleasant experience. Every patient is asked for feedback throughout the treatment to ensure his or her care, comfort and wellbeing.
Should I tell my doctor that I am having acupuncture?
Health Point Clinic believes in and advises active communication between healthcare professionals for the good of the patient and to support the best possible outcome. Please make your acupuncturist aware of any current medical conditions you have and those that you are being treated for. You will be asked for permission to contact your GP on your initial consultation. Should you not wish to share your medical records with your GP you will need to request against it.
Should I still take my prescribed medication while I am having a course of acupuncture?
Do not stop taking your medication without the professional guidance of the practitioner who prescribed them. With time acupuncture my may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription.
Do I need to do anything before my acupuncture treatment?
Not really, but please do not arrive very hungry or late. If it is your first visit, please read the information about your first treatment and fill out the relevant forms beforehand and bring them to your treatment or alternatively arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to fill out the relevant documentation. Be sure to bring a list of any medications you are taking, and remember to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Will I still be able to donate blood after having acupuncture?
All needles used are sterile, disposable and safe. All British Acupuncture Council Members observe a strict code of practice, which governs their standard of care and level of conduct. Even with our high standard of care it is advised patients receiving acupuncture should wait 4 months from their last Acupuncture treatment before donating blood. Acupuncture’s statutory regulation will likely in time result in this being reviewed but at present this remains precautionary measure.
Are my treatments confidential?
All British Acupuncture Council Members observe a strict code of practice, which governs their standard of care and level of conduct. Your medical records will remain confidential but requests may be made to share information with your GP on a case-to-case basis. Health Point Clinic believes in and advises active communication between healthcare professionals for the good of the patient and to support the best possible outcome. You will be asked for permission to contact your GP on your initial consultation. Should you not wish for me to share your medical records with your GP you will need to request against it.
Payment options.
We accept credit cards, cash and cheques at both clinics. Treatment vouchers are also available. Although we do not process insurance payments here we will provide you with any receipts or letters needed for you to forward on to your health provider.
Cancellation policy.
Please provide the clinic with 24 hours notice to re-arrange your appointment. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, do not turn up to your appointment or cancel on the day you will be changed the full fee of your appointment.
How do Virtual Appointments Work?
Before your Virtual Appointment you will be sent a meeting link in both your booking confirmation email as well as your reminder email. Click the link on your appointment time and we are good to go!
Click here for more information on Virtual Appointments.
Further questions?
If you are having difficulty finding the right appointment time to suit you with our online booking facility or if you have any further questions, please feel free to call either clinic (852039/859348) or email lornajackson@healthpointclinic.co.uk