People often arrive for their first appointment carrying a few assumptions about acupuncture. Some are understandable, some are out of date, and a few are simply wrong. Here are four of the most common, along with the facts behind them.
Myth 1: "Acupuncture needles are like the ones used for injections"
Fact: they're much finer.
This is probably the worry I hear most, and it's easy to see why. Most of us picture the needle used for a jab or a blood test. Those needles are hollow, because they're designed to carry liquid into or out of the body.
Acupuncture needles don't need to carry anything, so they can be solid and very thin, a lot finer than an injection needle. In fact they're so fine that most people don't feel them going in.
That doesn't mean you'll feel nothing at all. A mild tingle or dull ache as a needle is adjusted is perfectly normal. If anything is uncomfortable, just say so.
Myth 2: "Needles are cleaned and reused"
Fact: needles used by acupuncturists should be single-use and sterile.
Every needle I use is sterile and disposable. Each one is used once, then safely thrown away and never used again.
Myth 3: "Acupuncture is only for pain"
Fact: pain and headaches are where UK guidance focuses, but people come for other reasons too.
The strongest recognition in the UK is certainly for pain. NICE, which advises the health service in England, recommends considering acupuncture for chronic primary pain, and for preventing chronic tension-type headache and migraine in certain circumstances. People with long-term pain or migraine-type headaches may also be offered acupuncture on the NHS.
Beyond that, the research picture for most other conditions is mixed or not strong enough to make claims about. I won't tell you acupuncture will treat something when the evidence doesn't support it.
Not everyone comes with a specific problem, though. Five Element acupuncture traditionally looks at the whole person rather than a single symptom, and many people simply value the calm, unhurried time for themselves where they're listened to. If you're unsure whether acupuncture is appropriate for you, ask me before booking.
Myth 4: "I'll have to get undressed"
Fact: usually only a little, and never without your agreement.
Depending on the area being treated, you may need to loosen or remove some clothing. Many points, though, can be reached just by rolling up a sleeve or trouser leg.
A few tips make this easier.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes you can easily roll up.
- If your back needs treatment, a vest top can be handy.
- Ask for a towel or blanket to stay covered. Your comfort matters.
I'll always explain which areas I'd like to reach and check you're comfortable first. You can say no, or ask for an alternative, at any point.
A quick recap
- Acupuncture needles are much finer than injection needles.
- They should be single-use, sterile and disposed of after one use.
- UK guidance focuses on pain and headache, and many people also value the calm of a session.
- You usually only need to roll up or loosen clothing, and you're always in control.
If you have a question I haven't covered, my acupuncture page is a good next stop.