FAQ's / PATIENT INFORMATION

Q. How does acupuncture work?
A. There are two schools of thought to this question, namely the Western view and the Traditional view. The western view focuses on the ability of acupuncture to influence the neural systems and the endocrine systems. That is the nervous and hormone systems. The traditional view focuses on the ability of acupuncture to influence the energy systems and pathways. That is the Qi (energy) and Meridian (pathway) systems. I personally comply with each of these views as each one has its own merits. Neither view can outweigh the other when explaining how acupuncture works as a whole.

Q. What conditions can acupuncture treat?
A. Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of medical conditions along with non-medical concerns. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states over forty medical conditions that acupuncture can help with. For in depth information on diseases and disorders that CAN BE TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE along with reviews of clinical acupuncture trial reports click here.
The Acupuncture Research Resource Centre has produced a set of Briefing Papers which review the evidence of effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of Migraine, Stroke, Arthritis, Gynaecological Disorders, Menopause, HIV Infection, Addiction & Substance Abuse, Asthma, Anxiety & Depression, Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy, Sports Injuries, Obstetrics, Infertility. To view this information please click here.

Q. How long does an acupuncture session last?
A. Your fist consultation will last around an hour and subsequent visits will be half an hour to forty-five minutes in duration.

Q. What will happen at my first visit?
A. At your initial visit I will go through an in-depth and detailed consultation with you, asking questions such as what are your current symptoms, what treatments you have received so far and your medical history. Depending on your condition, additional questions may be asked, such as your close family’s medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. It is likely that I will take your pulses on both wrists noting specific qualities, rhythms and strengths. I will also examine the structure, colour and coating of your tongue as this gives information about your physical health. Once enough information has been acquired I will formulate a personal treatment plan to suit both yourself and your condition. Stimulation of specific areas on or beneath the skin, known as acupoints, affects the functioning of certain organs and tissues of the body. These acupoints may lie close to or far away from the problem area. There are around 500 acupoints on the body and it is quite usual that, during a course of treatment, different acupoints will be selected as your condition changes.

Q. How can you help me?
A. I pride myself on giving each and every patient I see a unique and personalised treatment plan. From the onset and throughout treatment you will have my undivided attention. My aim is always to get you fit and well within the shortest period of time. We will both work together in order for you to obtain the most possible benefit. The more you know about your condition, aches and pains, the quicker I am able to help you.

Acupuncture in Stockport - Daniel J. Windridge

Q. What success have you had?
A. The following examples are taken from previous patients of mine. When you are under my care and where necessary, I use an outcome assessment tool. This form is filled out by each patient before, at mid point and at the end of the treatment course. This enables me to monitor the effects of your treatment. The following graphs show how my treatment can benefit not only the specific condition you are seeking help with but also additional health benefits. These benefits range from physical functioning to general health and are listed 1 to 8 above the graphs. High scores indicate fewer symptoms and good progress. The outcome in the first example was increased and sustained energy (alleviating his chronic fatigue), the disappearance of his migraines and significant decrease in facial pain severity. The outcome in the second example was disappearance of the neck/arm pain with increased sensation to the hand. At a six-month follow up, the neck/arm pain had not returned.
The outcome in the third example, in the words of my patient was "extremely profound". The beneficial effects that the acupuncture gave were not only apparent to both of us, but also to his family and friends. From the onset this patient reported to me a reduction in anxiety and a greater sense of well being making such statements as "mentally things are good" and "feeling more content with self". By treatment four this patient reported a reduction in the need for his anti-depressant medication which resulted in me referring him to his GP to discuss this further. Again, in the words of my patient the outcome in the fourth example was "a success story". After each treatment there was a reduction in pain along with greater range of movement alleviating the tennis elbow. By treatment four this patient's stress levels had fallen with no depressive moods. By treatment six my patients report was "the elbow is the best it's been for a year". In this individual patient, only minor benefits to the IBS was noted with a on and off reduction to her abdominal fullness and constipation. However, previous patients of mine have reported a complete clearance to their IBS symptoms.

Key: 1=Physical Functioning, 2=Role Limitations due to Physical functioning, 3=Role Limitations due to Emotional problems, 4=Energy/fatigue Levels, 5=Emotional well being, 6=Social Functioning, 7=Pain Levels, 8=General Health.

Q. How many treatments will I need?
A. This question can sometimes be like asking, "How long is a piece of string" as each person I see is an individual and usually respond to treatment in an individual way. In general, the longer you have been unwell the longer it may take before benefit becomes apparent. However, this is by no means “Set in stone”. Acupuncture can and often does give remarkable results in a short amount of time. For sustainable benefits however, one off miracle cures are unusual and a course of treatment is required. You should notice a change in yourself or in your condition directly between four to six treatments.

Q. Is there any help available to cover the cost of my acupuncture treatment?
A. Yes. I am a registered practitioner with Standard Life Private Health Insurance. Many other Private Health Insurance (PHI) schemes also give benefit for acupuncture treatment. Please call your own PHI help line to enquire about your benefits, methods of claiming and whether a GP or specialist referral is required. In addition to PHI schemes, there are Cash Plans available to help with your treatment cost. For further information please view the links section found on my contact page.

Q. What does acupuncture feel like?
A. Acupuncture is not painful nor can it be said to be sensation free. People often ask me the question “Am I going to be experiencing pain throughout the treatment session” This is most definitely a misconception of acupuncture. Most people’s experience of needles is of those used in injections or blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much, much finer having a diameter 0.18 of a millimetre. Unlike injection needles, they are not hollow and have no cutting end to them. Instead, they are solid and flexible with the needle tip tapered to a single point. Acupuncture needles are not designed to inject substances into, or, remove substances out of the body. On insertion many people are often surprised as no pain is experienced and cannot quite believe it when I inform them that the needle is in. However, for acupuncture to be working optimally a dull heavy sensation is sought after. Gently lifting the needle up and down and rotating the needle left and right bring this about. Once this sensation is experienced, usually between one to two seconds, the needle is left in place. I am also asked “how far do these needles go in” This depends on the acupoints being used along the aims of treatment. In general, the more common depths of needling are 2mm, 5mm and 10mm. Many people report a sense of calm and well-being during treatment, quite the opposite of a painful experience.

Q. What should I do before my treatment?
A. Try not to have a large meal within one hour of your treatment as this may alter the qualities of your pulse. Avoid alcohol along with foods or drinks that will stain your tongue (such as coffee etc) prior to your treatment, as this would also interfere with the diagnostic procedure. Please wear loose-fitting clothing and make sure you are not excessively tired, hungry or full.

Q. What will I feel like after treatment?
A. Usually rather calm and relaxed. Drowsiness can occur after treatment for a short time in a small number of patients. Depending on the treatment process the opposite can also occur, you may feel invigorated with more energy. Minor bruising can occur following acupuncture in around 3% of treatments. Existing symptoms can occasionally get worse after treatment. This is however, usually a good sign in the treatment process.

Q. What should I do after treatment?
A. In most cases it is beneficial to be able to rest and relax after treatment. I advise you to avoid excessive physical activity, stressful situations, alcohol and caffeine for a few hours after treatment.

Q. Should I tell my doctor?
A. If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to inform him or her of your plans to have acupuncture. I ask each patient of mine to supply me with a list of medications that they are currently taking. The reason for this is that certain medications 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, at least until careful discussion is had with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. It is not advisable to stop medication without professional advice.

Q. Can acupuncture help me reduce the need for medications?
A. Acupuncture, in many cases, can reduce the need for medication. Many people are seeking help from acupuncturists because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment - because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. In certain instances, acupuncture can reduce the need of Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory medications, However, I strongly advise you to first consult your G.P before stopping any medications. Acupuncture can also assist and complement medications. Studies have shown that acupuncture alleviates the symptoms of nausea and sickness associated with chemotherapy

Q. Is acupuncture safe?
A. All BAcC members must observe the code of safe practice, which defines the hygiene and safety standards relating to the practice of acupuncture. These procedures have been approved by the department of health, and provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases. BAcC members use single use, pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of after each treatment.