FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In Classical Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by stimulating the natural flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body. This vital energy and circulation are essential for health, and when blocked, can lead to illness and discomfort – as the proverb states, if there is pain then there is no free flow. By clearing these blockages, acupuncture helps your body restore its innate ability to heal and regenerate, promoting holistic well-being and pain relief. From a Western medical perspective, these effects are often linked to the release of natural compounds like endorphins and oxytocin, activated by needle stimulation at specific acupuncture points.
As a full member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), many major health insurance policies will cover your treatment with us.
To use your policy, please follow these steps before your first appointment:
Call your insurance provider to confirm that your policy covers acupuncture with a BAcC-registered practitioner.
State your practitioner's name: Lucy Lines. They will verify my credentials and grant you pre-approval.
Confirm the specific steps they require for submitting a claim (e.g., whether you need an authorisation code).
The process: You will pay the clinic directly for your treatments, and we will provide you with a detailed invoice that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement
To explore the growing body of scientific research and evidence supporting acupuncture's effectiveness, you can confidently refer to the trusted resources provided by the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) or the Evidence Based Acupuncture websites, both dedicated to the ongoing up to date research on the advancement of Acupuncture.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture
This is the most well-known and widely practiced style globally. When people think of "acupuncture" they usually think of TCM.
It is based on the theory of qi (life force) flowing through meridians. Practitioners diagnose "patterns of disharmony" (e.g., qi deficiency, blood stasis, dampness) using pulse and tongue diagnosis, and select points to re-balance these patterns.
Five Element Acupuncture
This style views health through the lens of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and their interrelationships within the body and emotions. It often has a strong emphasis on treating the "root" constitutional imbalance and emotional well-being.
Japanese Acupuncture Often characterised by gentler needling techniques, shallower insertions, and more emphasis on palpation (touch) for diagnosis and point location.
Western Medical Acupuncture (or "Dry Needling") This is often practiced by medical doctors, physiotherapists, or osteopaths. It uses acupuncture needles but is based on a Western medical diagnosis, targeting trigger points or specific anatomical structures for pain relief. It doesn't typically follow TCM meridian theory. It's important to highlight that this is a different concept to all those mentioned above (Classical/TCM/ 5 Elements) and does not involve the holistic, root treatment principle of acupuncture, it is purely dealing with the muscular skeletal element of the imbalance.
My treatments are deeply rooted in Classical Acupuncture, the historical foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). While modern TCM offers a standardised framework, my classical training provides a deeper, more nuanced understanding, allowing for a truly personalised and holistic treatment approach that resonates with clients seeking more than just symptomatic relief.
A core component of my practice is the Five Elements model, which is always integral to my clinical diagnosis. Building on this, my classical training extends to incorporating Stems and Branches (S&B). This advanced diagnostic method considers your unique innate energetic makeup and how it interacts with the constantly shifting "energetic climate" of the day, month, and year. This enables a highly personalised and dynamic diagnosis, allowing us to understand you at a profound constitutional level, informing every treatment decision.
Furthermore, I integrate elements of Japanese Acupuncture through a meticulous body diagnostic standpoint. During your session, and depending on your main complaint, I will often gently palpate along your channels and meridians. This hands-on assessment helps me identify precise signs of where Qi (energy) and Blood flow might be disrupted, causing blockages and discomfort, ensuring a highly targeted treatment.
All my treatments involve the Root and Branch: Channels are used not just to relieve local symptoms (the "branch") but also to address the underlying constitutional imbalance (the "root") by influencing the associated organ systems.
Cupping: Cups are placed on the skin to create suction, drawing blood flow to the surface. This commonly used for muscular pain, tension, stagnation and to detoxify specific regions of the body by encouraging better flow of blood and qi. Moxibustion (Moxa): Involves the burning of dried a flowering plant (mugwort) near the skin's surface or on the handle of a needle to create warming stimulation. This is commonly used to warm meridians, expel cold, invigorate qi and blood, and for certain pain conditions or breech babies.
Acupressure: Is the application of pressure with fingers or tools to acupuncture points instead of needles. This is commonly used in self-care, for those sensitive to needles, or as a complement to needling.
Auricular Acupuncture (Ear Acupuncture): Treating points on the ear, which is seen as a micro-system of the entire body. Commonly used for pain, stress and anxiety.
Acupuncture needles are entirely safe. They are much more delicate than the hypodermic needles used for drawing blood, more comparable to a strand of hair in width.
Acupuncture needles are composed of stainless steel, are pre-sterilised, come individually wrapped and are only used once. Needles are disposed of safely in sharps containers following each treatment.
Acupuncture is completely safe for young children and teenagers.
Our ultra-fine acupuncture needles (0.13mm to 0.30mm, like a human hair) ensure gentle and effective treatments. Rest assured, every needle used at our acupuncture clinic is single-use, pre-sterilised, and individually packaged for your ultimate safety and comfort.
The duration of your acupuncture treatment plan is unique to your health needs. After your initial consultation, we'll collaborate to outline the ideal number of acupuncture sessions for you. For optimal results, we generally suggest beginning with regular treatments, often once or twice a week, as visible changes commonly appear after your second or third session. Be aware that addressing chronic conditions may require more sustained effort for noticeable and lasting benefits.
Many patients find acupuncture treatments to be a surprisingly relaxing experience. Upon needle insertion, you might feel a dull ache, slight numbness, or a gentle tingling sensation, which typically fades quickly. Depending on the specific acupuncture points used, you might also notice a mild electrical sensation, known as "de qi." This feeling indicates that the body's qi (energy) has been activated at the point. Please be assured, it's also common to feel nothing at all during certain insertions.
Experience the benefits of acupuncture with minimal risk. It's virtually free of side effects, with minor, temporary bruising at the needling or cupping site being the most likely (but still rare) occurrence. These resolve naturally, and we encourage you to speak with your acupuncturist about any questions or concerns.
Facial acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the face to improve circulation, boost collagen and elastin production, and relax facial muscles.Tiny needles create microscopic punctures, which the body interprets as "micro-traumas," triggering a healing response that includes increased blood flow and nutrient delivery to the skin.This natural process helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and elasticity, and create a more radiant complexion.It also addresses underlying imbalances in the body that may contribute to skin issues, offering a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation.