Do acupuncture needles hurt?
The needles used in acupuncture are much thinner than, for example, the needles used to draw blood. Therefore, you generally feel very little when they are inserted. Some acupuncture points, particularly in areas where there is little tissue, may be slightly sensitive when the needle is inserted. This usually lasts only for a brief moment.
If a needle continues to feel painful after it has been inserted, please always let me know. I can then adjust or remove the needle.
Do you feel nervous about being treated with needles? Please feel free to let me know. I can then use ultra-fine needles, so that you feel as comfortable as possible during the treatment.
What can I expect during my first acupuncture consultation?
An initial consultation takes approximately one and a half hours. I take plenty of time to ask you detailed questions about your symptoms and your overall health.
The symptoms you experience can be compared to the branches of a tree. To build as complete a picture of your symptoms as possible, I will also ask additional questions. This helps me gain insight into the underlying cause — the roots of the problem.
In addition, your body provides me with information through reflex zones in the body and by examining your pulse.
I would also like to know more about your medical history and, where applicable, the medications you are currently taking.
Based on all the information you provide, I will then propose a treatment plan and begin the treatment. Follow-up consultations last approximately one to one and a half hours.
What should I keep in mind when attending an acupuncture consultation?
To ensure that the treatment goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things that are important to keep in mind:
- Preferably wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Clothing that can easily be rolled up above the knee and above the elbow usually does not need to be removed during the treatment.
- It is advisable to eat something well before your treatment, so that you do not become hungry during the consultation. However, having a completely full stomach is not comfortable either.
- For your first consultation, please bring a list of the medications you are currently taking and any surgeries you have undergone, including the years in which they took place. This gives us more time for conversation during the consultation, and you will not have to recall all this information from memory.
- For your first appointment, please also bring your health insurance card or your health insurance app.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
My aim is to genuinely help you make progress with your health. Not just to feel slightly better, but to achieve an improvement that you can actually experience yourself.
The number of treatments you need varies from person to person and depends, among other things, on the nature and duration of your symptoms. Acute complaints generally respond more quickly to treatment. Chronic complaints often require more time.
My goal is to achieve a noticeable improvement within a number of treatments. Once you experience a positive change, you can decide for yourself how you would like to continue with the treatments.
Can children also be treated with acupuncture?
Yes, children can also be treated with a form of acupuncture. Children may, for example, experience digestive problems, respiratory problems, infections, hyperactivity, sleep problems, eczema, ear infections, colds or bedwetting.
For children, I use a Japanese treatment method called Shonishin. This treatment is specifically adapted for children and is very gentle. No needles are inserted into the skin.
Special Shonishin instruments are used to gently stimulate the meridians and areas of the skin, similar to a light massage. To treat acupuncture points, a blunt instrument is placed against the skin and moved across it without penetrating the skin.
As a result, the treatment is generally very pleasant and accessible for children. Shonishin can even be used with very young babies.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, children have a strong natural capacity for recovery. By supporting this in an appropriate way, the body can be helped to regain its balance.
I am pregnant. Is acupuncture suitable for me?
Acupuncture can provide support for various complaints during pregnancy. It can also be used for concerns related to trying to conceive and for complaints following childbirth.
I take your pregnancy into account during treatment and know which acupuncture points can and cannot be treated during the different stages of pregnancy.
I take medication. Do I need to stop taking it when I start acupuncture?
No. Never stop taking medication on your own initiative when you start acupuncture. Initially, you should continue taking your medication as prescribed.
If your symptoms improve, you can discuss with the doctor who prescribed your medication whether it is possible and medically appropriate to reduce the dosage or, if applicable, stop taking the medication.
Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
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Should I tell my GP that I am receiving acupuncture treatment?
You can let your GP know that you are receiving acupuncture treatment, but you are not required to do so. It can be helpful, however, for your GP to be aware of the different treatments you are receiving.