frequently asked questions about acupuncture

You might feel a slight pinch, tingling, or a dull, warm sensation when the needle is inserted, which usually fades within seconds. Many people describe the feeling as deep relaxation, or a gentle heaviness or warmth around the needle site — signs that the treatment is working.

In fact, many patients find the experience so soothing that they often fall asleep during their session. If any needle ever feels uncomfortable, your practitioner can adjust or remove it immediately. Your comfort and relaxation are always the top priority.

Charlotte is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and the Professional Standards Authority, which provides a quality mark for high standards of training, practice, and safety.

The number of acupuncture treatments you’ll need depends on several factors, including the nature of your condition, how long you’ve had it, your overall health, and how your body responds to treatment.

In general:

• Acute conditions (such as a recent injury, muscle strain, or short-term pain) often respond quickly, sometimes improving noticeably after 1–3 sessions.
• Chronic or long-standing conditions — such as arthritis, migraines, irregular menstrual cycles, digestive issues, or stress-related imbalances — typically benefit from a series of weekly treatments for around 4–6 sessions. After this initial phase, your progress will be reassessed and treatments may be spaced out as symptoms improve.
• Preventive or wellness care can be scheduled monthly or seasonally to maintain balance and support overall health.

Most patients begin to feel improvements after their first few visits, such as better sleep, reduced pain, or a sense of calm and balance.

Charlotte will design a personalised treatment plan based upon your goals, and these will be reviewed after your first three treatments to ensure you’re on the right track. There is no pressure to book a block of treatments — with many issues, weekly sessions are initially the most effective at reducing symptoms, but we are flexible and understand the time and financial commitments involved.

Following sessions have a much shorter consultation time and typically last about 1 hour. Many patients leave feeling calm, balanced, and refreshed.

After your session: Rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid intense exercise for a few hours to allow your body to fully absorb the treatment’s benefits.