Frequently Asked Questions...
Are you a registered practitioner? Paul Johnson is a fully qualified acupuncturist (Licentiate In Acupuncture - LicAc) and herbalist (Licentiate in Oriental Herbal Medicine - LicOHM). He belongs to the regulatory bodies for these professions – he is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC) and the Register for Chinese Herbal Medicine (MRCHM). Members of these bodies uphold a strict code of ethics and accountability. He has been working full-time in Chinese Medicine for over ten years and has treated hundreds of people.
Paul is also registered with Waverly Borough Council – Certificates of Registration numbers 125 (practitioner) and 126 (premises).
Is acupuncture safe? Yes. As long as you are being treated by a practitioner who is a member of the British Acupuncture Council, you can be sure that your therapist has completed a thorough training in Traditional Acupuncture and appropriate Western Medical Sciences. Look for the letters MBAcC after a practitioner’s name. Paul is a member of the BAcC.
Does acupuncture hurt? No. Acupuncture needles are so fine that the prick of the needle as it goes through the skin is barely felt. As the needle begins to affect the Qi (energy) of the body an unusual sensation may be felt – like numbness or a tingling sensation.
Will I need to get completely undressed? No. You will only need to expose certain parts of your body. If you are suffering from a problem like sciatica, then of course you will need to remove your trousers or skirt for treatment but your underwear will always stay on and you will be covered by drapes so that only the part of the body to be worked on will be visible.
It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes when coming for treatment.
How many treatments will I need? The number of treatments you require will depend on many factors such as whether your condition is acute or chronic, and how healthy you are as a whole. A typical course of treatment lasts six sessions. You should expect to feel some relief from your problem within two to three treatments. Click on the
Testimonials button on the left to read about peoples' experiences of treatments with Paul.
Do I need to be ill to have acupuncture? Not at all! Traditionally, many people have used acupuncture as a form of preventative medicine. Feeling well is so much more than just not being ill. Good health is a reflection of your attitude to life and your sense of well-being. Keeping healthy in the modern world can be a challenge; this ancient system holds many of the answers.
Do I need to do anything before treatment? Not really, but please do not arrive very hungry or inebriated! If it is your first visit, please be sure to bring a list of the medication you are taking, and remember to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Will I need to do anything after treatment? Acupuncture affects different people in different ways. Some people get tired after treatment, especially if they have not had acupuncture before.
Please note that it is advisable to not drink any alcohol on the same day that you have treatment. Acupuncture is a very subtle treatment, and the affect of alcohol may negate the efficacy of the treatment. This applies just to the day of treatment – taking alcohol on the day before or after is completely OK. Please do not book an appointment on a day when you are intending to drink alcohol afterwards.
Can I have acupuncture if I'm pregnant? Absolutely! If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, please make sure that the acupuncturist knows as some acupuncture points are contra-indicated in pregnancy. Acupuncture is a fantastic replacement for drug therapy in pregnancy, and Paul has dealt with problems such as morning sickness, hyperemisis gravidarum, sciatica, anxiety, and breathlessness.
May I pay by credit card? Sorry, cash or cheque only. Receipts are available on request.
Is the cost of treatment covered by my private health insurance? Possibly – please check with your health provider, as individual schemes have different terms and conditions.
Can acupuncture help me give up smoking? Yes, but only if you really want to. Acupuncture can help with the physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. However, it cannot give smoking up for you – only you can!
Is Chinese Herbal Medicine safe? Chinese Herbal Medicine is completely safe when prescribed properly by a fully qualified practitioner. Herbalists have an unbroken tradition dating back over thousands of years, and great emphasis has always been placed on making sure that treatments are safe and effective. Given these safeguards, serious adverse reactions are extremely rare occurrences. Make sure that you only accept Chinese herbs from a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine, such as Paul.
Animal parts and endangered species are not prescribed.
Can I take Chinese Herbal Medicine alongside the drugs prescribed by my Doctor? This will depend on what medication you are taking, and what you are taking it for.
Will I need to come with a medical diagnosis of my problem? No. If you have a medical diagnosis, that could possibly be helpful, but it is not necessary. Under some circumstances you may be advised to speak to a doctor after your treatment, for example if diabetes is suspected.
Does my Doctor need to know I am having treatment? No, this is not essential, although it is always helpful to let your GP know that you are having acupuncture.
Will you be able to help me cut down on my medication? Possibly. This will depend very much what you are taking, and what you are taking it for. This will only be done in consultation with your GP, who must agree to the reduction.
Is it safe to have acupuncture or take herbs before an operation? Acupuncture and herbs are safe before an operation, but under some circumstances it would be best to avoid certain herbal formulas before an operation
Are my treatments confidential? Absolutely. Your treatment will be completely confidential. Your employer, the police or your GP have no right to this information without a warrant. If you move elsewhere in the country and wish to visit another Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) practitioner, then your file may be transferred, but only with your permission.
Can children have acupuncture? Children’s energy is very volatile and they can respond very quickly to treatment. As a rule, it is best not to use acupuncture on children under seven years of age. Some childhood conditions such as infantile eczema respond very well to herbal washes that can be added to their daily bath.
Young adults up to the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Can you use acupuncture to treat my pet? Acupuncture can be used to treat animals. The fact that they respond so well to treatment proves that there is more to acupuncture than just a placebo affect! However, this is specialist area. Acupuncturists may not treat animal unless they are a vet or have a vet present at the treatment.
Can you recommend a practitioner in central London? I can recommend Deborah Green, who has a practice in Islington. To see Debbie's website, please
click here.
Surrey Acupuncture - bringing the wisdom of
ancient China to modern England.
