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).

Yes. As long as you are being treated by a practitioner who is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), 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 MBAcC.

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.

No. You will only need to expose certain parts of your body, typically your forearms and lower legs. If you need to remove any items of clothing for treatment 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.

The number of sessions you require will depend on many factors including 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 sessions. Click on the Testimonials button on the left to read about peoples' experiences with Paul.

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.

Not really, but please do not arrive very hungry or after a glass or two of wine! 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.

Acupuncture affects different people in different ways. Some people get tired after acupuncture, especially if they have not had it 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.

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. Paul has treated many women during pregnancy. Feel free to ask him about his experience.

Possibly – please check with your health provider, as individual schemes have different terms and conditions.

Acupuncture can help with the physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. However, it cannot give smoking up for you – only you can!

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 plant species are not prescribed.

This will depend on what medication you are taking, and what you are taking it for. Paul will be able to advise you on this.

No, this is not essential, although it is always helpful to let your GP know that you are having acupuncture. If you have a specific medical condition, I will make sure that you have taken the appropriate Western medical advice.

Acupuncture and herbs are safe before an operation, but under some circumstances it would be best to avoid certain herbal formula.

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.

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.
Young adults up to the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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.