First consultations are longer than subsequent sessions because the general state of health is assessed and patterns of disharmony are determined. Time permiting, the first session will include treatment as well and so can last up to 60 minutes.

• Loose, comfortable clothing should be worn as there may be a need to access points on your torso as well as on your arms and legs.

• A heavy meal should be avoided before and after treatments but it's important not to take treatment on an empty stomach.

• As many people experience a deep state of relaxation during treatments, care must be taken if driving directly after treatment or when undertaking any kind of hazardous work.

The number of treatments required varies from person to person and depends on factors such as how long the problem has been around, how reactive the individual is to treatment, whether there are blockages and stagnations in the energy impeding progress (which need to be cleared first) and whether lifestyle or diet advice is followed.

Acupuncture needles are not like hyperdermic needles used for blood tests or injections. They are much smaller, finer and are solid rather than hollow. In properly trained hands, the insertion of a needle is hardly felt. A sensation can be felt when the needle 'contacts' the body's Qi and this sensation known as de qi is often described as a tingling or a dull ache or heaviness in the area where the needle is placed.

Safe treatment which can be used effectively along side other treatments. It is wise to inform your doctor you are having acupuncture, especially if you are on prescribed medication but it is not necessary to stop taking any medication.

Adjunct techniques may also be used as part of treatment such as moxibustion (moxa) which entails smouldering a herb known as Artemesia vulgaris, (more commonly known as mugwort) to warm and relax muscles, expel cold and/or move Qi. Use of this technique is dependent on the diagnosis.

Cupping is another technique where a vacuum is created inside glass or bamboo cups which are then placed quickly on the body. Built up tension in muscle and tissue is then released allowing pain and discomfort to ease. Cupping the back, moves Qi and can relieve congestion that can occur as a result of colds and flu.