Medical acupuncture in Eastbourne
Medical acupuncture uses fine needles inserted through the skin at selected points. It is one of the options Andy Duckmanton may discuss after assessing your symptoms and medical history. You can choose an appointment without acupuncture, and you can change your mind about a proposed treatment.
Deciding whether it is suitable
The first question is what is causing your symptoms and which approaches are supported for that problem. Acupuncture should have a clear purpose within an agreed plan. It is not a way to confirm a diagnosis, and it should not delay medical investigations or other appropriate treatment.
Recommendations differ between conditions. NICE advises against acupuncture for low back pain, with or without sciatica, and against acupuncture or dry needling for osteoarthritis. Separate NICE guidance says that a single course can be considered for chronic primary pain under specified conditions. Chronic primary pain is a particular clinical category; it does not mean every pain that has lasted a long time.
These distinctions matter when weighing up an offer of treatment. Ask what evidence applies to your own problem, what improvement is realistic and which alternatives are available. There is no guarantee that acupuncture will help an individual person.
What happens during an appointment
Andy will ask about your symptoms, general health and medicines and explain any proposed examination. If acupuncture is being considered, you can discuss where the needles would be placed, what you may feel, the risks and the alternatives before deciding.
A needle can produce a brief pinprick or an aching or heavy sensation. Tell Andy if it is painful, uncomfortable or makes you feel unwell. You do not need to tolerate a sensation you are unhappy with. Electro-acupuncture adds a small electrical current through the needles and needs its own suitability discussion.
Wear clothing that allows comfortable access to the relevant area. Any adjustment to clothing or exposure of skin should be discussed with you. Let Andy know if you are anxious about needles or would prefer another approach.
Information to share beforehand
Tell Andy about blood-thinning medicines, a bleeding disorder, previous fainting with needles, skin infection, metal allergy, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and any significant change in your health. Mention a pacemaker or another implanted electrical device, particularly if electro-acupuncture is proposed. Do not stop prescribed medicines in preparation for treatment unless your prescribing clinician advises it.
These details help decide whether needling is appropriate and whether additional precautions or another option are needed. Being suitable for ordinary acupuncture does not automatically make electro-acupuncture suitable.
Risks and after-effects
Possible effects include local soreness, minor bleeding or bruising, tiredness, nausea, faintness or a temporary increase in pain. Rare serious complications include infection and injury to deeper structures, including a punctured lung when needling near the chest. The relevant risks depend partly on the treatment area and your health.
New chest pain or breathlessness after acupuncture needs urgent medical assessment; call 999 if symptoms are severe. Seek prompt medical help for signs of infection or if you feel significantly unwell. If you feel drowsy or faint, do not drive until you have recovered.
An increase in pain is not evidence that a treatment is working. Unexpected, severe or persistent symptoms should be assessed.
Alternatives and reviewing progress
Depending on the problem, options may include advice, an exercise programme, physiotherapy, an appropriate hands-on approach, a discussion with a pharmacist or GP, or monitoring symptoms without a procedure. You can ask about the likely benefits, disadvantages and cost of each option.
Agree what would count as worthwhile improvement, such as sleeping more comfortably or managing a particular activity. Review that goal rather than continuing automatically because a course has begun. If there is no meaningful benefit, discuss changing or stopping treatment and whether another assessment is needed.
For appointment lengths, current fees and contact details, see Location and fees. The first-visit information explains preparation, consent and bringing someone with you.
Sources and further reading
NICE NG59 — low back pain and sciatica
NICE NG193 — chronic pain
NICE NG226 — osteoarthritis
UCLH — having acupuncture
Kent Community Health — acupuncture safety information