Frequently asked questions

Many people experience relief or recovery from their complaints through acupuncture and herbal medicine. On this page you will find an overview of conditions and ailments that are often successfully treated.

Acupuncture, as we know it today, has its origins in the thousands of years old Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is a treatment method in which specific acupuncture points are stimulated with very thin needles.

By needling these points, the body's self-healing capacity is activated. In this way a wide range of physiological functions can be balanced and improved. This is why acupuncture is suitable for treating a broad range of complaints, both physical and mental/emotional.

Acupuncture stimulates the body's self-healing capacity and has a positive effect on functions, tissues and systems. This is why it can be used for a wide range of complaints.

From the perspective of Western medicine we know that acupuncture has a regulating effect on the nervous system, connective tissue, blood circulation and metabolism. Among other things it influences oxygen transport, hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients, all crucial for good health.

One of the most important aspects that acupuncture has a positive influence on is blood circulation. Reduced circulation in a particular area always means reduced function.

Good blood circulation is essential, because almost everything your body needs to heal is present in the blood, such as:

• Natural painkillers
• Hormones
• Nutrients
• Oxygen
• Immune cells

In terms of Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a therapy in which we restore the free flow of 'Qi'. Qi has many meanings and can mean something different in each context. In Chinese medicine it means function or substance. For example, a function of Stomach and Spleen Qi (this includes the pancreas) is to digest food well, or a function of Lung Qi is to be able to breathe well and freely. With Qi as a substance you can think of, among other things, nutrients, oxygen or hormones.

The entire physiology of the body depends on the free flow of this Qi in the organs and 'channels'.

A channel (sometimes incorrectly translated as meridian) is an anatomical region on the body that is named after an organ such as the stomach, liver, kidney, etc. By needling certain spots on, for example, the Stomach channel with acupuncture needles, we can restore the functions of the Stomach or the functions of the tissue along this channel. The course of the channels corresponds to that of the major nerve pathways and the distribution of fascial connective tissue.

Acupuncture for pain complaints

Acupuncture's reputation in the West is mainly due to the positive effect it has on pain complaints. In addition to improved blood circulation, acupuncture also causes pain-relieving substances to be produced. For this reason a reduction in pain is often already noticeable after the first treatment. The combination of pain-relieving substances and improved blood circulation ensures that the pain decreases and that the area can recover more quickly.

After acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine is the most used therapy within TCM. In it, all parts of a plant can be used to treat specific imbalances and complaints: roots, fruits, leaves, seeds, bark and even twigs. In the West, for instance, we know ginger root, goji berries, mint leaves, fennel seed, cinnamon bark and cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi).

Traditionally in China people often worked with bags of dried herbs that you had to boil at home each day into a decoction. This had the disadvantage that it took a lot of time, gave off a strong smell and often tasted bitter or unpleasant. In modern practice we therefore usually work with powders or tablets. These are more practical to use, easier to dose and a good deal more pleasant in taste.

An important characteristic of Chinese herbal medicine is that rarely just one herb is used. Usually a herbal formula is composed: a combination of different herbs that strengthen each other, balance and prevent side effects. This formula is tailored to your complaints and constitution.

Combination with acupuncture

Herbs are particularly effective to combine with acupuncture, because both therapies can work on the same complaints, but via a different route:

• Acupuncture sets the body's self-healing capacity in motion, but “there is nothing in the needle”.
• Herbs, on the other hand, add something: they contain active substances that directly nourish or regulate your body.

For example:

• In the case of a blood deficiency, acupuncture can stimulate your body to absorb nutrients better and optimise blood production. Herbs can support this process directly by actually nourishing the blood with blood-building ingredients.
• In the case of a bladder infection, acupuncture can regulate the resistance and flow in the bladder, while herbs with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties directly promote recovery.

In this way acupuncture and herbal medicine complement each other: acupuncture supports and regulates, while herbs often have a more direct, nourishing or cleansing effect. Together they form a powerful duo that in many cases gives the best result.

No, you do not need a referral for acupuncture treatments. You can come to me directly.

Yes, the positive effect of acupuncture on health has already been proven by thousands of studies. The World Health Organisation has compiled a list of health complaints for which it has been scientifically proven that acupuncture has a positive influence. You can find this list under treatments.

This depends on your policy. If you have supplementary insurance, the treatments are fully or partially reimbursed by most insurers. For more information, go to rates and reimbursements.

During the first consultation the acupuncturist needs to make a diagnosis. By asking questions, looking at the tongue and feeling the pulse, he can form a picture of the nature and cause of the complaint. Based on his findings he can then propose a treatment plan to the patient. After the consultation a treatment follows immediately. In total this takes about 75 minutes.

At each follow-up appointment we first discuss the progress of the treatments and then the treatment itself follows. In total this takes 45 to 60 minutes.

The number of treatments differs per person and per complaint. On average 5 to 10 sessions are needed to achieve a clear improvement or to relieve complaints considerably. Some people already experience results after a few treatments, while for others a longer period of weeks to months may be needed.

This depends, among other things, on the nature, severity and duration of the complaint, but also on factors such as nutrition, work, sleep and stress. Acute complaints often recover faster, while chronic complaints usually require more treatments.

In the initial phase it is usually most effective to treat weekly, so that the effect can build up step by step. When complaints improve, the frequency can often be reduced.

Some examples:

• Chronic intestinal complaints (such as ulcerative colitis): often 10 to 20 treatments needed to achieve a significant difference. After that, regular maintenance (for example once a month or a few times a year) is often worthwhile to maintain the result.
• Cycle-related complaints (irregular cycle, a lot of pain, heavy bleeding, clots or PMS): count on at least 3 cycles of weekly treatment. Each phase of the cycle is supported with acupuncture and possibly herbs, in order to restore balance as quickly as possible.
• Acute complaints (such as flu or a cold, a cold sore or a bladder infection): often a small number of treatments is already enough to promote recovery.

During the intake interview we discuss together how many treatments are likely needed in your situation and which treatment plan suits you best.

This differs per person and per complaint. Some people already experience a clear improvement after one or a few treatments, while for others a longer course is needed. Factors such as the severity and duration of the complaint, lifestyle (nutrition, sleep, stress and exercise) and the type of complaint play an important role in this.

In general: the more acute the complaint, the quicker the recovery. With chronic or more complex complaints, more time and repetition is often needed to bring the body back into balance. In the initial phase of treatment, weekly treatment is usually most effective, so that the effects can build up and stabilise.

• On the day of your treatment, preferably do not brush your tongue.
• Avoid foods that can affect the colour of your tongue, such as liquorice or coffee.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can easily roll up at your arms and legs.
• Bring a list of any medication you are taking.

This differs slightly per person. One person has a higher pain threshold than another. In general people find it virtually painless and even relaxing. It is therefore not unusual for people to fall asleep during the treatment.

You may pay after the treatment. This can be done in cash or via a payment request. You will be emailed the invoice straight away. You need to submit this yourself to your health insurer if you are entitled to reimbursement.

If you are dissatisfied with my services, you can always contact me. I will do my utmost to resolve your dissatisfaction. Should it not be possible to reach a solution, you can reach the contact person of my professional association, the LVNT, via their website: LVNT Klachten. For disputes I am affiliated with the professional disputes committee SCAG. In addition, for disciplinary law I am affiliated via the RBCZ with the TCZ.