FAQ
Here you can find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about acupuncture, treatments, appointments and what to expect when you visit my practice.
Is acupuncture painful?
One of the most common concerns people have when they first consider acupuncture is whether the needles will hurt. It is completely natural to feel a little cautious about a treatment involving needles.
The acupuncture needles I use are extremely fine — much thinner than the needles used for injections. When the needle is inserted, you may feel a brief prick or a mild sensation, but acupuncture should not be painful.
During treatment, you may experience sensations such as a gentle dull ache, tingling, heaviness, warmth or a feeling of relaxation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, some of these sensations are referred to as deqi. You may also notice that your muscles relax, that you feel sleepy, or that you become very calm.
Everyone experiences acupuncture differently. I will always make sure you are comfortable during your treatment, and you can let me know at any time if a sensation feels uncomfortable.
What conditions do you treat? Can you help me with my particular issue?
I see people with a wide variety of health concerns, and every person is different. Rather than treating a disease or a set of symptoms in isolation, Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the individual as a whole and considers the patterns that may be contributing to their health concerns.
People often come to me with a particular issue they would like help with, such as pain, stress, sleep difficulties, digestive concerns, women's health or fertility. Others come because they would like to support their overall wellbeing, improve their resilience or take a more preventive approach to their health.
During your first consultation, we will discuss your health, lifestyle and concerns in detail. Based on this, I will assess whether acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches are appropriate for you and suggest a personalised treatment plan.
If you are unsure whether I can help with your particular concern, please feel free to contact me. We can discuss your situation and whether my approach may be suitable for you.
Do I need to have a problem to receive acupuncture?
Not at all. You do not need to have a specific health problem to come for acupuncture.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, prevention and maintaining balance are important parts of healthcare. Some people choose acupuncture when they are feeling well and simply want to take time to care for their health and wellbeing. Others come during periods of increased stress, tiredness or change in their lives, when they feel they need some extra support.
Acupuncture can also be a deeply relaxing experience. For some people, taking time away from their busy everyday lives to lie down, slow down and receive treatment is valuable in itself.
You can think of acupuncture as an opportunity to pause, reconnect with yourself and give your body and mind some loving attention.
What should I expect from the first consultation and treatment?
Before your first visit, I ask you to complete an inquiry questionnaire and send it to me by email. During your first consultation, we will go through the information you have provided and discuss your health concerns, lifestyle and treatment goals in more detail.
I may ask about areas such as your digestion, sleep, energy levels, diet, exercise, emotions, menstrual cycle, pain and stress. As part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation, I will also take your pulse and look at your tongue. This helps me build a more complete picture of your individual health patterns.
After the consultation, I will select the treatment approach that I consider most appropriate for you. This may include acupuncture, electroacupuncture, ear acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, or TDP mineral lamp therapy. Your treatment is personalised and may be adapted according to how you respond.
Depending on your individual needs, I may also suggest simple practices you can continue at home. These could include dietary or lifestyle recommendations, breathing or meditation practices, gentle qigong or yoga exercises, or other supportive suggestions.
My aim is for your first visit to be a space where we can take the time to understand what you need and begin creating a treatment approach that is appropriate for you.
How many treatments do I need?
The number and frequency of treatments will vary from person to person, depending on your individual needs, health concerns and how you respond to treatment.
During your first consultation, we will discuss your situation and consider an appropriate treatment approach. Depending on your needs, I may recommend one or two visits per week initially. As your treatment progresses, we will review how you are responding and adjust the frequency accordingly.
Some people notice changes relatively quickly, while for others, a longer period of regular treatment may be appropriate. My aim is to support you in a way that is realistic and sustainable for you.
It is also worth remembering that health concerns often develop over time. Meaningful and lasting change can therefore take time, patience and consistency.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is generally considered to be a safe treatment when it is practised by a properly trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles and appropriate hygiene procedures.
The acupuncture needles I use are extremely fine, sterile and single-use. They come from quality-assured manufacturers and are disposed of safely after each treatment.
As a trained acupuncturist, I have completed four years of studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Shenzhou Open University of TCM in Amsterdam, including acupuncture, Foundations of Western Medicine and an apprenticeship with TCM practitioners. In 2025 and 2026, I completed internships at TCM hospitals in Hangzhou and Chongqing, China, where I gained further insight into the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine in a hospital setting.
I continue to develop my knowledge and skills through regular seminars and professional continuing education in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. I am also a member of Zhong, the Dutch association for Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Before treatment, I will ask about your health and any relevant medical conditions or medication so that I can consider whether acupuncture and other TCM techniques are appropriate for you. Your safety and comfort are always important parts of the treatment.
Does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture can be helpful for a range of health concerns, but the way people respond to treatment varies. Some people notice changes after only a few treatments, while for others, the process takes more time and regular treatment.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, treatment is based on understanding the individual and the patterns that may be contributing to their health concerns. This means that two people with similar symptoms may receive quite different treatments.
Acupuncture has also been studied scientifically. Evidence suggests that acupuncture may be helpful for certain types of pain and for some other health concerns, although the strength of the evidence varies depending on the condition.
In my practice, I do not promise a particular outcome. Instead, I assess your individual situation, monitor how you respond to treatment and adapt the treatment approach when needed.
If you are curious about whether acupuncture may be appropriate for your particular concern, you are welcome to contact me and we can discuss your situation.
Is it okay to have acupuncture during menstruation?
Yes, in most cases it is perfectly fine to have acupuncture while you are menstruating.
Acupuncture can be adapted to the different phases of your menstrual cycle and may be used to support concerns such as menstrual pain, cramps, heavy bleeding, mood changes or other menstrual symptoms.
As with any treatment, I will consider your individual health and how you are feeling on the day. If you are experiencing particularly heavy bleeding, feeling weak or unwell, or have any concerns, please let me know before your treatment so I can take this into account.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Acupuncture can be used during pregnancy when it is provided by a properly trained practitioner and the treatment is adapted to the individual pregnancy. As with any treatment during pregnancy, it is important to take your individual health and circumstances into account.
Acupuncture is sometimes used during pregnancy to support common concerns such as nausea, fatigue, back and pelvic discomfort, stress, sleep difficulties and other pregnancy-related symptoms. Treatment may be adapted throughout the different stages of pregnancy according to your needs.
I use pregnancy-appropriate acupuncture techniques and take particular care when selecting acupuncture points during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, please let me know before your appointment so that I can take this into account when planning your treatment.
Acupuncture can also be used during the post-partum period to support your recovery and wellbeing. I can also offer guidance on diet, lifestyle and self-care based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or a medical condition requiring specialist care, please discuss acupuncture with your midwife or doctor as well.
What are possible side effects of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe when performed by a properly trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. However, as with any treatment, some mild side effects can occur.
You may experience:
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Mild soreness, tenderness or bruising around a needle site. This usually settles within a short time.
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A small amount of bleeding when a needle is removed. This is usually minor and stops quickly.
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Temporary dizziness or light-headedness, particularly if you are tired, have not eaten enough, or are sensitive to acupuncture.
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Tiredness or drowsiness after treatment. Some people feel deeply relaxed and may prefer to take things a little more slowly afterwards.
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Some people may feel light-headed or a little “floaty” during or shortly after acupuncture. This is usually temporary. It can happen when you relax deeply, if you have not eaten enough beforehand, or when you stand up too quickly after lying down.
If you feel light-headed, please let me know. I will make sure you are comfortable and give you time to sit or lie down until you feel better. Having something to eat before your appointment and taking a moment before standing up can also be helpful.
More serious complications, such as infection or injury to deeper tissues, are very rare when acupuncture is performed correctly with appropriate hygiene and technique.
Before treatment, please let me know if you take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, are pregnant, or have any other health condition that may be relevant. This allows me to adapt the treatment and take the appropriate precautions.
If you feel uncomfortable at any point during your treatment, please tell me. Your safety and comfort are always important.
Is there anything else I need to know before my acupuncture treatment?
It is a good idea to have something light to eat before your treatment rather than coming on an empty stomach. Staying well hydrated is also helpful, both before and after your appointment.
Please let me know if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or think you may be pregnant. I will take this into account when planning your treatment and select appropriate acupuncture points and techniques.
After acupuncture, you may feel deeply relaxed, calm or sleepy. Some people feel energised, while others prefer to take things a little more slowly for the rest of the day. Listen to your body and give yourself some time and space if you need it.
If possible, I recommend not scheduling anything too demanding immediately after your treatment. Give yourself a little time to transition back into your day.
Most importantly, listen to how you feel and give yourself what you need.