Frequently Asked Questions Acupuncture by Nurse Jennie
Welcome to our comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions page. Here, you will find detailed information about medical acupuncture, our nurse-led clinical approach in Skipton, safety standards, booking procedures, and what to expect before, during, and after your treatment.
✓ Registered General Nurse (RGN)
✓ NMC Registered (09F0281E)
✓ BMAS Registered Practitioner
✓ 20 years of NHS Healthcare Experience
✓ Specialist Interest in Women's Health & Wellbeing
General Questions and Medical Acupuncture Overview
What is medical acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture is an evidence-informed clinical treatment that involves the insertion of fine, single-use sterile needles into specific body sites. Unlike traditional systems of acupuncture, medical acupuncture is practiced within a contemporary healthcare framework. It integrates modern understandings of neuroanatomy, physiology, muscle mechanics, and clinical research to manage pain, reduce muscle tension, and support physical recovery.
How does medical acupuncture differ from traditional Chinese acupuncture?
While both approaches use acupuncture needles, their underlying philosophy and diagnostic frameworks differ significantly:
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture: Rooted in traditional philosophies, focusing on concepts such as energy pathways (meridians), balance, and Qi.
Medical Acupuncture: Grounded in western medical science, human anatomy, and neurophysiology. Needle points are selected following a clinical assessment to target specific nerves, muscle motor points, trigger points, and connective tissue. It is practiced primarily by regulated healthcare professionals (such as Registered Nurses and doctors) as a complementary treatment alongside standard medical care.
How does medical acupuncture actually work in the body?
Medical acupuncture works primarily by stimulating the nervous system:
Pain Relief Signal Control: Needle stimulation sends nerve signals to the spinal cord and brain, triggering the release of naturally occurring pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin.
Muscle Relaxation: Inserting needles into hypertonic (tight) muscle tissue or trigger points helps interrupt sustained muscle contraction, promoting muscle relaxation and local blood circulation.
Local Tissue Response: Micro-stimulation increases localised blood flow, which delivers oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to surrounding tissue to support natural recovery processes.
Is medical acupuncture supported by clinical research?
Yes. A growing body of clinical research and systematic reviews supports the use of medical acupuncture for various musculoskeletal conditions, tension-type headaches, and chronic pain management. Organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) acknowledge acupuncture within evidence-based guidelines for specific chronic pain conditions and headaches.
Practitioner Qualifications and Clinical Governance
Who provides the treatments at this clinic?
All consultations and acupuncture treatments are provided personally by Jennie Hardy, a Registered General Nurse (RGN) with advanced post-graduate clinical training in medical acupuncture.
What qualifications and registrations does Nurse Jennie hold?
Registered General Nurse (RGN): Fully registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC PIN: 09F0281E). As a registered nurse, Jennie is bound by strict professional standards, codes of conduct, patient safety protocols, and ongoing professional development requirements.
BMAS Trained: Trained through the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS), the UK’s leading professional body dedicated to the clinical practice and promotion of evidence-informed medical acupuncture by regulated healthcare professionals.
What are the advantages of receiving acupuncture from a Registered Nurse?
Receiving care from a Registered Nurse ensures your treatment is embedded in a professional healthcare framework:
Comprehensive Clinical Screening: A nurse possesses the training to review complex health histories, understand prescription medications, and evaluate underlying medical conditions.
Patient Safety & Red Flags: Trained to recognise "red flag" symptoms that may require urgent medical investigation rather than acupuncture.
Hygiene & Infection Control: Strict adherence to clinical sanitation, aseptic technique, and single-use equipment standards.
Ethical, Honest Guidance: Care is delivered with patient consent, total confidentiality, and clear communication regarding realistic clinical expectations.
Jennie Hardy, Registered Nurse and Acupuncturist
Treatment Scope and Clinical Applications
What conditions can medical acupuncture help manage?
Following a thorough individual assessment, medical acupuncture may be used as part of a management plan for:
Musculoskeletal Pain: Persistent low back pain, cervical spine (neck) stiffness, shoulder pain, hip and knee joint discomfort, osteoarthritis-related pain, and sciatica.
Headaches: Tension-type headaches and complementary support for migraine management.
Women’s Health: Complementary support during hormonal changes, pelvic discomfort, menstrual health, perimenopause, and menopause.
Physical Recovery & Sports Support: Relief of muscle tension, sports injury rehabilitation, and physical recovery following strenuous activity.
General Wellbeing: Promoting physical relaxation and easing persistent muscular stiffness.
Can medical acupuncture cure my underlying condition?
No. Medical acupuncture is a therapeutic intervention designed to help manage symptoms, reduce pain, relieve muscle tension, and support your body’s natural recovery processes. It is a complementary approach and is not presented as a "cure" for structural or progressive health conditions.
Can medical acupuncture help with stress and tension?
Yes. Muscle tension and physical stress often manifest in specific areas of the body, such as the shoulders, neck, and lower back. By targeting hypertonic muscles and stimulating parasympathetic nerve pathways, acupuncture can help promote a deep state of physical relaxation and ease body tension.
The Clinic at The Glam Studio, 73 Keighley Road, Skipton, BD23 2LX
Safety, Hygiene and Side Effects
Is medical acupuncture safe?
Medical acupuncture is generally considered very safe when performed by a qualified, regulated healthcare professional. Because Nurse Jennie operates within strict professional nursing standards, every precaution is taken to ensure your safety.
What hygiene protocols are followed?
Single-Use Needles: Only brand-new, pre-sterilised, single-use disposable needles are used. Needles are opened in front of you and immediately safely disposed of in a clinical sharps container after removal.
Clean Clinical Environment: The clinical room, couch, and equipment undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection between every patient.
Hand Hygiene & Aseptic Technique: Strict hand sanitisation and clean needle techniques are enforced throughout every session.
Does medical acupuncture hurt?
Most people experience minimal discomfort. Medical acupuncture needles are extremely fine, much thinner than standard hypodermic needles used for blood tests or injections.
Insertion: You may feel a slight pinprick or scratch as the needle enters the skin.
Deqi sensation: Once the needle reaches the targeted muscle tissue or point, you may feel a mild, dull ache, tingling, warmth, or a heavy sensation. This is a normal neurophysiological response known as Deqi and indicates that the nerve or tissue is responding to stimulation.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects from medical acupuncture are typically mild and transient. Possible minor side effects include:
Minor Bleeding or Bruising: Occasional tiny spots of blood or localised bruising where a needle was inserted.
Mild Soreness: A slight muscular ache around the insertion points for 24–48 hours after treatment, similar to post-exercise soreness.
Lightheadedness or Fatigue: Feeling very relaxed, sleepy, or temporarily lightheaded after a session.
Temporary Symptom Flare: Occasionally, symptoms may briefly intensify for 12–24 hours before improving.
Who should NOT have medical acupuncture (Contraindications)?
While medical acupuncture is suitable for most adults, certain conditions require caution or modified techniques:
Bleeding Disorders or Anticoagulants: If you have severe bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medications (e.g., Warfarin), treatment plans will be carefully adapted using fine needles and shallow insertions.
Needle Phobia: Severe, unmanageable needle phobia may make treatment unsuitable, though mild nervousness can often be accommodated with gentle reassurance and pacing.
Active Skin Infections: Needles will never be inserted through broken, inflamed, or infected skin.
Systemic Illness: Treatment may be postponed if you are acutely unwell with a high fever or active infection.
What to Expect During Your Visits
What happens during the initial consultation and assessment?
Your first appointment is a comprehensive assessment lasting approximately 45–60 minutes:
Health History Review: We review your full medical history, pre-existing conditions, past surgeries, and current prescription medications.
Symptom Evaluation: A detailed discussion of your specific complaint, lifestyle factors, pain levels, and personal treatment goals.
Physical Assessment: Where appropriate, a physical examination of the affected joints, range of movement, and muscle palpation to locate trigger points.
Treatment Plan & Informed Consent: Nurse Jennie will explain whether medical acupuncture is appropriate for you, outline the proposed approach, address any questions, and obtain your written informed consent.
First Treatment: If clinically indicated and agreed upon, your initial acupuncture treatment is usually carried out during this session.
How should I prepare for my acupuncture appointment?
Eat a Light Meal: Have a light meal or snack within 1–2 hours of your session. Avoid receiving acupuncture on a completely empty stomach to prevent feeling lightheaded.
Avoid Alcohol & Heavy Caffeine: Do not drink alcohol or excessive caffeine immediately before your appointment.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can easily be rolled up or moved to allow access to areas like knees, lower legs, shoulders, or back.
Bring Medication Details: Bring a list of any current prescription or over-the-counter medications you take.
What happens during a needle treatment session?
After discussing your current state and obtaining consent:
You will be made comfortable on the clinical treatment couch (lying down or comfortably seated).
The target areas of skin are checked.
Ultra-fine sterile needles are gently inserted into selected points.
The needles are typically left in place for 15 to 30 minutes while you rest quietly.
Nurse Jennie may gently manipulate or rotate the needles during the session to optimise the response.
Needles are gently removed and disposed of safely.
How will I feel after the treatment?
Many people feel deeply relaxed, calm, or slightly tired following a session. Some experience immediate relief or a reduction in muscle tension, while for others, the response develops over several hours or days. You are advised to take things easy for an hour or two after your session, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous exercise immediately following treatment.
Treatment Frequency and Integration with NHS Care
How many sessions will I need?
Because every individual and condition is unique, treatment plans are tailored specifically to you.
Initial Response Trial: We typically recommend an initial trial course of 4 to 6 sessions (usually spaced weekly or fortnightly) to evaluate how your body responds.
Acute Conditions: Recent muscle strains or mild tension may resolve within 2 to 4 sessions.
Chronic Conditions: Long-standing back pain, joint discomfort, or recurring headaches may benefit from a broader initial course followed by periodic maintenance sessions (e.g., once every 4–8 weeks) if helpful.
Review: Progress is continuously evaluated. If you experience no beneficial response after 3–4 sessions, treatment will be reviewed or discontinued.
Do I need a GP referral to book an appointment?
No. You do not need a referral from your General Practitioner or hospital consultant to book an appointment at Acupuncture by Nurse Jennie. You can self-refer and schedule directly.
Can medical acupuncture be used alongside my NHS care or medications?
Yes. Medical acupuncture is designed to complement standard medical care, physical therapy, and prescribed medications. It is not intended to replace formal diagnostic evaluations, doctor’s appointments, or medical treatments.
What happens if Nurse Jennie identifies a concern during my assessment?
If your clinical assessment reveals symptoms that require further primary medical evaluation, diagnostic imaging (such as X-rays or MRI scans), or alternative specialist care, Nurse Jennie will clearly explain this to you and advise you to consult your GP or an appropriate healthcare provider.
Location, Booking and Clinic Information
Where is the clinic located?
The clinic is based in Skipton, North Yorkshire, offering a professional, hygienic clinical setting.
Which areas do you serve?
Patients travel to the Skipton clinic from across Craven, the Yorkshire Dales, and surrounding regions, including:
Skipton
Gargrave & Settle
Ilkley & Addingham
Keighley, Cross Hills & Airedale
Surrounding villages in Wharfedale and North/West Yorkshire
How do I book an appointment?
You can book your initial consultation and assessment by visiting our website at acupuncturebynursejennie.co.uk or contacting the clinic directly via email or telephone.
Clinical Safety & Medical Disclaimer
Medical acupuncture is an evidence-informed complementary therapy. It is provided as part of an individual management plan following a comprehensive nursing assessment. It is not intended to replace formal medical diagnosis, primary healthcare, or treatment from your General Practitioner (GP) or medical specialist. If you are experiencing unexplained, severe, or worsening medical symptoms, please seek prompt medical advice from your doctor or NHS 111.
Contact
Phone
Asclepieia Hypnotherapy and Wellness Ltd (Company number 17167132), trading as Acupuncture by Nurse Jennie © 2026. All rights reserved.
Clinic Address
Acupuncture by Nurse Jennie
The Glam Studio, 73 Keighley Road
Skipton, BD23 2LX