Frequently Asked Questions

At Gleamy Acupuncture Centre, we believe informed patients experience the greatest benefits from acupuncture. This FAQ page addresses the most common questions we receive — from what to expect during your first session to how acupuncture promotes natural healing.

Whether you are seeking relief from pain, stress, or a chronic condition, these answers will help you feel confident and prepared. If you do not find what you are looking for, we are always happy to provide personalised guidance.

Explore the questions below to begin your journey toward wellness.


Acupuncture FAQs

  • What conditions can acupuncture treat?
  • Acupuncture is recognised by the WHO for pain relief, stress management, digestive issues, insomnia, and chronic conditions like arthritis or migraines. We will assess your specific needs during consultation.

  • Does acupuncture hurt?
  • Most patients feel minimal discomfort—often just a tiny prick or dull ache. Needles are hair-thin (about 10x thinner than standard medical needles).

  • How many sessions will I need?
    • Acute issues: 4–6 sessions.
    • Chronic conditions: 8–12+ sessions (individualized plans).

    Improvements often begin within 3 - 4 visits.

  • What should I do to prepare?
    • Wear loose clothing.
    • Avoid caffeine or heavy meals 1–2 hours prior.
    • Bring any relevant medical reports.

  • Are the needles sterile?
  • Yes. We use single-use, disposable needles and adhere to strict hygiene protocols.

  • What might I feel during treatment?
    • Common sensations: Warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation.
    • After effects: Light fatigue or euphoria (both normal).

  • Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?
  • Absolutely. Acupuncture complements physiotherapy, massage, and herbal medicine. Inform us about all current therapies.

  • Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
  • Yes, with modified point selection. Always inform us if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive.

  • Do you accept insurance?
  • Many extended health plans cover acupuncture, please ask your insurance company. We provide receipts for reimbursement.

  • Why choose your clinic?
  • Our practitioners blend classical techniques with modern research, tailoring each session to your unique needs.

Have More Questions? Book an appointment now to discuss your concerns.


Herbal Granules FAQs

  • How do I prepare herbal granules?
  • Please refer to the Herbal Formulas page for detailed instructions.

  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Never double the dose.

  • Can I mix granules with food or drinks?
  • Preferred: Warm water or herbal tea.

    Avoid: Cold water, coffee, dairy, or alcohol (may reduce effectiveness).

  • Why do they taste bitter?
  • Herbal granules taste bitter because they contain concentrated bioactive compounds (like alkaloids and glycosides) from the raw herbs, which often have inherent bitterness for therapeutic effects — such as detoxifying or digestion support. The extraction process intensifies these flavours, and since granules are rarely sweetened, the natural bitterness remains pronounced. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this bitterness is often intentional, as it is linked to cooling, purging, or drying actions in the body.

    To reduce the bitterness of herbal granules, try mixing them with honey or warm water to dilute the strong taste, or chase them with a mild tea to counteract the flavour. Another trick is to pinch your nose while drinking, since bitterness is closely tied to smell—blocking your nostrils can help minimize the harsh taste. These simple methods make taking bitter herbs more tolerable while preserving their therapeutic benefits.

  • How should I store granules?
  • Keep in a cool, dry place (no refrigeration unless specified). Seal bulk containers tightly.

  • Are there any precautions or side effects I should know about?
  • Mild adjustments (e.g., slight bloating) are normal. Stop and contact us if you experience rashes, severe nausea, or dizziness. For details, please visit our Herbal Safety Guide here.

  • Why does your clinic use granules instead of raw herbs?
  • Based on extensive clinical experience, we have found that granules deliver optimal therapeutic efficacy while maintaining modern convenience—easily dissolved in water for rapid absorption and consistent results.


Need Personalised Advice? Contact us anytime — we are happy to help optimise your herbal regimen.