Frequently Asked Questions

The needles used are extremely thin (0.2–0.3 mm) — much thinner than an injection needle. Most patients feel only a slight tingling or pressure sensation when the needle is inserted. Many find the treatment relaxing and even fall asleep during the session.

Occasionally a brief sensation is felt. This phenomenon is called Dé Qi and is actually a positive sign: it means the correct acupuncture point is being stimulated.

The first consultation lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes:

1. Intake and diagnosis: a thorough case history, pulse and tongue diagnosis to determine the TCM pattern
2. Treatment plan: based on the diagnosis, the acupuncturist draws up a personal treatment plan, including advice on nutrition and lifestyle
3. Needle treatment: thin, sterile needles are placed at specific acupuncture points
4. Rest period: the needles remain in place for approximately 20–30 minutes while you lie relaxed

Want to know more? Read how acupuncture works or schedule a free introductory consultation.

This varies by person and condition. As a guideline:

After the intake, the acupuncturist will discuss the expected treatment trajectory with you personally.

Acupuncture is a very safe treatment with minimal side effects. Occasionally a small bruise may appear at the needle site, which disappears within a few days. After a treatment you may feel extra relaxed or tired — this is a normal sign that the body is recovering.

The acupuncturist works exclusively with sterile disposable needles and follows the strict hygiene guidelines of the NVA.

No, that is not necessary. Acupuncture works on a physiological level — regardless of whether you believe in it. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises acupuncture as an effective treatment for more than 40 conditions. Trust in the treatment does, however, support the healing process positively.

Yes, acupuncture can be used alongside conventional medicine. It is important that you mention during the intake which medications you are taking. In consultation with your GP, medication can sometimes be reduced when acupuncture proves effective.

Read more about the combination of acupuncture and conventional medicine.

Yes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises acupuncture as an effective treatment for more than 40 conditions. Scientific research shows that acupuncture:

• Stimulates the production of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers)
• Reduces inflammatory responses by modulating the immune system
• Improves circulation and reduces muscle tension
• Regulates the autonomic nervous system, contributing to stress reduction

View the full indication list for an overview of treatable conditions.

Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of conditions. The most common treatments in our practice are:

View the full indication list for all treatable conditions.

Weight loss with acupuncture is certainly possible. The treatment combines body acupuncture with ear acupuncture and nutritional advice. Exercise is also important.

The treatment reduces hunger, making it easier to follow the dietary advice. After the first treatment it is possible to lose a few kilos. After that, an average of about one kilo per week is a healthy result. How quickly progress is made varies from person to person — losing weight too fast is unhealthy and can lead to a yo-yo effect.

Yes. Scientific research has shown that acupuncture is effective for hay fever and allergies. Acupuncture works even better preventively: for allergy symptoms starting in March, it is best to begin treatment in February.

Even if you suffer from allergic rhinitis, house dust mite allergy or other allergies throughout the year, acupuncture is an effective treatment method.

Yes, even heavy smokers can quit smoking with the help of acupuncture. Motivation is important. The treatment reduces the craving for nicotine and supports the withdrawal process.

The programme consists on average of 3 treatments over 4 weeks. The practice uses a combination of body and ear acupuncture. Would you also like to lose weight? We advise stopping smoking first and then focusing on weight loss after 2 weeks.

Yes, acupuncture is a safe, natural treatment during pregnancy — precisely because no medications are used. Acupuncture can help with, among others:

• Nausea and morning sickness
• Back pain and pelvic complaints
• Sleep problems and fatigue
• Breech presentation (moxibustion)
• Birth preparation (from week 36)

Research from Sahlgrenska University Hospital, published in the British Medical Journal, shows that acupuncture is more effective against pelvic pain than usual exercises.

Yes. Children generally respond faster and more strongly to acupuncture than adults, because their energy system is young and flexible. Fewer treatments are needed.

For very young children (0–4 years) the practice uses Shonishin: a Japanese form of paediatric acupuncture where no needles are used, but instead stroking and tapping techniques. From school age, regular acupuncture is possible with thin needles and shorter sessions.

Commonly treated children’s complaints include stomach aches, eczema, hay fever, sleep problems, bedwetting and concentration difficulties.

Yes, skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can be treated with acupuncture. The treatment consists of acupuncture, possibly combined with ear acupuncture, nutritional advice and optionally a homeopathic ointment. Acupuncture addresses the underlying cause, allowing the skin to heal from within.

Severe psychiatric conditions are not treated in the practice, including:

• Psychosis and schizophrenia
• Severe depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder

For conditions such as cancer or chronic diseases, acupuncture cannot cure the disease, but it can significantly reduce symptoms such as pain and fatigue and contribute to better recovery.

Yes, most Dutch health insurers reimburse acupuncture under supplementary insurance. Praktijk ter Horst is a member of the NVA (Dutch Acupuncture Association), which is required by most insurers for reimbursement.

The amount reimbursed depends on your policy. Check your policy conditions or contact your insurer. View our reimbursement overview for more information.

No, you do not need a referral for acupuncture. You can make an appointment directly. Some health insurers do require a referral letter for reimbursement — please check this with your insurer.

Yes. You can schedule a free introductory consultation of approximately 15–20 minutes. During this no-obligation meeting we discuss your complaints and the possibilities of acupuncture. This gives you a chance to get to know the practice and the treatment approach without any commitment.

Acupuncturists affiliated with the NVA are required to work according to strict hygiene regulations. These apply to the treatment room, all procedures and the use of needles. Only sterile disposable needles are used, which are disposed of immediately after use.

Piercings continuously stimulate the acupuncture point where they are located. If your body is balanced, you will not experience any complaints from this. If you do have health complaints, piercings may cause interference and hinder recovery.

The advice is to remove earrings and jewellery at night and to change them regularly. A navel piercing is not recommended during pregnancy.

Praktijk ter Horst is located in Zelhem (Achterhoek) and also treats patients at Gezondheidscentrum Vijverstaete in Zutphen. The practice is easily accessible from the Achterhoek, Zutphen and surrounding areas.

View the contact page for the exact address and directions, or contact us to make an appointment.

For information for assignments or reports, we recommend contacting the Dutch Acupuncture Association (NVA). They can send an information package. You can also find extensive background information on our page about what acupuncture is.