Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a holistic medical treatment rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), distinct from Western Medical Anatomy. It is not just an alternative therapy, but a recognized health treatment used worldwide. The central concept of acupuncture is the flow of natural energy, known as Qi, through our bodies. This energy, along with Blood, Yin, Essence (Jing), and Yang, must flow harmoniously to maintain health. Any imbalance or blockage in these vital fluids can lead to pain, inflammation, or illness.

Acupuncture works by rebalancing these fluids, ensuring their smooth flow through the body's meridians—14 channels similar to the circulatory system. While some meridians share names with Western organs, their functions differ in TCM.

There are about 361 recognized acupuncture points on the body, though there may be closer to 1000. These points are located in natural gaps and spaces within muscles and bones along the meridians. Acupuncturists use their extensive knowledge of these points, along with an understanding of human anatomy, to select the most effective treatment strategy.

How Does Acupuncture Work? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that a vital life force called "Qi" flows throughout our bodies and the universe. This Qi works in harmony with four other essential elements: Blood, Yin, Yang, and Essence (known as Jing). Together, these five components maintain the balance necessary for good health. When any of these elements becomes imbalanced—whether it's too much, too little, or blocked—this can lead to pain, inflammation, or illness. Acupuncture is a technique used to restore balance by promoting the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, and Jing through the body. This ensures that none of these elements are too strong or too weak. From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system. This triggers the release of electrical impulses to the spinal cord and brain, and also causes the release of certain chemicals into the bloodstream via the muscles. These chemicals activate the endocrine system, which helps the body regulate itself through processes like homeostasis and inflammation control. As a result, acupuncture can promote feelings of well-being, relaxation, and pain relief. In TCM, these vital fluids travel through channels in the body called meridians, which are similar to the circulatory system in Western medicine. There are 14 major meridians, some of which share names with Western organs (like the lung or kidney) but don't always perform the same functions. For instance, the gallbladder meridian in TCM is associated with the sinews (connective tissues), whereas the Western gallbladder is primarily involved in digestion. When an acupuncturist makes a diagnosis in TCM, they are identifying which of the five essential elements are out of balance, how they are imbalanced, and which meridian is affected. For example, a diagnosis of "Heart Fire" refers to excess heat in the heart meridian, which could manifest as anxiety, agitation, or sleep problems. This diagnosis does not necessarily relate to the physical heart or circulatory system as understood in Western medicine. Instead, it guides the acupuncturist in where to place the needles to effectively rebalance the flow in that specific meridian, addressing the root cause of the symptoms. It's important to note that a TCM diagnosis is different from a Western medical diagnosis; they are not interchangeable.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture is versatile and can address a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal: All Arthritic conditions, osteoarthritis, sciatica, back pain, shoulder issues, Tennis / Golfers Elbow, Knee issues, Plantar Fasciitis, muscular discomfort and/or weakness, nerve pain, damaged tendons and cartilage, hypermobility, shoulder issues, neck pain, whiplash, Scoliosis, Spinal Herniations, Disc bulges, hip pain, bursitis, and osteoporosis, bells palsy, etc.
Neurological: Migraines, Headaches, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, shingles, epileptic conditions, MS, FND, NEAD, NES, strokes, trigeminal neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.
Cardio-Respiratory: Hypertension, vascular dementia, Strokes, Bronchitis, asthma, COPD, shortness of breath, cystic fibrosis, etc.
Ear, Nose, Throat: Sinusitis, rhinitis, Meniere’s disease, hay fever, tonsilitis, laryngitis, aphasia, dry eyes, blepharitis, dental pain, myofascial pain, etc.
Gastrointestinal: IBS, gastritis, nausea, vomiting, colitis, diverticulitis, haemorrhoids, gallstones, ulcers, stomach spasms, acid reflux, hepatitis, diabetes Type 2, crohns disease, constipation, diarrhoea, etc.
Urinary & Renal: Bladder stones, kidney stones, recurrent UTIs, Recurrent Cystitis or Thrush, Nocturia, Incontinence, prolapse, irritable bladder or any problematic Urinary issues. etc.
Dermatological: Eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin itching, dermatitis, dry skin, ulcers, alopecia, jaundice, urticaria, acne rosacea, skin wounds, rashes, etc.
Immuno-Lymphatic: autoimmune & inflammatory disorders, allergies, Cancer pain, chemotherapy side effects, raised glands, repeated viruses, lymphoedema, ME, Sjogren’s syndrome, fibromyalgia, Ehlers Danlos, rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Raynaud’s syndrome, etc.
Endocrinology: all hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s, Addisons, Graves Disease, Hashimoto’s, Menstrual pain, period irregularity, heavy menses, infertility, morning sickness, hot flushes, perimenopause, fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, polyps, pelvic inflammatory disease, mastitis, Male infertility, low libido, Menopausal issues, prolapse, etc.
Mental Health: low moods, Anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, addictions, BPD, neurosis, etc.

Acupuncture treats you as a whole person, not just your symptoms.

How effective is Acupuncture? Acupuncture has demonstrated effectiveness in treating various conditions in multiple studies in many countries over the last few decades. In a 2018 meta-analysis involving over 20,000 people the patients found that acupuncture was more effective than sham or no treatment for pain management, with benefits often lasting over a year. However, acupuncture is not suitable for everyone and is not effective for all conditions. For instance, studies show no significant improvement in fertility despite its popularity among individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization. While the exact mechanisms of acupuncture are not fully understood, evidence suggests it may impact the nervous system, other body tissues, and produce nonspecific (placebo) effects. Currently, the scientific accepted evidence comparing acupuncture to other treatments is mixed, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) currently recommends acupuncture only for the treatment of chronic pain, chronic tension-type headaches, migraines, prostatitis symptoms, and persistent hiccups. In pain research, a 50% reduction in pain is often considered a standard measure of effectiveness. Studies indicate that real acupuncture achieves this in about 50% of cases, compared to 43% for sham acupuncture and 30% for usual treatment. Acupuncture may also promote physical and emotional well-being and is effective alone or with conventional therapies for conditions such as postoperative nausea and dental pain after surgery. Beyond pain management, acupuncture may help bolster the body's immune defences, regulate physiological functions, and enhance sleep quality. While acupuncture services are occasionally available through the NHS often provided by physiotherapists, sports therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, pain clinics or GP surgeries these treatments often differ from traditional acupuncture. These providers typically offer modalities such as Western Medical Acupuncture, Trigger Point Therapy, or Dry Needling, which involve different protocols and shorter treatment durations, focusing primarily on the musculoskeletal system, compared to traditional acupuncture. In contrast, Traditional Acupuncture available through licensed and fully qualified acupuncturists addresses the entire body by targeting both local and distal points, it works on a deeper biochemical, hormonal, and circulatory levels treating the entire person not just the musculoskeletal system. This comprehensive approach distinguishes it from the more localized and limited techniques used in other modalities, offering a broader therapeutic scope and a more holistic treatment experience. Acupuncturists, treat a broad range of health conditions, although not all uses are supported by rigorous scientific evidence. However, with growing research supporting its efficacy in pain management, more insurance companies are beginning to cover acupuncture as an in-office procedure. Multiple studies have shown its effectiveness in treating back pain, knee pain due to osteoarthritis, myofascial pain, and headaches. It is important to note that a significant placebo effect exists, yet the overall positive patient response, low side effect profile, and minimal cost to the healthcare system make acupuncture a valuable alternative treatment modality. Please be aware in chronic ailments that have been there years, response to treatment is usually slower than in acute cases.

How Long Do Acupuncture Effects Last? There is no definitive answer to this question, the duration of acupuncture’s effects varies depending on the individual, the condition being treated, as well as the frequency and consistency of the sessions. Generally, the effects of acupuncture can last from a few days to several weeks. Indeed a 2018 meta-analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture for pain conditions often lasted for more than a year when compared to sham or no acupuncture treatments. However, the longevity of effects can differ widely based on individual responses and the specific health issue being addressed. For Minor conditions and acute cases, such as pain relief following an injury, the effects might be more immediate but shorter-lived, requiring less follow-up treatments for sustained relief. Whereas for chronic conditions, regular sessions over a longer time period may be needed to maintain the benefits, with some patients experiencing smaller cumulative improvements over time. The effects can last from a few days to several weeks, with some patients opting for weekly, fortnightly or monthly treatments based on their needs.

Does Acupuncture hurt? With any therapy the response can and does vary person to person. Most patients find acupuncture relaxing, and they usually leave in a lot less discomfort from when they walk in. Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair or pricking your finger with a pin. that short sharp shock then its over. The sensations they experience range from mild tingling to slight numbness or warmth to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. Acupuncture needles are very thin, often causing little to no pain. Sometimes patients may have a feeling of pressure or ache or sharp sensations, Occasionally the effects are too subtle to perceive, especially in the beginning of the treatment. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed. The size and length of the needles are carefully chosen based on the treatment area and individual needs. Additionally, even with a well-trained, experienced practitioner sometimes a muscle may adjust the needles angle or depth which would elicit a pain sensation, please let your practitioner know if the needles become more painful – these can be removed or adjusted to resolve this issue. This treatment is not a ‘no pain, no gain’ treatment, it is intended to be relaxing and not hurt.

How Big Are the Needles? Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel, though they can also be crafted from copper or gold. Each needle is individually wrapped, pre-sterilized, and used only once to ensure strict infection control. Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are much thinner, more like fine pins. They range from 0.07mm to 0.38mm in thickness, slightly thicker than a human hair, and vary in length from 0.08mm to 0.75mm. Their conical tips allow for smooth insertion, making the process virtually painless and minimally invasive. The selection of needle size depends on the area being treated and the individual's specific needs. Needles vary in size depending on where they are to be inserted and on who. Say you had a 90-year-old patient you wouldn’t use the same thickness or number of needles as you would say a 35-year-old man. It’d be too strong. Equally you wouldn’t use the same length needle on someone’s thigh as you would on their finger. It’s all about judgement and using each individual person as the guide.

Is it safe? Yes, acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. However, the industry is unregulated, and the level of training among practitioners can vary significantly. Unfortunately, some individuals are certified after completing short or online courses with minimal practical training, such as a 1-day class. These courses often provide only a superficial understanding of acupuncture and the precautions necessary for safe practice. When choosing an acupuncturist, it's important to ask about their qualifications. Inquire about where they trained, the level of their certification, the provider of their training, and the duration of their education. Ideally, acupuncture should involve degree-level training, which typically takes at least 18 months to complete with more in-person training than online. Keep in mind that the quality of practitioners varies. Not every practitioner with minimal training is unsafe, just as not every highly qualified practitioner is effective. The experience and skills of therapists can differ greatly based on their education and who trained them. In the UK, complementary, holistic, and beauty industries, including acupuncture, remain unregulated. This lack of regulation extends to the insurance companies that cover these practices, which can make treatments risky in some cases. While acupuncture is considered a medical practice, some individuals complete short courses—such as 10-day programs or even 1-day courses in dry needling, trigger point therapy or Western medical acupuncture—and offer treatments under the guise of acupuncture. It’s important to understand that these styles of treatment do not require the same level of training as traditional acupuncture and can carry higher risks, including complications such as perforation of internal organs. Acupuncture with a fully qualified Acupuncturist has a low risk of serious side effects, especially when sterile needles are used, and proper technique is followed. Common side effects are typically mild and may include slight bruising, soreness, or bleeding at the needle insertion sites. However, there are some risks, particularly if the procedure is not performed correctly. These can include infections from unsterilized needles, punctured organs (though this is extremely rare), or nerve damage. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners, should consult with their healthcare provider before undergoing acupuncture. Overall, when performed by a fully qualified professional, acupuncture is a safe treatment for a variety of conditions.

Are there any Contraindications, reasons I can’t have treatment?

There are certain conditions where acupuncture may be limited or not recommended, such as:

Low Blood Pressure.
Uncontrolled hypertension.
current Thrombosis / Embolism / DVT still requiring medication.
a history of Haemorrhage or bleeding and clotting disorders.
taking blood thinning or clotting medication.
Uncontrolled Epileptic and Seizure disorders.
Insulin-dependent Diabetes
Active Severe bruising, cuts or abrasions.
Recent surgeries, procedures, injections, fractures or sprains.
Infectious skin diseases, such as: impetigo, shingles, Herpes Simplex, Ringworm, Scabies, Conjunctivitis, MRSA, Warts, Verrucae’s.
Uncontrolled or undiagnosed Skin Disorders such as: Psoriasis, Eczema, Dermatitis, Acne Vulgaris, Vitiligo, Rosacea, Chloasma.
Pregnancy or recent Childbirth.
Active Cancer or undergoing oncology treatments.

Always inform your practitioner about any medical conditions before your treatment.

How to Prepare for your Appointment. Preparing for an appointment involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the most out of the treatment: Medications & Supplements:- Try to Avoid taking Vitamin C, Vitamin A, NSAIDs and Aspirin or Blood thinning medications for at least 5 days prior to the appointment where possible. Skin Care:- Try to Avoid using any Retinol, exfoliants, AHA acids, BHA acids, Vitamin C, or Vitamin A products on the treatment area for several days prior to the appointment. Stimulants:- Try to avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, or Nicotine for 12 hours before your session, as these can affect your body's response to the treatment. Fluids:- Drink plenty of water and try to stay hydrated, before your appointment. Being well-hydrated can help your body respond better to the treatment. Diet:- have a small, balanced meal or substantial meal about 1-2 hours before your appointment. This helps maintain your energy levels during the session. Avoid arriving with an empty stomach, as this can lead to dizziness or light-headedness. Attire:- Wear loose, comfortable or easily removable clothing that can be rolled up or removed to access treatment areas like your shoulders, neck, arms, entire legs, back or abdomen. Please tie up long hair or bring along a hairband to do so for access to the head, ear and neck vicinity. Punctuality:- please arrive on time, giving yourself enough time to arrive at your appointment without rushing will help you to reax. Please try not too early though as the clinic does NOT have any waiting area and space in the car park is limited. Consultation:- be prepared to discuss your health, medical history, current symptoms, medications, and any concerns you have with your practitioner. This information helps tailor the treatment to your specific needs. Please don’t forget to bring a list of medications, medical conditions and any reading glasses. Please don’t forget to bring with you a full list of medications, medical conditions, any skin care routines or products used regularly, and any reading glasses required. Mindset:- Approach the session with an open mind and a calm attitude. Treatments works best when you're relaxed, so try to clear your mind and focus on your breathing during the treatment. Following these tips can help you be more prepared for your appointment aiding you to have a more positive, effective and relaxing treatment.

What to Expect During Your Treatment At the beginning your treatment, you will be asked to sign an indemnity and consent form. This form confirms that you understand the nature of the treatment, which may involve direct skin contact, and acknowledges that multiple sessions might be necessary to achieve optimal results. The consent form will outline that while the treatment strives for objective improvements, individual perceptions of success can vary. By signing the consent form, you acknowledge that no guarantees or warranties have been provided regarding the results and that some cosmetic issues may not be fully resolved by this procedure. Your treatment journey then continues with a comprehensive consultation which and can typically last 60-90 minutes. The practitioner will ask a lot of questions to assess your full medical history and a lifestyle assessment as well as discuss any specific concerns. This will include an examination of body areas, a review of your tongue or pulse and may conduct movement assessments to help identify the TCM pattern and select the appropriate treatment plan. Additionally, Photographs may be taken of the area to aid in the assessment process. During your consultation, the procedure will be thoroughly explained, including potential risks and complications. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your concerns. It is important to understand that while the treatment aims to improve your appearance, no guarantees are made regarding the outcome. Some issues may remain, and additional treatments might be needed to achieve the best results. Your practitioner will help set realistic expectations, considering that lifestyle factors can influence the effectiveness of the treatment. The Treatment Process: at the start of the treatment, you will sit or lie down in a relaxed position, every effort will be made to make you comfortable, and any necessary clothing removal will be minimal and respectful. The practitioner will begin the treatment by sterilising and/or cleansing the treatment area. The acupuncturist will insert fine needles into specific acupuncture points on your body. The needle length and depth are adjusted based on the treatment area. As the treatment progresses, you may feel differing sensations such as: warmth, heat, coldness, heaviness, tingling, or a sense of movement, these should not be painful please speak with the practitioner if the sensations you experience are uncomfortable. It is recommended that during this time you do not move as this can increase the tenderness of the treatment. For some therapies or treatment plans, other forms of stimulation of the acupuncture points are utilised rather than needles alone, this can be achieved with pressure, friction, suction, electromagnetic energy impulses or heat, these are typically performed before or alongside the needles. Once the needles are inserted, they are typically left in place for 10-40 minutes, allowing you to relax, during this time, you are welcome to either rest quietly and have a quick nap or engage in conversation with the practitioner it is our policy the patient do whatever helps them feel most at ease. After the allotted time has passed the practitioner will return and remove the needles which are then disposed of. In some cases, you may have slight bleeding from the insertion site, the practitioner will clean this up and may apply a balm if deeper bleeding occurred, this will be discussed with you at the time. Often following the needles adjunctive therapy may be utilized which may include different forms of massage, cupping, Gua-Sha, moxibustion, or the use of auriculotherapy. These will be discussed and agreed with you before the treatment occurs, these will be included within the acupuncture price. Electro-acupuncture involves attaching a battery-operated TENS machine to the needles, which sends electrical pulses through the meridian pathways. Alternatively, electro-pens or infrared lasers can stimulate acupuncture points without needles. These less invasive methods are often used for ear points, in infants, or for patients with certain conditions, such as those taking Warfarin. After the session, take your time getting up, as you may feel lightheaded or dizzy. It’s important to reorient yourself gradually before stepping of the treatment couch. At the end of the appointment the practitioner may offer aftercare advice, before taking payment and arranging any further appointments.

What are the after-effects of Treatment? While generally a safe treatment for all age groups and the majority of people when administered by a qualified, insured, registered and experienced practitioner, treatments can still have after-effects. These effects are typically mild and temporary, but it's important to be aware of them. Common After-effects - Relaxation:- Many people feel deeply relaxed, or even slightly drowsy after the treatment. This sense of calm can last for several hours. Skin reactions:- there may be possible skin marking, reddening, petechiae, rashes, darker patches, altered skin pigmentation, Lymphatic leakage, skin sensitivity, tightness, itching or altered skin sensation from the local vicinity of the treatment site that may persist for up to 14 days post treatment, taking up to 21 days to fully subside or disappear. During this time the skin may also be tender or sore and can have an elevated risk of infection, Keloid scarring or an increased susceptibility of Sunburns. Bruising:- where possible treatment is designed to minimize bruising but these can still occur. Occasionally, bleeding, swelling, bumps, inflammation or small bruises can appear at the treatment site. These are usually harmless and will fade within a few days but can sometimes be more severe in some people especially with anticoagulant usage or disposition to bleeding. In this event any of these occurring the use of a topical arnica lotion will help. Muscular Discomfort:- for some, it is very common to experience mild soreness, aching, tenderness or localized pain at the treatment site or in the body following a treatment. This may be similar to how a person feels after a hard day’s work or workout at a gym but can be more extreme as the body is trying to regulate following the treatment. This usually resolves within the 24-48 hours but may persist for 7-10 days. BP & Blood Glucose fluctuations:- patients often experience a lowering of their Blood Pressure, Heart rates and Blood Glucose levels following treatments – this can leave people feeling slightly woozy, nauseous, light-headedness, or dizzy and may persist for a few hours following treatment, plenty of clear fluids and a light sugary snack will help with this. Energy & Fatigue:- It's not uncommon to feel tired or fatigued following a session. This is typically a sign that your body is responding to the treatment and beginning the Homeostasis process. Conversely, some people may feel a surge of energy following their session, which can last for several hours or even days. Short flu-like symptoms:- as the body rebalances itself it enters a detoxification period which can leave people experiencing 24-48 hours of flu-like symptoms – enlarged tender glands, achy bodies, Headaches, Sinus congestion, energy and temperature fluctuations, these are a good sign of your body responding to treatment. Its best to allow your body to rest during this timeframe and keep hydrated. Temporary Symptom Exacerbation:- In some cases, a person’s pre-existing medical conditions or symptoms may briefly worsen or flare before they improve. This is often seen as a sign that the treatment is taking effect and may require further treatment or adjusts to treatment to resolve. Digestion:- many do find treatment aids in their digestive systems, reducing bloating and aiding with appetite but can report issues with Nausea, Heartburn, passing wind more or changes in their usual toilet habits finding the consistency and frequency are often improved or altered, this can include having looser more often bowel movements that should subside within 48 hours. Sleep:- Many individuals find that their sleep improves after treatment, either by falling asleep more easily or experiencing deeper, more restful sleep. Equally, some people find following treatment their sleep is altered and more difficult, they often report changes in their dream patterns which can be more vivid and negative. Emotional Release:- Some people report an emotional release during or after treatment, which can manifest as unexpected feelings of sadness, tearfulness, despair, grief, anger, frustration, irritability, happiness, joy, mania, boredom or relief. This is a normal response to the body's energy balancing and the therapeutic aspects of touch especially where repressed emotions have been the source of disharmony in a person’s health. Most aftereffects of treatment are mild and resolve within a few days to weeks especially when following the aftercare. Although safe, sometimes more serious complications or after-effects can occur with this treatment. Rare But Serious Side-Effects - Severe Skin Reactions:- Persistent discoloration or altered pigmentation. Temporary or Permanent marking, Scarring or disfigurement. Keloid Scarring. Scalds. Burns. Infections such as Sepsis and Cellulitis can occur. Internal Complications:- Risks of serious complications such as: Internal organ perforation, Pneumothorax. Movement of Blood Clots. Thrombosis. Embolism. Strokes. Haemorrhage. Kidney damage. Liver damage. Muscle, Nerve, or Tendon damage. Significant Allergic reaction such as Anaphylaxis. Neuro-physical reaction:- Fainting, Dizziness, Syncope, Shock, Needle Shock, Hypoglycaemia, Severe Hypotensive Crisis, Tachycardia or alteration in body temperature. Please contact your practitioner or Healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience any unusual or severe reactions especially within 12 hours post treatment or your symptoms are not showing signs of improvement 48 hours after the treatment.

Aftercare and Recovery

To support your recovery and optimize the results of your treatment, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Additional Treatments: Refrain from undergoing any other treatments for 48 hours to prevent potential interactions.
Hydration: Increase your water intake over the next 7 days to support detoxification. Herbal teas and fruit juices are also beneficial.
Diet: Consume light, healthy meals and avoid heavy, greasy, fatty, or spicy foods for at least 24 hours to prevent digestive strain.
Caffeine and Alcohol: Reduce caffeine intake and avoid alcohol, energy drinks, and recreational drugs for 24 hours post-treatment and 12 hours prior.
Smoking and Vaping: Minimize or avoid smoking, vaping, and all nicotine products for 48 hours.
Activity Level: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy exercise, or long drives for 24 hours to allow your body to rest and recuperate.
Environment: Stay away from cold areas and draughts and keep yourself warm. However, Avoid hot baths, showers, saunas, sunbeds, or sunbathing for 12 hours after treatment to prevent damp buildup.
Products: Where oils have been applied, leave them on the skin as long as possible.
Wellness: Try to reduce stress, maybe try light exercise, going for a walk, breathing or mediation to help.
Follow-Up Care: Adhere to any specific aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth recovery and achieve the best possible results from your treatment.

For pricing and to book your session, please CLICK HERE.

ACUPUNCTURE

​What Can Acupuncture Treat?​

What Can Acupuncture Treat?