Frequently Asked Questions

People of all ages can benefit from having acupuncture to help manage a range of health conditions. Sometimes, people choose acupuncture when their body systems feel out of balance, even though they have no obvious symptoms. Some choose to have regular treatment because they find it beneficial and relaxing, especially if they lead a very stressful life. Often, people turn to acupuncture to take back control of their health whilst others want to understand their body in a deeper way, wanting to look after their health, mind and soul.  

Acupuncture treatment is completely safe for children and teenagers. They can often be treated without the use of needles. Please speak to your practitioner. 

In the last couple of decades, high quality clinical trials have been conducted and the evidence base for acupuncture is now growing. Most clinical research is concentrated on chronic pain. This has resulted in a large, systematic review* of over 20,000 patients that demonstrates that acupuncture is effective and the results are not purely due to the placebo effect. More details can be found on the BAcC website.  

Acupuncture is commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain (back pain, neck pain, headaches), stress, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, allergies, and reproductive health issues and many more. 

NICE now recommend acupuncture as an alternative to painkillers to treat chronic pain.

An acupuncturist at our clinic will take your medical history and read your pulse. They may examine the site of your symptoms, and they may look at your tongue.

Your individual treatment plan will be based on your current health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist will decide which combination of points is right for your whole body, as well as your symptoms. Sometimes acupuncture needles are inserted for just a second or two, or you may be asked to rest for a while before the needles are removed.

If an alternative technique such as moxibustion or cupping is considered, your acupuncturist will explain these to you. The single-use sterile needles come in sealed packs and all needles are safely disposed of after each treatment. A well-trained acupuncturist will always have a clean clinic, will cleanse their hands frequently and will never needle you through your clothing.  

Acupuncture needles are so fine that most people don’t feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as your acupuncturist adjusts the needle. Many people feel deeply relaxed during the treatment. Those people with an aversion to needles often end up enjoying acupuncture due to its positive effects and relaxing treatments.  

Acupuncturists treat the person, not just the condition which they have, so each patient’s treatment plan will be different. Weekly sessions are quite usual to begin with. Long-term health complaints may require more bi-weekly or maybe monthly ongoing sessions. In lifelong conditions, some patients choose to use acupuncture as an ongoing way to help manage their health and wellbeing. Your BAcC acupuncturist will discuss with you how often you should come for treatment.  

Acupuncture is safe when performed by a fully trained and qualified professional, and the risk of serious adverse events from acupuncture is extremely low. Acupuncture in the UK is not regulated by law. Therefore, the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) recommends seeing a professional on an Accredited Register, such as a BAcC Member. This is a quality mark for the highest standards of training, safe practice and professional conduct.  

All of the practitioners in our clinic trained at ICOM, which is accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board, the educational arm of the British Acupuncture Council. This ensures the highest training and standards.

Acupuncture needles are very thin, and most people experience minimal discomfort during treatment. Sensations may vary from person to person, but many describe the sensation as a slight tingling or dull ache. 

On occasions, a small bruise may appear. Occasionally, people can feel dizzy or tired for a brief time after treatment. These side effects are transitory and will resolve by themselves.

If you have been prescribed medication, we recommend you tell your doctor that you plan to have acupuncture with a BAcC registered practitioner. Do not stop taking your medication. You should also tell your acupuncturist about any medication and supplements you are taking. Our acupuncturists are trained to recognise potentially serious underlying health conditions and will refer you to your GP if appropriate.  

Acupuncture on the NHS is now recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for managing chronic pain as well as migraines and headaches. Under General Medical Council guidelines, GPs may refer patients to practitioners listed on a Professional Standards Authority (PSA) Accredited Register. The BAcC is the accredited register for traditional acupuncture. 

Many health policies now cover treatment with BAcC registered acupuncturists, so do check with your insurer. 

Acupuncture sessions typically last an hour in our professional clinic, although this may vary depending on the practitioner and the specific treatment plan. Treatment may last longer if you are having it in combination with another treatment, such as massage.  

Appointments in our trainee student clinic last 90-120 minutes depending on the session type. This is to allow the students to consult with their supervisor before treatment.