Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment approach that has been practiced for centuries and is now widely recognized within modern healthcare. In the UK, acupuncture is offered by two professional groups:
- Traditional practitioners, who complete a three-year program in Chinese medicine.
- Healthcare professionals such as osteopaths and physiotherapists, who complete three to five years of Western medical education and then specialize in acupuncture as a postgraduate qualification.
The advantage of the latter group is their in-depth understanding of the body’s anatomy and physiology, combined with the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture—ensuring you are always in safe, knowledgeable hands.
Our Approach
As members of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, we provide both traditional acupuncture and electro-acupuncture treatments across all our clinics. These methods are proven to help with a wide range of conditions—from migraines (now recommended by NICE guidelines as a treatment option in the NHS) to chronic pain
management.
A systematic review of 29 clinical trials (2012) confirmed that acupuncture can successfully treat:
- FAQs
Acupuncture FAQs
Yes. Acupuncture provides a fast and effective route to pain relief by using fine needles inserted into specific trigger points in the muscles. It is so effective that it is now recognized by both NICE and the NHS as a safe, side-effect-free treatment for chronic pain.
In many cases, acupuncture is used alongside other therapies—such as osteopathy—to maximize healing potential and long-term results.
There are now hundreds of clinical studies confirming the benefits of acupuncture. Research shows it can successfully treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Migraine headaches
- Chronic pain
- Nausea and vomiting
By improving circulation, reducing tension, and stimulating natural healing, acupuncture offers both short-term relief and long-term health benefits.
Medical acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into knots or trigger points in muscles. These needles:
- Relieve deep-seated muscle tension
- Improve blood flow to targeted areas
- Release long-held pain and discomfort
Because the needles can reach areas too deep for massage, they are especially effective in treating stubborn pain.
Most people find acupuncture deeply relaxing. Side effects are rare, but may include:
- Mild drowsiness after treatment (if affected, avoid driving immediately after)
- Minor bleeding or bruising at the needle site
- Rarely, fainting during treatment (very uncommon)
Serious side effects occur in fewer than 1 in 10,000 treatments, making acupuncture one of the safest treatment options available.
Not usually. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine—much thinner than injection needles—so they often cause little or no sensation.
Patients may experience:
- A dull, heavy, or tingling feeling at the needle site
- Mild discomfort if tense muscles are being treated
- Rarely, a brief muscle twitch
Most people report feeling relaxed and calm during treatment. And since all our practitioners have experienced acupuncture themselves during training, we know exactly what it feels like and ensure you are comfortable throughout.
Yes. While acupuncture cannot treat the underlying cause of sciatica (such as a slipped disc or spinal stenosis), it is highly effective at relieving sciatic pain.
It works by:
- Increasing blood flow to the lower back
- Relaxing tight muscles around the lumbar spine
- Targeting the sciatic nerve pathway to reduce pain radiating into the leg.//////////'
At our clinic, acupuncture is often combined with physical therapy to provide the best possible results for patients with sciatica.
Acupuncture is a natural, side-effect-free way to manage pain. It is widely used for:
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Chronic pain
- Joint pain
- Postoperative pain
- Dental pain
It is also a valuable complementary therapy for stress, anxiety, and overall well-being.
Your first session will begin with a medical history review and physical examination. Then, fine sterile needles will be gently inserted into specific points on your body.
- The number of needles varies (sometimes as few as two or three).
- Needles may be left in place for several minutes.
- In some cases, they are gently rotated to enhance their effect.
Most patients find the process comfortable and leave feeling more relaxed than when they arrived.
- FAQs
Acupuncture FAQs
Yes. Acupuncture provides a fast and effective route to pain relief by using fine needles inserted into specific trigger points in the muscles. It is so effective that it is now recognized by both NICE and the NHS as a safe, side-effect-free treatment for chronic pain.
In many cases, acupuncture is used alongside other therapies—such as osteopathy—to maximize healing potential and long-term results.
There are now hundreds of clinical studies confirming the benefits of acupuncture. Research shows it can successfully treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Migraine headaches
- Chronic pain
- Nausea and vomiting
By improving circulation, reducing tension, and stimulating natural healing, acupuncture offers both short-term relief and long-term health benefits.
Medical acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into knots or trigger points in muscles. These needles:
- Relieve deep-seated muscle tension
- Improve blood flow to targeted areas
- Release long-held pain and discomfort
Because the needles can reach areas too deep for massage, they are especially effective in treating stubborn pain.
Most people find acupuncture deeply relaxing. Side effects are rare, but may include:
- Mild drowsiness after treatment (if affected, avoid driving immediately after)
- Minor bleeding or bruising at the needle site
- Rarely, fainting during treatment (very uncommon)
Serious side effects occur in fewer than 1 in 10,000 treatments, making acupuncture one of the safest treatment options available.
Not usually. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine—much thinner than injection needles—so they often cause little or no sensation.
Patients may experience:
- A dull, heavy, or tingling feeling at the needle site
- Mild discomfort if tense muscles are being treated
- Rarely, a brief muscle twitch
Most people report feeling relaxed and calm during treatment. And since all our practitioners have experienced acupuncture themselves during training, we know exactly what it feels like and ensure you are comfortable throughout.
Yes. While acupuncture cannot treat the underlying cause of sciatica (such as a slipped disc or spinal stenosis), it is highly effective at relieving sciatic pain.
It works by:
- Increasing blood flow to the lower back
- Relaxing tight muscles around the lumbar spine
- Targeting the sciatic nerve pathway to reduce pain radiating into the leg.//////////'
At our clinic, acupuncture is often combined with physical therapy to provide the best possible results for patients with sciatica.
Acupuncture is a natural, side-effect-free way to manage pain. It is widely used for:
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Chronic pain
- Joint pain
- Postoperative pain
- Dental pain
It is also a valuable complementary therapy for stress, anxiety, and overall well-being.
Your first session will begin with a medical history review and physical examination. Then, fine sterile needles will be gently inserted into specific points on your body.
- The number of needles varies (sometimes as few as two or three).
- Needles may be left in place for several minutes.
- In some cases, they are gently rotated to enhance their effect.
Most patients find the process comfortable and leave feeling more relaxed than when they arrived.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
Patients often visit us for support with:
Why Choose Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is increasingly available in NHS pain clinics and is being adopted by more GPs and hospital doctors as part of mainstream healthcare. If you are considering acupuncture for a specific health condition, we encourage you to get in touch—our team is here to provide guidance and safe, effective care.