I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the UK’s only acupuncture body accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). As a result, treatment is recognised by many private health insurers and may be eligible for reimbursement. I am also registered with Healthcode and insurers including Vitality Health, AXA, Aviva, and WPA. Many other insurers also offer cover. For more details, visit the BAcC website or check directly with your insurer. Coverage may vary by provider and individual policy.

Acupuncture gently stimulates precise points on the body to support its natural ability to heal. In traditional Chinese medicine, this helps balance the body’s energy flow, known as Qi (pronounced “chi”), allowing it to move freely through the body’s channels or meridian pathways.

From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture activates the nervous system, encourages the release of endorphins, and enhances blood circulation. It can also help reduce inflammation, relax tight muscles, and support healthy hormone regulation.

People turn to acupuncture for a wide range of concerns, including pain conditions, digestive issues, stress and anxiety/depression, hormonal and women’s health needs, sleep challenges, immune support, and skin health. It is also used in many NHS pain clinics and trauma-recovery programmes. Whether on its own or alongside conventional treatment, acupuncture offers a holistic and effective approach to wellbeing.

Most people feel little to no discomfort. Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine, close to the width of a human hair and much thinner than the hollow needles used for medical injections. The gauge of the needles we use is typically 0.2 mm (for comparison, the average gauge of a hypodermic needle used for injections is 25 mm to 38 mm). With a guide tube and skilled technique, insertion is quick, gentle, and often barely noticeable.

What You May Feel

During treatment, you might experience a mild tingle, gentle pressure, or a dull ache as the needles are placed. This sensation, known as DeQi, is a positive sign that the body’s energy is responding. These feelings are brief and usually fade quickly. Many people find the experience calming, and some even fall asleep during treatment. If you feel nervous about needles, just let us know. We can adjust our approach to help you feel completely at ease.

Acupuncture is generally very safe when performed by a licensed professional. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as minor soreness or fatigue. However, many patients leave sessions feeling relaxed, refreshed, and with improved well-being.

As a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), all professionally qualified members have completed degree-level training in acupuncture, requiring a minimum of three years and 3,600 hours of training. They have had full anatomy and physiology training with an extensive focus on risk and safety and have also undergone at least 400 hours of in-person clinical training. Following qualification, members are expected to carry out regular risk assessments and yearly continuous professional development (CPD).

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, how long you’ve had it, its severity, and how your body responds to treatment. Some people notice relief after a single session, but most benefit from a course of treatments over several weeks.

Acute issues, such as a recent muscle strain, may improve within 1-3 treatments, whereas chronic conditions usually take longer and often begin with weekly sessions before moving to less frequent maintenance as symptoms improve.

During your first appointment, we'll discuss a personalised treatment plan and provide an estimate of how many sessions may be helpful. In most cases, 3-4 treatments are recommended before reviewing progress, as acupuncture works cumulatively, where each session builds upon the last to create stronger, longer-lasting results.

Loose, comfortable clothing is ideal for acupuncture, as many points are located on the arms, legs, back, and abdomen. Your practitioner can also provide a gown or blanket to ensure comfort and privacy. If you’re coming in for cosmetic acupuncture, it’s best to arrive without make-up.