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Most patients feel little to no pain during acupuncture. We use exceptionally fine, high-quality Japanese needles — far thinner than needles used for injections or blood tests — inserted using a gentle guide-tube technique for added comfort. You may feel a brief tingling, dull ache, or slight sensation as the needle is placed, but this typically settles within seconds. Many patients find the treatment itself relaxing, and some fall asleep during their session.
We use single-use, sterile, high-quality Japanese acupuncture needles. These are exceptionally fine — much thinner than a standard hypodermic needle — and are disposed of after each use, so there's no risk of cross-contamination between patients. Their fine gauge and precision design are part of why our technique is comfortable as well as effective.
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients notice benefits after just one or two sessions, while chronic or long-standing conditions typically need a longer course of treatment. Your practitioner will discuss a realistic treatment plan after your first consultation and review your progress as you go.
Acupuncture is commonly used to help manage chronic pain, headaches and migraines, anxiety and stress, digestive issues such as IBS, and as a complementary approach to fertility treatment and allergy or asthma symptom management. It's often used alongside conventional medical treatment rather than as a replacement for it.
Acupuncture has been studied extensively, with the strongest evidence supporting its use for certain types of pain. In the UK, NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recognises acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic tension-type headache and migraine. Evidence for other conditions is more varied, and acupuncture is generally best used as part of a broader treatment plan alongside conventional medical care, rather than a standalone replacement for it. Your practitioner can talk you through the evidence relevant to your specific condition.
Yes, when carried out by a qualified, experienced practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Serious side effects are rare, and any minor effects — such as slight bruising or tiredness after treatment — are typically mild and short-lived. Your practitioner will always take a full health history before treatment to make sure it's appropriate for you.
Yes. As part of your first consultation, your practitioner will take your pulse and examine your tongue — traditional diagnostic techniques used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to assess patterns of imbalance in the body. This is combined with your case history to guide your treatment plan.
Most patients feel relaxed after treatment, and some feel mildly tired — it's worth allowing a little downtime afterwards rather than rushing into a busy schedule. Any effects are usually mild and settle quickly. Your practitioner will talk you through what to expect after your specific treatment.
Yes — many patients combine acupuncture with other treatments such as physiotherapy or osteopathy as part of a broader plan for managing pain or supporting recovery. Let your practitioner know about any other treatment you're having so your care can be coordinated appropriately.
Acupuncture is generally safe for most people, but certain conditions — such as pregnancy, bleeding disorders, or having a pacemaker — need to be discussed with your practitioner beforehand, as they may affect which points or techniques are used. Always share your full medical history at your consultation so treatment can be adapted safely to you.