Frequently Asked Questions

That is what the consultation is for. Your practitioner assesses your symptoms, history and wider health picture before advising whether treatment is appropriate.

No. Many patients come to AcuMedic without a formal diagnosis, and our practitioners are experienced in working with undiagnosed or complex presentations. Bring any test results or letters you already have.

Yes. The conditions listed are a guide, not a limit. Book an initial consultation or contact the clinic and a practitioner will advise.

Your practitioner takes a full history, discusses your symptoms, carries out a Chinese medical diagnosis and then talks through an individual plan with you. Treatment usually takes place in the same appointment where suitable.

Not necessarily. Where treatment is appropriate it usually takes place in the same visit, but your practitioner will say honestly if they feel we are not the right place to help.

Initial consultations typically last around 60–90 minutes, allowing time for a full assessment and your first treatment.

Yes. Consultations take place in a private treatment room, and everything you discuss is confidential.

Yes, though we recommend the patient themselves confirms key details closer to the appointment.

Chinese medicine is used here as complementary support, alongside — not instead of — any medical care you are receiving. Whether it is appropriate for you, and what form it would take, is decided at your consultation rather than by the name of the condition alone.

Recommendations follow the pattern identified in your diagnosis rather than the name of the condition alone, which is why two people with similar symptoms may be treated differently.

That depends on your assessment. Some patients have acupuncture alone, others do better with herbal medicine, and many have both. Herbal medicine is always optional and charged separately.

This varies by individual and condition. Many patients are given an initial course of four to six sessions and are then reviewed — recent injuries often settle more quickly, while long-standing complaints and skin conditions usually need longer. Your practitioner will give you a realistic expectation at your first visit.

Yes. Chinese medicine is commonly used alongside conventional treatment. Tell both your GP and your practitioner about any medication or treatment you are receiving, and never stop or change a prescribed medication without speaking to the clinician who prescribed it.

Your practitioner may suggest simple, practical adjustments where they are relevant to your pattern. Advice is tailored to you rather than a fixed diet sheet.

Most people find acupuncture comfortable. The needles are extremely fine, much thinner than injection needles. You may notice a brief tingling sensation, warmth, heaviness or a dull ache when a needle is inserted, but the treatment shouldn’t feel sharply painful. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, tell your practitioner so they can adjust the treatment.

When performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is generally regarded as a safe treatment. At AcuMedic, trained practitioners use sterile, single-use needles for every treatment. Before beginning, your practitioner will ask about your medical history, current medications and any existing health conditions.

If Chinese herbal medicine is recommended, this is prescribed separately and with your individual circumstances and any medication you are taking in mind.

Acupuncture doesn’t always involve placing needles directly where you feel discomfort. In Chinese medicine, the practitioner chooses acupuncture points based on the pattern identified during your consultation. Some of the most appropriate points may be located elsewhere on your body.

For example, a practitioner may use points in the hands, feet or lower legs when treating symptoms affecting the head, neck or back. The choice of points will depend on your individual diagnosis rather than the location of the symptom alone.

Your first acupuncture session usually starts with a consultation. The practitioner will ask about your main concerns, medical history and overall health. As part of a traditional Chinese medicine assessment, they may also examine your tongue and check your pulse.

If acupuncture is suitable for you, treatment can often begin during the same appointment. Before treatment begins, your practitioner will explain their recommendations and give you time to ask questions.

There isn’t a standard number of acupuncture sessions that works for everyone. The frequency of your appointments and the total number you may need will depend on your condition, how long you’ve been experiencing it, and how you respond to treatment.

Some people notice improvements within four weeks, while others need more time. Many patients also feel calm and relaxed during or after acupuncture, sometimes after their first appointment.

After your initial assessment, your practitioner will explain what you can expect and monitor your progress throughout your care. You won’t need to agree to a fixed course of treatment from the outset.

Yes. Formulas are prepared based on your individual pattern and consultation, rather than a fixed, one-size-fits-all remedy.

Yes — Chinese Herbal Medicine consultations are available online across the UK. Visit our Online Consultation page for details.

ANSWER TO BE WRITTEN.

ANSWER TO BE WRITTEN.

Yes. Acupuncture, massage and cupping are often combined across a course of care, and in some cases within a single session where it is clinically appropriate. Your practitioner will explain what they are suggesting and why before anything begins.

The history taking, Chinese medicine diagnosis and prescribing follow the same careful process as a clinic appointment. The main difference is that your practitioner can’t examine your pulse in person, so they’ll ask more detailed questions and use other diagnostic signs, including looking at your tongue and complexion on camera.

If we feel you would be better seen in person, we’ll let you know and recommend the best next step.

Your practitioner follows the traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic framework known as the Four Examinations. Online, this includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, sleep, digestion and other aspects of your health, together with visual signs such as your tongue and complexion.

This helps your practitioner build a fuller picture of your health, identify the patterns behind your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan based on Chinese medicine principles.

People come to us with a wide range of health concerns where Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle guidance may be appropriate. These include fertility and reproductive health, skin and digestive concerns, women’s health and hormonal symptoms, stress and sleep difficulties, immune and respiratory health, persistent fatigue, and support alongside cancer treatment.

If you’re not sure whether an online consultation is appropriate for what you’re experiencing, get in touch and we can help you decide on the best next step.

If possible, find somewhere quiet and well lit with a stable internet connection, particularly as your practitioner may need to see your tongue and complexion clearly.

We recommend avoiding coffee and other foods or drinks that may stain your tongue for around two hours beforehand. If you have recent blood tests, GP letters or other relevant medical reports, it can also be helpful to have them to hand.

Yes. Your practitioner will talk you through their assessment and create a personalised treatment plan based on Chinese medicine principles.

Depending on your needs, this may include dietary and lifestyle guidance and, where appropriate, a personalised Chinese herbal prescription.

If herbal medicine is prescribed, your formula is prepared specifically for you by our in-house pharmacy team. Depending on your prescription, it may be supplied as raw herbs, powders, capsules or granules.

Your practitioner will recommend the most appropriate option for you.

Your prescribed herbal medicine is prepared and checked in our Camden pharmacy before being sent directly to your address.

Herbal medicine and delivery are charged separately from the consultation fee. The cost will depend on your prescription and the duration of treatment.

You can have an online consultation wherever you are. International herbal delivery may also be possible, depending on your location.

For patients outside the UK, herbal formulas are supplied as extracts, such as granules or capsules. We don’t ship raw herbs internationally. Delivery is also subject to local customs regulations, so we’ll discuss what’s available for your location before proceeding.

Your practitioner may recommend a follow-up to see how you’re getting on and, where needed, adjust your herbal formula or treatment plan.

Follow-ups are typically recommended around 2–4 weeks after your initial consultation, although this will depend on your individual needs.

It depends on the medication and supplements you’re taking, as well as the herbal formula being considered. Have an up-to-date list with you at your consultation so your practitioner can take this into account before prescribing and advise you appropriately.

Yes. Support of this kind is intended to sit alongside your conventional fertility care, and your practitioner will work around your clinic's protocol. Please tell us where you are in your cycle or treatment schedule so appointments can be timed sensibly.

Patients come to us at every stage — before starting, during stimulation, around transfer and after. Starting earlier gives more time to work with, but your practitioner will advise what is realistic from where you are now.

Chinese medicine is often used by people trying to conceive naturally, looking at cycle regularity, sleep, stress and general health as part of the wider picture rather than one measurement alone.

Yes. Male and female fertility are both assessed and treated here, and it is common for couples to be seen together or in parallel.

Any test results, records or clinic protocol you have, along with where you are in your cycle or treatment schedule, so that your practitioner can review them and time appointments sensibly.

Yes, at your first appointment. Fertility is assessed differently and it changes what your practitioner will recommend, including whether herbal medicine is appropriate.

Support here is intended to sit alongside your oncology care. Whether anything is appropriate depends on your diagnosis, treatment and medication, which your practitioner will review with you first.

Yes — this is essential. Bring details of your diagnosis, treatment schedule and all medication so that recommendations can be made safely.

Sometimes, and sometimes not. It depends on your treatment, blood results and general condition at the time, so this is assessed individually rather than assumed.

Herbal medicine is only considered after a careful review of your treatment and prescriptions, and there are situations where your practitioner will advise against it.

It may be, depending on your treatment and where you are in it. Your practitioner will advise, and will decline where it would not be appropriate.

Through an individual assessment that considers your oncology care first. We would rather recommend nothing than recommend something unsuitable.

A full consultation, a Chinese medical diagnosis and a realistic plan — usually a combination of treatment and simple lifestyle guidance, reviewed as things change.

No. Preventive care is for people who are functioning reasonably well but want to address early signs before they become something more.

Many patients come seasonally or every few months once an initial course is complete. Your practitioner will suggest a rhythm that suits you.

These are often discussed as part of preventive care, alongside sleep, energy and stress. Support here is complementary and does not replace monitoring or medication from your GP.

We are located at 101-105 Camden High Street, Camden, London, NW1 7JN, a short walk from Camden Town station.

Mon–Sat: 10:00–19:00 · Sun: 10:00–18:00