Frequently Asked Questions

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

We recommend booking ahead so we can arrange the right appointment and practitioner for you. Walk-in appointments may also be available, depending on which practitioners are available that day.

If you’re not sure what to book, our team can point you towards the most appropriate appointment.

Begin with what you’d like help with, rather than trying to work out which treatment you need.

Our team can help you decide whether acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, MSP Treatment or another service is the most appropriate place to start. You can also use our Free Health Advice service if you’d like guidance before booking.

If you’re not sure what to book, our team can point you towards the most appropriate appointment.

You don’t need to bring anything special. However, recent test results, medical letters or other information related to your reason for visiting may help your practitioner understand your needs.

Please also bring details of any medicines or supplements you take, so your practitioner can take them into account during your consultation.

Yes, you can book an appointment for another person.

The patient will still need to provide their own health information during the consultation. They’ll also have private time to discuss their health directly with their practitioner.

If you need to cancel or move your appointment, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a late-cancellation charge.

That depends on more than the name of the condition. Your practitioner will consider your symptoms, medical history and wider Chinese medicine assessment before recommending treatment.

Chinese medicine can also be used alongside conventional medical care where appropriate. If it doesn’t seem suitable for you, we’ll explain why and suggest the next step instead.

Chinese medicine doesn’t assume that the same symptoms always need the same treatment. Your practitioner will look at the pattern that emerges during your consultation and assessment, then choose the approach that best fits your needs.

As a result, two people with similar symptoms may receive different acupuncture points, herbal formulas or treatment plans. Your practitioner will talk you through their recommendation and explain the reasoning behind it.

It depends on what your practitioner finds during your assessment. They may recommend acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or a combination of the two.

You won’t automatically receive both. If herbal medicine is recommended, your practitioner will explain why, and you can decide whether you want to take the prescription. Herbal medicine is charged separately.

There isn’t a fixed number of appointments that suits everyone. A recent health concern may need a different approach from something you’ve been experiencing for several years.

Your practitioner will consider what you want help with, how long you’ve had the symptoms and how you respond to treatment. After your assessment, they can suggest an initial plan and review your progress as you go. You won’t be asked to commit to a long course before you know how you respond.

Yes. We’re happy to work alongside the medical care you’re already receiving, so you don’t have to choose between the two.

Tell your practitioner about any medication, supplements or other treatments you’re having. This information helps them make appropriate recommendations.

Keep taking prescribed medication as directed. Don’t stop or change it unless the healthcare professional responsible for your care advises you to do so.

Possibly. Where relevant, your practitioner may suggest practical changes to your diet, sleep, exercise or daily routine.

There isn’t one standard Chinese medicine diet or lifestyle plan for everyone. Any advice will be shaped around your health, circumstances and what is realistic for you.

An online Chinese medicine consultation usually takes up to 45 minutes. That gives your practitioner time to discuss your symptoms, review your health history, carry out a remote Chinese medicine assessment and explain their recommendations.

Choose a quiet, well-lit place with a reliable internet connection. Good lighting matters because your practitioner may need to look at your tongue and complexion on camera.

For about two hours before your appointment, avoid coffee and other foods or drinks that could stain your tongue. If you have recent blood test results, letters from your GP or other relevant medical reports, keep them nearby so you can refer to them during the consultation.

Your practitioner will ask what has brought you to the appointment, discuss your medical history and check which medicines or supplements you take. They may also ask about your sleep, digestion, energy levels, lifestyle and other aspects of your health.

As part of the Chinese medicine assessment, your practitioner may ask to see your tongue and complexion on camera. They’ll then explain their assessment and talk through their recommendations. These may include dietary or lifestyle advice and, where appropriate, a personalised herbal prescription.

Your practitioner follows the same careful consultation, assessment and prescribing process as they would in the clinic. The main difference is that they can’t feel your pulse remotely, so they’ll place greater emphasis on detailed questions and other diagnostic signs, such as your tongue and complexion.

If an in-person appointment would be more appropriate, perhaps because you need a physical assessment or acupuncture, we’ll explain why and recommend the most suitable next step.

Chinese medicine uses a diagnostic framework known as the Four Examinations. This draws on several types of information rather than focusing on one symptom or test.

During an online appointment, your practitioner will ask detailed questions and assess visual signs, including your tongue and complexion. They’ll consider this information together when forming their Chinese medicine assessment and deciding what to recommend.

People come to us with a wide range of 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 unsure whether an online consultation is right for you, our team can help you decide where to start.

Yes. Your practitioner will explain their assessment and recommendations during the consultation, so you understand what they’re recommending and why.

Depending on your needs, your plan may include dietary and lifestyle advice and, where appropriate, a Chinese herbal formula prescribed specifically for you.

If your practitioner prescribes herbal medicine, our pharmacy will prepare your formula specifically for you.

For patients in the UK, prescriptions may be supplied as raw herbs or concentrated granules, depending on your practitioner’s recommendation. Different options apply to international prescriptions.

If herbs are prescribed, our pharmacy in Camden will prepare your formula and send it directly to your address.

Herbal medicine and delivery are charged separately from the consultation. The cost will depend on your prescription and the amount supplied.

You can have an online consultation from outside the UK. International delivery of herbal medicine may also be possible, depending on where you live.

We don’t send raw herbs internationally. Patients outside the UK may receive prescriptions in other forms, such as granules or capsules, where available. International deliveries are also subject to local customs and import regulations, so we’ll confirm what can be sent to your location before proceeding.

In some cases, Chinese herbal medicine can be used alongside conventional treatment. We’re happy to work alongside the medical care you’re already receiving, rather than asking you to choose between the two approaches.

Have an up-to-date list of your medicines and supplements with you during your consultation. Your practitioner will take these into account when deciding whether herbal medicine is appropriate and what can be prescribed safely.

Don’t stop or change prescribed medication unless the healthcare professional responsible for your care advises you to do so.

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

Follow-ups are usually recommended around 2 to 4 weeks after your first consultation, although the timing will depend on your individual needs.

It begins with a consultation and Chinese medicine assessment, even if you don’t have a particular health concern.

Your practitioner will ask about your overall health, including sleep, energy, digestion, stress and daily habits. They can then explain whether acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, lifestyle suggestions or no treatment would be suitable. Sometimes the best advice is simply to leave things alone.

No. You don’t need a diagnosis or a pressing health problem to make an appointment.

Perhaps you’ve noticed a small change in your sleep, energy, digestion or general wellbeing. You may also simply want to take a more active interest in your health. Your practitioner will assess your needs instead of assuming that every appointment must end with treatment.

That’s perfectly fine. Tell your practitioner why you’ve booked and what you’d like to discuss.

They’ll ask about your current health and carry out a Chinese medicine assessment. If they don’t find a clear reason to recommend treatment, they’ll say so. Booking a consultation doesn’t mean you have to have acupuncture or take Chinese herbal medicine.

There isn’t a set timetable. The right frequency depends on your health, your reasons for attending and any concerns you want to address.

After your assessment, your practitioner can explain whether another appointment might be useful and when. You don’t need to sign up for regular visits simply because you’re exploring Chinese medicine for general wellbeing.

You don’t need to decide that before booking. During your consultation, your practitioner will ask what you’d like help with, review your health history and assess whether Chinese medicine is appropriate.

If another type of care would suit you better, we’ll tell you.

No. You can book a consultation without a formal medical diagnosis.

If you have test results, medical letters or other health information, bring them with you. They can give your practitioner useful background alongside their own assessment.

Yes. The conditions listed on our website are examples of concerns people commonly bring to us. They aren’t a complete list of everything our practitioners can assess.

If you’re unsure whether we can help, use our Free Health Advice service before booking. Tell us a little about what’s going on, and we’ll help you decide on the most appropriate next step.

Your practitioner will begin by asking what has brought you in and taking a detailed health history. They may also ask about your sleep, digestion, energy and lifestyle, even when those details don’t seem connected to your main concern.

A traditional Chinese medicine assessment may include looking at your tongue and checking your pulse. Your practitioner will then explain their assessment, recommend an approach and explain why they recommend it.

If treatment is appropriate, it can often start during the same appointment.

Not always. Treatment can often begin at the first appointment, but your consultation comes first.

If your practitioner thinks another type of care would be more appropriate, they’ll explain that rather than recommending treatment simply because you’ve booked an appointment.

The length depends on the appointment you choose. An acupuncture appointment with a consultation usually takes around 60 minutes. A consultation without acupuncture generally lasts around 20 to 40 minutes.

If you’re unsure which appointment to book, our team can help.

Yes. Your consultation takes place in private, so you have space to discuss your health and concerns openly with your practitioner.

We treat the information you share confidentially and handle it according to our privacy and clinical record-keeping procedures.

An acupuncture appointment usually lasts approximately 45–60 minutes.

Your first appointment also includes a consultation and Chinese medicine assessment before treatment begins, so your practitioner has time to understand what has brought you in and plan your treatment.

There’s very little you need to do before acupuncture. Eat as usual rather than arriving on an empty stomach, and wear loose, comfortable clothing if possible. This makes it easier for your practitioner to access commonly used points on your arms and legs.

During your consultation, let your practitioner know about any medicines you take and any health conditions that may be relevant.

Your first acupuncture appointment begins with a conversation. Your practitioner will ask why you’ve come, how long your symptoms have been present, what affects them and whether any other aspects of your health could be relevant.

As part of a traditional Chinese medicine assessment, they may look at your tongue and feel your pulse. These details help them build a wider picture of your health before choosing suitable acupuncture points.

If acupuncture is right for you, treatment can often start during the same appointment. Your practitioner will explain what they recommend and answer any questions before treatment begins.

In most cases, you can carry on with your day as normal after acupuncture. Some people feel particularly relaxed or a little tired after treatment, so take it easy if you feel you need to.

There’s usually no special aftercare required. If your practitioner has any recommendations specific to you, they’ll explain them before you leave.

This can be one of the more surprising things about acupuncture. A headache doesn’t always mean needles in the head, and back pain doesn’t mean every needle needs to go into the back.

In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners choose points based on the pattern identified during your assessment. Points elsewhere on the body may therefore be relevant. For example, your practitioner might use points on your hands, feet or lower legs for symptoms affecting your head, neck or back.

If your practitioner chooses a point you weren’t expecting, feel free to ask why. They can explain how it fits into your treatment.

There isn’t one standard acupuncture treatment plan that suits everyone.

A recent problem may need a different approach from symptoms that have been present for several years. Your practitioner will consider what you want help with, how long you’ve had the symptoms and how you respond to treatment.

After your assessment, they can suggest an initial plan and review your progress as you go. You don’t have to commit to a long course of treatment before you know how acupuncture works for you.

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, so they feel quite different from the needles used for injections or blood tests.

You might hardly feel some needles as they enter the skin. Others may cause a brief tingling sensation, a feeling of warmth or heaviness, or a mild, dull ache. These sensations can occur during acupuncture, but the treatment shouldn’t feel sharply painful.

If something feels uncomfortable, let your practitioner know. They can adjust the needle or change their technique.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when carried out by a suitably qualified practitioner. At AcuMedic, practitioners use sterile, single-use needles for every treatment.

Beforehand, your practitioner will ask about your medical history, medicines and any health conditions that may be relevant. This helps them decide whether acupuncture is appropriate and whether anything about your treatment needs to be adapted.

If acupuncture isn’t appropriate for you, your practitioner will explain this and advise you on the next step.

An in-person Chinese herbal medicine consultation usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. During this time, your practitioner will ask about your symptoms, medical history and other aspects of your health that may be relevant before deciding what to recommend.

Online herbal consultations may take a little longer as the assessment is carried out remotely.

Your practitioner will ask what has brought you to the clinic, review your health history and check which medicines or supplements you take. They may also ask about your sleep, digestion, energy levels and daily routine to build a fuller picture of your health.

As part of a traditional Chinese medicine assessment, your practitioner may also look at your tongue. If you’re attending in person, they may check your pulse too. They’ll then explain their assessment and recommend a herbal formula if Chinese herbal medicine is appropriate for you.

Yes. Chinese herbal medicine doesn’t rely on one standard remedy for each symptom.

Instead, your practitioner chooses a formula based on your individual Chinese medicine assessment. Two people coming to us with a similar concern may therefore receive different prescriptions.

Your formula can also be reviewed and adjusted over time as your symptoms and needs change.

We prescribe Chinese herbal medicine as raw herbs or concentrated granules, depending on what your practitioner considers most suitable for you.

Your prescription is prepared by our Chinese herbal pharmacy, and you’ll receive clear instructions on how to prepare and take it.

This depends on the type of prescription you receive. Raw herbs usually need to be prepared before taking them, while concentrated granules are prepared differently.

You’ll receive instructions with your prescription, and our team can answer any questions you have about preparing or taking your herbs.

Yes. You can arrange a remote consultation if travelling to our Camden clinic isn’t convenient.

Your practitioner will discuss your symptoms and health history by video or phone. During a video consultation, they may also ask to see your tongue as part of the Chinese medicine assessment.

If herbs are prescribed, our pharmacy can prepare your formula and arrange delivery to you.

In some cases, Chinese herbal medicine can be used alongside conventional treatment. We’re happy to work alongside the medical care you’re already receiving, rather than asking you to choose one approach over the other.

Your practitioner will need to know about any medicines and supplements you’re taking before prescribing herbs, so bring details of anything you take regularly or have started recently. They can then take this into account when deciding whether herbal medicine is appropriate for you.

Don’t stop or change prescribed medication unless the healthcare professional responsible for your care advises you to do so.

There isn’t a set treatment length. It depends on what you’d like help with, how long you’ve had the issue and how you respond.

You won’t necessarily receive one prescription and continue taking it unchanged. Your practitioner can review your progress and adjust your formula as needed, or recommend stopping when appropriate.

Before prescribing herbal medicine, your practitioner will ask about your medical history, current health conditions and any medicines or supplements you take. This helps them decide whether herbal medicine is appropriate for you and whether anything needs to be taken into account when choosing your formula.

We prescribe herbal formulas individually rather than giving everyone with the same symptoms the same prescription. If your practitioner doesn’t think Chinese herbal medicine is suitable for you, they’ll tell you and explain what they recommend instead.

We offer deep tissue massage, sports massage, Tuina, head massage and medical foot massage. Each treatment has its own focus, whether you’re dealing with muscle tension, the demands of training or discomfort in a particular area.

Not sure which one fits? Our team can explain the differences and help you choose a sensible starting point.

The right choice depends on what you want help with. Deep tissue massage is aimed at ongoing muscle tightness, while sports massage may be a good fit for training, physical activity and recovery. Tuina is a traditional Chinese medicine massage, while head massage and medical foot massage focus on those specific areas.

If you’re caught between options, tell our team what you’d like to address. We’ll help you choose the most suitable treatment.

Massage appointments last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the treatment you choose.

Deep tissue, Tuina and sports massage are available in 30, 45, 60 or 90-minute sessions. Head massage takes 30 minutes, while medical foot massage takes 45 minutes.

Wear comfortable clothing to begin with. The clothing you need will depend on the massage and the areas your practitioner is treating.

Your practitioner will explain whether you need to remove anything and will keep you comfortable and appropriately covered throughout the appointment.

Yes, massage can be combined with acupuncture in some cases, particularly when muscle tension, stiffness or limited movement are part of your concerns.

You won’t automatically need both treatments, though. Your practitioner will discuss whether combining them is suitable and how they could fit into your treatment plan.