What We Do
Acupuncture
Ancient wisdom, modern care. More than 3,000 years of Chinese medicine knowledge, applied to modern-day health challenges.
Acupuncture at AcuMedic
Same symptom, different treatment
A headache, backache or sleepless night can look different from one person to the next. In traditional Chinese medicine, that matters. Your practitioner looks at the wider picture before deciding where, how and why acupuncture is used.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine, sterile, single-use needles placed at carefully selected points on the body. The points used will depend on your Chinese medicine assessment and may be close to the area causing concern or elsewhere on the body. Depending on what your practitioner finds, acupuncture may be used on its own or alongside other Chinese medicine techniques such as cupping.
- Who it's for
- People seeking acupuncture for a new, ongoing or recurring health concern.
- Appointment length
- Approximately 45–60 minutes.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic acupuncture uses fine needles at selected points on the face and body, taking both your skin and wider health into account. Rather than focusing on one area in isolation, your practitioner considers factors such as skin condition, muscle tension and your overall Chinese medicine assessment when planning treatment.
- Who it's for
- People looking for a non-surgical approach to supporting the health and appearance of their skin.
- Appointment length
- Approximately 40 minutes.
Cupping Therapy (Add-on)
Cupping may be used alongside acupuncture or massage to help with areas of muscle tightness and tension. Cups are placed on selected areas of the body to create gentle suction, with your practitioner deciding where and whether cupping is appropriate as part of your treatment. Temporary circular marks can appear on the skin and usually fade within a few days.
- Who it's for
- Patients having acupuncture or massage who may benefit from additional support for muscle tightness and tension.
- Appointment length
- Added within your acupuncture or massage appointment · £20 add-on
MSP Treatment: A Combined Approach to Musculoskeletal Pain
MSP Treatment combines acupuncture with techniques such as cupping, manipulation and advanced Pi/Fu needling in one appointment. What’s included depends on your symptoms and assessment, so each session may be a little different.
Treatment is provided by a CMIR-registered practitioner and usually lasts 45 to 75 minutes. Your first appointment may take a little longer to allow time for a full assessment.
Explore Further
What Can Acupuncture Help With?
These examples are not exhaustive. Your practitioner will assess whether this treatment is appropriate for your individual situation.
New to Chinese medicine?
How Traditional Chinese Medicine understands health, diagnosis, Qi and personalised treatment.
Book Your Acupuncture Consultation
Talk through your health concerns with one of our practitioners and find out how acupuncture could support you.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture
Does acupuncture hurt?
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.
Is Chinese medicine safe?
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.
Why might acupuncture treatment target an area away from the pain?
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.
What happens at your first acupuncture appointment?
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.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
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.