It depends on the condition and your individual response to treatment. Please discuss your condition with a local member, as it is they who would be supervising your treatment. Patients may notice an improvement after the first session or it may take longer. As far as session duration is concerned, most acupuncture sessions will be about 45 minutes long, with the first session taking longer. The first session may also be more expensive.

In terms of the number of treatments, this would depend on the specifics of your treatment, but after your initial assessment with a practitioner, you can ask them how many sessions they think it will take. At first your acupuncturist will normally ask to see you once or twice a week. You may start to feel benefits after the first or second treatment although long-standing and chronic conditions usually need more time to improve. Once your health has stabilised you may need top-up treatments every few weeks. Traditional acupuncture is also very effective when used as preventive healthcare and many people like to go for a 'returning' session at the change of each season throughout the year.

Acupuncture points are located at precise places along interconnected pathways that map the whole body, including the head, trunk and limbs. The most commonly used acupuncture points are on the lower arms and legs.

Acupuncture needles are so fine that most people don’t feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as the acupuncturist adjusts the needle to direct Qi. While the needles are in place most people feel deeply relaxed which can continue after they are removed.

There have been a number of scientific papers published on the safety of acupuncture. These have concluded that acupuncture is safe so long as it is delivered by a properly trained individual. Therefore, we would recommend that you ensure your acupuncturist belongs to a professional organisation such as the British Acupuncture Council.

As acupuncture involves the insertion of needles there will sometimes be a small bruise where the needle was inserted. Occasionally, people can feel dizzy or tired after a treatment, but this passes quickly.

To help your acupuncturist ensure that there are no unwanted side effects, please let them know any medications that you are taking, such as anti-coagulants. Also let them know if feel hot or the room is stuffy, or you are hungry/thirsty.

Research papers on the safety of Acupuncture:

MacPherson H, Thomas K, Walters S, et al. The York acupuncture safety study: prospective survey of 34 000 treatments by traditional acupuncturists. BMJ Clinical research 2001;323(7311):486-87.

White, A. (2006). The safety of acupuncture – evidence from the UK. Acupuncture in Medicine, 24(Suppl), 53–57. https://doi.org/10.1136/aim.24.Suppl.53

Witt CM, Pach D, Brinkhaus B, et al. Safety of acupuncture: results of a prospective observational study with 229,230 patients and introduction of a medical information and consent form. Forschende Komplementärmedizin 2009;16(2):91-97. doi: 10.1159/000209315

Yes, but there may be an additional cost to cover travel.

If you need to cancel your appointment, I respectfully request at least 24 hours notice. Any cancellation or reschedule made less than 24 hours in advance will result in full payment of the fee.