Acupuncture is a traditional system of medicine that has been used for thousands of years to support the body’s natural ability to heal. It involves the gentle insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to encourage the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) through channels. When Qi flows freely, it helps maintain balance across the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of health.

Traditional Chinese Medicine provides a diagnostic framework for understanding patterns of imbalance in the body. It takes into account physical symptoms, emotional health, lifestyle, and overall constitution to form a treatment plan that addresses both the root cause and the presenting symptoms.

Five Element acupuncture focuses on the underlying emotional and energetic patterns that shape how a person responds to life. It is based on the idea that each individual has a dominant element—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water—and works to restore harmony and strengthen the body’s natural balance. This approach can be used on its own or integrated with other acupuncture styles for more comprehensive care.

Reiki is a gentle form of energy healing that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and supports the body’s natural ability to heal. It involves light, hands-on or hands-off touch, during which the practitioner channels calming, restorative energy to help clear energetic blockages and encourage balance. Reiki works holistically—supporting physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing—and can be used alongside other therapies. This soothing and non-invasive practice helps you feel more centred, peaceful, and aligned, making it a valuable tool for those seeking a natural approach to wellness.

Tui Na is a therapeutic massage used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood through the body’s channels. It combines a variety of techniques, including rolling, kneading, pressing, brushing, grasping, and gentle stretches, all tailored to the individual’s needs. These methods work to release muscular tension, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural ability to rebalance and heal. Tui Na is not only helpful for muscular aches and joint stiffness, but can also support internal conditions such as menstrual discomfort, digestive imbalance, and abdominal tension. Within treatment, Tui Na is used where appropriate to complement other techniques, enhancing the therapeutic process and supporting the body’s return to balance.

Cupping therapy is a traditional practice often used in Chinese medicine to encourage circulation, relieve muscle tension, and support the body’s natural healing ability. Using glass or silicone cups, gentle suction is applied to the skin, drawing blood flow to targeted areas and helping to reduce stagnation. Cupping is commonly used to ease pain, lower inflammation, and promote relaxation. It also supports stress relief, improved mobility, and faster recovery. As a holistic and non-invasive treatment, cupping offers a natural way to enhance overall health and wellbeing.

Moxa, or moxibustion, is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy that involves gently warming specific acupuncture points using dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). The heat from moxa stimulates circulation, supports the body’s natural healing processes, and helps to restore balance. Commonly used to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, improve energy, and treat cold or deficiency-related conditions, moxa is valued for its deeply nourishing and restorative effects. Often combined with acupuncture, it offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to enhancing vitality and promoting overall wellbeing.

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves using a smooth-edged tool to gently stroke the skin, helping to stimulate circulation, release tension, and support the body’s natural healing response. It can be applied to any area of the body where it’s needed, encouraging the healthy movement of Qi and blood to reduce inflammation, ease discomfort, and aid recovery. The technique may bring up temporary red or purple marks—known as "Sha"—which indicate areas of stagnation being released and typically fade within a few days. Gua Sha offers a gentle, holistic approach to relieving tension and promoting long-term health and wellbeing.

Acupuncture is usually very well tolerated and not considered painful. You might notice a mild sensation as the needle is inserted—this could feel like a dull ache, tingling, or a gentle heaviness. This response, known as Deqi, is a normal sign that the body is responding to the point being activated. Any sensation is typically short-lived, and many people find the overall treatment calming and restorative.

For your acupuncture treatment, wearing loose and comfortable clothing allows easy access to areas such as the arms, legs, or back, depending on the points being used. If any clothing needs to be adjusted or removed, your comfort and privacy will always be respected. It’s also helpful to eat something light and stay hydrated beforehand, as this can support your body’s response to treatment. After your session, try to give yourself time to rest, drink water, and avoid anything too strenuous. Feeling relaxed or slightly tired afterwards is completely normal—listening to your body can help the treatment settle and take effect.

The number of sessions needed will vary depending on your individual condition and how your body responds to treatment. Acute or short-term issues may improve within a few sessions, while more chronic or long-standing conditions often benefit from a longer course of treatment. Progress is reviewed regularly, and the treatment plan can be adapted as needed to support your health and wellbeing.

The first acupuncture session is typically longer than follow-ups, as your practitioner will take a detailed health history, address your concerns, and create a personalised treatment plan. You will also receive an initial treatment, with fine needles gently inserted at specific points to support your body’s healing process.

After acupuncture, you might experience mild side effects such as slight soreness, a small bruise, or feeling tired. These sensations are normal and can last for up to a day, after which they usually subside. Many people feel relaxed and balanced following their treatment.

Acupuncture can support a broad range of health concerns, both physical and emotional. It is often used for pain-related issues such as back pain, joint problems, and muscular tension, as well as for digestive discomfort, menstrual irregularities, and menopausal symptoms. Acupuncture may also help with stress, anxiety, low mood, and general fatigue. In addition to treating specific conditions, many people use acupuncture to support overall balance and wellbeing. It can be safely combined with other forms of care—such as conventional medicine, physiotherapy, or complementary therapies—as part of a personalised and holistic approach. Any other treatments you’re receiving can be taken into consideration, helping your acupuncture sessions work in alignment with your wider care and support.

Follow-up acupuncture sessions typically last between 45 and 60 minutes. The first appointment is longer—around 90 minutes—to allow time for a full consultation, covering your health history, lifestyle, and main concerns, followed by your initial treatment. Each session is designed to support the body’s natural healing process and help restore balance over time.

Yes, acupuncture can be combined with other treatments, such as conventional medicine, physiotherapy, or complementary therapies. It often complements these approaches, supporting recovery and improving overall wellbeing. Be sure to let your practitioner know about any other treatments you’re undergoing.

Yes, acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. The needles are sterile, single-use, and carefully inserted to minimise any risk. Serious side effects are extremely rare, making it a widely trusted and low-risk treatment option.