Acupuncture

Basic Acupuncture

Fine, sterile needles placed at selected points to relieve pain, ease stress and support your body's natural balance — delivered by fully licensed TCM practitioners.

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Background

Understanding Basic Acupuncture

01
Traditional Background

How Was Acupuncture Developed?

Acupuncture has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Traditionally, practitioners understood health through the balance and flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body. Specific points were identified through generations of clinical observation and experience, and acupuncture developed as a way to restore balance and support the body's natural healing processes.
Qithe vital energy that flows through the body
Bloodnourishes the organs and tissues
Pointsmapped through generations of clinical experience
Balancerestored to support natural healing
Figure 1. The key ideas behind acupuncture in traditional TCM theory.
02
Modern Scientific Perspective

How Does Acupuncture Work?

From a modern scientific perspective, acupuncture is thought to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissues, triggering physiological responses in the body^[1]^[2]. Research suggests that acupuncture may influence the nervous system, pain-processing pathways, blood flow and the release of endogenous chemicals such as endorphins^[1]. Modern research continues to investigate how these mechanisms may contribute to its clinical effects.
Fine needle
at the acupoint
Nerve signalsSensory nerves send signals to the spinal cord and brain, where pain is processed.
Natural chemicalsThe body may release its own pain-modulating chemicals, such as endorphins.
Connective tissueThe needle gently engages the surrounding tissue, which may send local mechanical signals.
Figure 2. Mechanisms of acupuncture described in the research literature^[1]^[2].
A large individual patient data meta-analysis found that acupuncture was associated with greater improvement in several chronic pain conditions than either sham or no acupuncture, although the difference from sham was modest^[3]. A Cochrane review also found moderate-quality evidence that adding acupuncture to usual care may reduce how often episodic migraines occur^[4].

References

Zhao ZQ. Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Progress in Neurobiology. 2008;85(4):355–375. doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2008.05.004
Langevin HM, Churchill DL, Cipolla MJ. Mechanical signaling through connective tissue: a mechanism for the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. The FASEB Journal. 2001;15(12):2275–2282. doi.org/10.1096/fj.01-0015hyp
Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain. 2018;19(5):455–474. doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005
Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016;(6):CD001218. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub3

Your session

What you need to know

1Before your treatment

What to Prepare

If you have any medical reports, examination or test results, feel free to bring them with you. They can help us better understand your condition, but they are not necessary. There is no need to arrange or obtain any reports before your appointment.
2During your treatment

What to Expect
- Avoid coming very hungry or overly full, as either may make you feel uncomfortable, nauseous or light-headed during treatment.
- You can eat normally before your appointment — just avoid having a very large meal immediately beforehand.
- Acupuncture points may be located around the knees, lower abdomen and upper abdomen, so comfortable clothing is recommended.
3After your treatment

Aftercare

There are no specific aftercare restrictions for most people. You can return to your normal daily activities, including work, exercise, showering and swimming.
Some people may feel “weak” or deeply relaxed afterwards, similar to the feeling of just waking up from sleep. This is usually temporary and simply reflects a relaxed state.

Who can benefit

Conditions acupuncture may help with

Acupuncture is one of our most popular treatments and is used for a wide range of concerns. These are some of the most common reasons our patients choose it.

Back pain

Long-standing or recurring lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people try acupuncture.

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Neck & shoulder pain

Stiffness and tension in the neck and shoulders, often linked to posture, desk work or stress.

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Headaches & migraines

Many patients choose acupuncture alongside their usual care to help reduce how often headaches occur.

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Joint pain & arthritis

Aching, stiff joints, such as knee pain from osteoarthritis, where acupuncture is often used to help ease discomfort.

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Sciatica

Pain radiating from the lower back down the leg, for which acupuncture is often used as part of a wider care plan.

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Stress & anxiety

Feeling tense, on edge or overwhelmed. Many people find acupuncture sessions deeply relaxing.

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Sleep problems

Difficulty falling or staying asleep, which TCM often links to stress and imbalance.

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Digestive discomfort

Bloating, irregular bowel habits or a sensitive stomach, including IBS-type symptoms.

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Fatigue & low energy

Long-term tiredness and slow recovery, which TCM links to deficient Qi.

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Your practitioner will assess whether acupuncture is right for you at your consultation. Please tell them if you are pregnant, take blood-thinning medication or have a pacemaker or bleeding disorder.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

No, it doesn't hurt — it feels like a dull, tingling sensation. Occasionally you may feel a brief sharp pain if a needle touches a pore or capillary; this is harmless and rare. If you feel a sharp pain while the needles are being inserted, let your practitioner know and it will be readjusted.

Is bruising normal? Does it mean anything?

It's not common, but it can happen depending on your skin type and how sensitive it is. If a needle touches a capillary it may cause a small bruise, but there's nothing to worry about — it clears on its own, and you can cover it with make-up if needed.

Is acupuncture dangerous?

It can be, if needles are placed incorrectly. An unqualified acupuncturist may also place needles too shallowly, which effectively gives a placebo treatment — a waste of time and money. This is why it's important to see a properly qualified practitioner.

How often should I have treatment, and how long is a full course?

Generally, treatment can be done 1–3 times per week depending on how severe the condition is. Pain-relief treatment has no fixed total number — you decide to stop once the pain is manageable enough not to need more. Chronic conditions may need a longer course for longer-lasting effect.

Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.