Acupuncture is generally not painful. The needles used are extremely fine, much thinner than injection needles.

You may feel a slight sensation as the needle is inserted, followed by a feeling of heaviness, warmth, tingling, or dull pressure. These sensations are normal and indicate the body’s response to treatment.

Most patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing, and many even fall asleep during the session.

If you ever feel uncomfortable, the treatment can be adjusted at any time.

Extensive research has shown that reported adverse events following acupuncture are incredibly rare and that most side effects are mild and pass very quickly. Serious side effects following acupuncture are uncommon, with research showing that on average only 1 in 10,000 treatments results in a significant side effect.

The most common minor side effects are:

• minor bleeding
• bruising
• mild pain at the site of needling
• sometimes aggravation of symptoms before improvement

In addition, some patients experience other responses including:

• drowsiness, tiredness and feeling relaxed
• fainting during treatment, although this is rare and most likely during the first treatment.

Most people feel pleasantly relaxed with no ill effects after treatment.

Your first appointment includes a full consultation and your first acupuncture treatment.

We will begin by discussing your main concern, medical history, lifestyle, sleep, digestion, and overall health. From a Chinese medicine perspective, different aspects of your health are connected, so this helps identify the root cause of your symptoms rather than just treating the surface problem.

After the consultation, you will usually receive acupuncture treatment during the same session.

Needles are gently inserted and left in place for around 20–30 minutes while you relax.

You will also receive personalised advice and a suggested treatment plan based on your needs.

Some private health insurance providers cover acupuncture treatment, depending on your policy.

We recommend checking directly with your insurance provider to confirm your level of cover and whether a referral is required.

If you need receipts or documentation for insurance claims, these can be provided upon request.

You are always welcome to contact the clinic and enquire about your private insurance.

Yes. Acupuncture can usually be used safely alongside conventional medical treatment and prescribed medication.

Many patients use acupuncture as a complementary therapy to support their overall health while continuing care from their GP or specialist.

However, acupuncture should not replace prescribed medication without medical advice. Always inform your practitioner about any medication you are taking so your treatment can be tailored appropriately.