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Acupuncture is a therapy where very fine, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body. People use it for issues such as pain, tension, headaches and stress, and to support overall wellbeing.

Sessions are usually tailored to your symptoms and medical history, and many practitioners combine needling with advice about lifestyle, posture, movement or relaxation.

Acupuncture is a form of needling therapy that uses very fine, single-use sterile needles placed at specific points on the body. In the UK you’ll see different approaches, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture and Western medical (or “dry needling” style) acupuncture, where point selection may be based on anatomy and pain science.

What happens in an acupuncture session?

A first appointment usually includes a detailed discussion about your symptoms, general health, medication, sleep, stress, activity levels and any relevant medical history. Your practitioner may also ask about triggers, patterns and what makes symptoms better or worse.

You’ll typically lie on a couch while needles are inserted into selected points. Needles are usually left in place for around 10–30 minutes, depending on the style and your needs. Many people describe a mild ache, warmth or tingling sensation (often called deqi in TCM), but the experience should not be intensely painful.

What can acupuncture be used for?

People commonly seek acupuncture to support:

• Musculoskeletal pain (e.g. back pain, neck/shoulder tension, joint pain)
• Headaches (including tension-type headaches and migraine support)
• Stress and wellbeing (e.g. feeling overwhelmed, difficulty switching off)
• Sleep difficulties (especially when stress is a factor)
• Nausea (including some people who experience nausea related to anxiety or treatments)

It’s important to be realistic: acupuncture may help some people more than others, and for some issues the evidence is stronger than for others. A responsible practitioner should explain what’s known, what’s uncertain, and how progress will be reviewed.

Evidence and outcomes

Research on acupuncture is wide-ranging. Evidence is generally stronger for some types of pain and headache than for broader “wellbeing” claims. Even where research is positive, responses vary, and acupuncture should be viewed as part of an overall plan (for example, alongside exercise, physiotherapy, stress reduction or medical care when needed).

A practical way to approach treatment is to agree a clear outcome goal (for example: reduced pain severity, fewer headache days, improved sleep quality) and a review point (often after 4–6 sessions).

Safety, side effects and who it may not be suitable for

When performed by a properly trained professional using sterile needles, acupuncture is generally considered safe. Common side effects include temporary soreness, bruising or tiredness after treatment.

You should tell your practitioner if you are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, use anticoagulant medication, have a pacemaker (relevant for electro-acupuncture), have a compromised immune system, or have a history of fainting with needles.

Acupuncture is not a substitute for medical care. If you have new, worsening, or severe symptoms—such as chest pain, sudden weakness, unexplained weight loss, severe headache, signs of infection, or neurological symptoms—seek urgent medical advice.

Choosing an acupuncture practitioner in the UK

Look for a practitioner who:

• Uses single-use sterile needles and follows clear hygiene procedures
• Takes a thorough history and explains a treatment plan and review point
• Is appropriately qualified and insured
• Works within their scope of practice and signposts to a GP or specialist when needed

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your goal, how long you’ve had symptoms, and how your body responds. Some people notice change quickly; others need a short course of sessions. A structured plan with outcome tracking helps keep treatment focused and cost-effective.