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.
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.
People commonly seek acupuncture to support:
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.
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).
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.
Look for a practitioner who:
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.
Acupuncture has a long history, with roots in East Asian medicine that developed over many centuries. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) describes acupuncture in terms of balancing and regulating processes within the body, using networks of points and pathways.
In the 20th century, acupuncture practice expanded internationally and evolved in different directions. In many Western settings, practitioners began integrating acupuncture with anatomical knowledge and pain science, which contributed to approaches often described as Western medical acupuncture.
Today in the UK, acupuncture may be offered by specialist acupuncturists as well as by healthcare professionals (such as physiotherapists) who use needling techniques within their professional scope. The style you choose can affect the consultation process, the language used to explain treatment, and how points are selected—so it can be helpful to ask about the practitioner’s training and approach before you book.
Showing 11 conditions where Acupuncture is commonly used.
| Condition | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Back pain (lower) |
moderate
|
Common reason people seek acupuncture; outcomes vary; review after a short course. |
|
Chronic pain |
mixed
|
Can be part of a broader pain-management plan. |
|
Muscle tension |
moderate
|
Used for tension patterns; usually combined with movement/posture advice. |
|
Neck pain |
moderate
|
Often used for musculoskeletal neck/shoulder tension. |
|
Tension headaches |
moderate
|
Frequently used for headache support; track headache days. |
|
Anxiety |
limited
|
Some people find it calming; not a substitute for mental health treatment. |
|
Insomnia |
limited
|
Often sought when stress is a factor; sleep hygiene still key. |
|
Migraine support |
moderate
|
Supportive option for some people; monitor frequency/severity. |
|
Nausea support |
moderate
|
Commonly used as supportive care for nausea in some contexts. |
|
Osteoarthritis support |
mixed
|
Adjunct support for pain/stiffness; not disease-modifying. |
|
Stress |
limited
|
Used for stress/wellbeing; evidence varies. |
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles are very fine. Sensations vary; many people describe a dull ache, tingling or warmth. Your practitioner will explain what to expect.
How many sessions might I need?
Frequency depends on your goals and response. Some people notice changes within a few sessions, while others prefer a short course.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Tell your practitioner if you are pregnant. Some points are avoided and care is adapted. Always follow advice from your midwife or GP.