Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy where a trained practitioner places very thin, sterile, single-use needles into specific points on your skin. These points may be linked to nerves, muscles, or connective tissue.

Acupuncture originated in East Asia and has been used for thousands of years to help support health and wellbeing. Traditional acupuncture is based on the idea that energy, known as “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), flows through pathways in the body. Treatment aims to restore balance when this flow is disrupted.

In Western medicine, acupuncture focuses on the potential to stimulate the nervous system. It encourages the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, improves blood flow, and helps relax muscles, which may help to manage a range of symptoms and conditions.

Reasons for having acupuncture  

Acupuncture is commonly used to help manage the symptoms of conditions such as:

• Arthritis and joint pain
• Back pain, neck pain, jaw pain, and shoulder pain
• Migraines and tension headaches
• Muscle pain and tension
• Nausea
• Period pain
• Sports injuries
• Stiffness or reduced mobility
• Stress or anxiety-related physical symptoms

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Everyone responds differently to acupuncture; however, the benefits may include:

• Fewer tension-related symptoms
• Greater movement and flexibility
• Improved relaxation and wellbeing
• Less pain and discomfort
• Reduced muscle tightness and tension

Many people use acupuncture to support their rehabilitation and recovery after injuries, or to help with long-term symptom management.

Is acupuncture right for you?

Acupuncture may be suitable for you if you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, tension, or other symptoms that negatively impact your quality of life. 

Acupuncture could be helpful for you if you:

• Are recovering from an injury
• Have persistent musculoskeletal pain
• Live with chronic pain or arthritis
• Want to include a complementary therapy alongside your medical care

However, acupuncture may not be suitable for everyone. You may need to consider other options if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication
• Have a pacemaker and are considering electroacupuncture (a variation that passes a mild electrical current through the needle)
• Have a skin infection or wound
• Have a severe needle phobia
• Need urgent or specialist medical attention

Research into how acupuncture works is ongoing. It’s thought that it stimulates the release of natural chemicals in your body that affect your nervous system and circulation.

Acupuncture could help your symptoms by:

• Encouraging the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins
• Helping your muscles relax
• Increasing blood flow to certain areas of your body
• Influencing how your brain processes pain signals
• Stimulating your nerves, muscles, and connective tissues

How to prepare for acupuncture

Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to:

• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine
• Eat a light meal
• Stay hydrated

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment and bring a list of your symptoms, medications and any questions you may have for your practitioner ahead of the appointment. Also, let them know if you’re pregnant.

You may want to avoid heavy exercise after your appointment, depending on how you feel.

Who will be involved?

Acupuncture is carried out at Spire Healthcare hospitals by qualified physiotherapists who follow the standards set by the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.

The treatment 

Your physiotherapist will ask you to sit or lie down. When you’re comfortable, they’ll identify which points on your skin they’ll be inserting the needle into.

They’ll then:

• Clean your skin where the needles will go
• Place fine needles into specific points to treat your symptoms
• Leave the needles in place for between 10 and 30 minutes
• Remove the needles and safely dispose of them

Your practitioner may gently move or stimulate the needles while they’re placed on your body, and they’ll let you know before they do this.

How long does acupuncture take?

A typical acupuncture appointment will last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the reason for your treatment and whether it’s your first session. Your initial session may last longer as your practitioner will discuss your symptoms, the treatment, and answer any questions you have.

The procedure itself usually takes around 20–30 minutes. You may have a single session or a course of sessions over a few weeks. Your practitioner will advise you on what’s best for your individual circumstances.

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture is not usually considered painful, although different people may have different experiences. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin, so most people only feel a small scratch, with some feeling nothing at all when they’re inserted.

You might notice feelings like tingling, warmth, pressure, or heaviness when you’re having treatment, but these sensations are usually mild and don’t last very long.

What happens after acupuncture treatment?

You may experience side effects such as:

• Mild fatigue
• Slight bruising
• Temporary dizziness
• Tenderness where the needles went in

These are usually short-lived. Most people can return to their normal daily activities straight away, although it’s recommended to drink plenty of water and to rest if possible.

If you feel unwell after your acupuncture treatment or develop any side effects, speak to your healthcare team for advice.

Although rare, there are some risks and possible complications, including:

• Bruising or bleeding at the needle sites
• Dizziness or fainting
• Infection
• Temporary soreness
• Very rare injuries caused by needles being inserted too deeply
• Worsening symptoms for a short time after treatment

You should always tell your practitioner about any health conditions you may have or medications that you take before you start your treatment.

It’s important to choose a trained and experienced practitioner. All physiotherapists carrying out acupuncture at Spire Healthcare are highly qualified therapists and follow the standards set by the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.