Many people use acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution or because they just feel generally unwell. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly. It can be very effective when integrated with conventional medicine.
Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms, from clearly defined complaints to more general feelings of ill health and low energy. Take a look at our research fact sheets to find out more about how traditional acupuncture can help you.
That depends on your individual condition. At first your acupuncturist will normally ask to see you once or twice a week. You may start to feel benefits after the first or second treatment although long-standing and chronic conditions usually need more time to improve. Once your health has stabilised you may need top-up treatments every few weeks. Traditional acupuncture is also very effective when used as preventive healthcare and many people like to go for a ‘retuning’ session at the change of each season throughout the year.
Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache. This is one of the signs the body’s qi, or vital energy, has been stimulated.
Yes. Certain styles like Japanese acupuncture use needles that do not break the skin or are inserted extremely lightly. Acupuncture needles are very much finer than the needles used for injections and blood tests. You may not even feel them penetrate the skin and once in place they are hardly noticeable.
You are likely to feel relaxed and calm. If the treatment has been particularly strong you may feel tired or drowsy and it is worth bearing this in mind if you plan to drive or use any other machinery soon afterwards.
Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side effects. Any that do occur are mild and self-correcting. Occasionally there may be minor bruising at the needle point or a short-term flare-up of your symptoms as your qi clears and resettles.
If you are currently receiving treatment from your doctor it is sensible to mention that you plan to have acupuncture. Your acupuncturist will need to know about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
Yes. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription. DO NOT stop taking medication without professional guidance.
There is no fixed fee as practitioners’ overheads vary. If you contact a few acupuncturists in your area you should discover an approximate fee level amongst them. Find a BAcC registered acupuncturist near you.
A handful of GP practices offer integrated healthcare with complementary therapies including acupuncture and many BAcC members work within GP practices and primary care trusts (PCTs). However this is not yet commonplace.
That depends upon your insurer. As the demand for complementary medicine increases more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for traditional acupuncture. You should check your individual policy details.
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I have been seeing Marina for over two years, and I honestly cannot recommend her highly enough. When I first started working with Marina, I was looking for support with food intolerances, hormone balance, microbiome health, and navigating the transition through menopause. From the very beginning, her knowledge, care, and holistic approach were incredible, and over the past two years she has supported me through so many different areas of my health and wellbeing. What has meant the most to me is that Marina’s support has extended far beyond a specific health concern. When my sister was diagnosed with cancer and later passed away, I was going through an incredibly difficult and emotional time. Marina was there with the right support and protocols when I needed them most, always adapting her approach to what I was experiencing at that particular time. Marina has an amazing depth of knowledge and takes great care in sourcing high-quality supplements and recommendations. She has also provided me with helpful links and guidance for other health and wellbeing products, from deodorants and moisturisers to other everyday choices, which has made such a difference to my overall journey. Also, Marina understands there needs to be a balance. She never makes you feel pressured or pushed into anything. Instead, she listens, understands what you need, and works alongside you in a way that feels completely personal and supportive. I am incredibly grateful for everything Marina has done for me.
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Apple Gotham
6 August 2026
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I saw Marina Townsley over two years and her amazing skills and acute perception cured long term health issues brilliantly. She is gifted, empathetic and open. I have recommended her to many people and know that she has improved my health and my life.
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Simon Matthews
9 July 2026
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Treated with FSM and Physio for severe knee pain by Anna who was fantastic. After failing to improve under the NHS for 12 months, I am now back to normal activities after only 5 months. I would highly recommend Anna to anyone seeking treatment for knee pain.
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Simon Hall
2 July 2026
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Working with both Marina and Eva - very experienced practitioners who know their stuff! Real expertise in tailoring the treatments required to the specific problem - in my case helping resolve many long term conditions that have proven resistant to other treatments. Thanks so much for your help.
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Vicky Wright
30 June 2026
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Fantastic experience. Excellent blood draw with Renata, and the team went above and beyond helping some tricky logistics. Thank you so much.
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Peter Aszkenasy
10 June 2026
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I had the most amazing restorative massage from Renata. She was very friendly and attentive to my needs and I felt fully recharged afterwards. Highly recommended!
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Rebecca Goldberg
15 April 2026
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I was seen by Martine and Natalie for traditional acupuncture. I had digestive issues and stress and after doing consecutive sessions everything improved dramatically! I highly recommend them. They are so lovely, kind and caring and provide a warm and calming atmosphere. I also had a 4 handed reflexology session which was very soothing and relaxing….
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Donna Ray
6 April 2026
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Warm, inviting place for medical treatment. Wonderful staff.
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Jane Kiss
20 March 2026
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My experience at Sutherland House receiving FSM treatment with Eva has been very positive. Firstly upon arrival a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Eva is a highly skilled practitioner with a wealth of experience. She has approached my difficult to treat condition with huge energy and has generously given me enormous support. This has made a profoundly positive difference to my life . I am so grateful to have met Eva.
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Antros Kkamaris
16 March 2026
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