Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been practised for over 2,500 years — and yet it remains one of the most talked-about therapies in modern wellness. Whether you're curious about trying it for the first time or simply want to understand what it actually involves, this guide covers everything you need to know.

At its heart, acupuncture is a gentle, time-tested healing practice that uses ultra-fine needles to stimulate specific points on the body. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used today for everything from chronic pain and migraines to stress, sleep problems, and fertility support.

Read on to discover how acupuncture works, what conditions it can help with, and what you can expect from your first session.

What's the Difference Between Acupressure and Acupuncture?

Acupressure

  • What is Qi?

    Qi (pronounced "chee") is the vital life energy believed to animate every living being. In TCM, good health is understood as the free and balanced flow of Qi throughout the body. When Qi is disrupted — through stress, injury, poor diet, or emotional imbalance — illness, pain, and fatigue can follow.

  • What are Meridians?

    Meridians are the 14 invisible energy channels through which Qi flows. Each meridian is associated with specific organs and body systems — such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart. Picture them as motorways of energy running beneath the skin, connecting the body's internal organs to its surface.

  • What are Acupoints?

    Acupoints are precise locations along the meridians where the flow of Qi can be accessed and regulated. There are over 350 recognised acupoints on the body. By inserting fine needles at carefully chosen points, an acupuncturist aims to restore the balanced flow of Qi — and with it, the body's capacity to heal itself.
Learn More

History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest continuously practised medical systems in the world, with origins in ancient China dating back more than 2,500 years. It forms a central pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — a holistic approach to health that considers the body, mind, and spirit as deeply interconnected.

The earliest written records of acupuncture appear in the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine), a foundational text compiled around 200 BCE that mapped the body's energy pathways and described the therapeutic use of needles.

From China, acupuncture spread across East Asia, becoming integral to healing traditions in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It arrived in Europe in the 17th century via Jesuit missionaries, and by the late 20th century had gained widespread recognition across the Western world. Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognises acupuncture as an effective treatment for over 100 conditions.

What the Science Says

While Western medicine does not use the language of Qi and meridians, a growing body of research is shedding light on the physiological mechanisms that may explain acupuncture's effects.

Endorphin and neurotransmitter release
Needle stimulation at acupoints appears to trigger the release of endorphins — the body's natural painkillers — as well as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood, and adenosine, which has powerful local pain-relieving effects. This may explain the sense of deep relaxation and pain relief that many people experience during treatment.

Nervous System Effects


Acupuncture has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the body's "rest and digest" mode — reducing the output of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, and promoting a state of physiological calm.

Anti-Inflammatory Action


Research suggests acupuncture may modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation by influencing the release of cytokines — proteins that play a key role in the body's inflammatory response.

What the Research Says


A landmark analysis of over 20,000 patients found that acupuncture's pain-relieving benefits persisted at the one-year mark, with patients retaining around 85% of the improvement over time — a compelling result for sceptics. A 2025 study also found acupuncture eased lower back pain in older adults more effectively than standard care, with lasting benefits at 12 months.

A note on the evidence: As with many complementary therapies, conducting rigorous double-blind trials is inherently challenging. The evidence is most robust for pain conditions and nausea. Acupuncture is best understood as a complementary therapy — a powerful addition to, rather than a replacement for, conventional medical care.

Acupuncture is used to support a wide range of physical and emotional conditions. The World Health Organization recognises it as an effective or potentially effective treatment for more than 100 health concerns. The strongest evidence exists for:

Conditions Acupressure Can Help With

Pain Relief

Acupuncture is most widely known for its pain-relieving effects. It is commonly used for chronic back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries.



Nausea and Vomiting

Well-supported research shows acupuncture — particularly stimulation of the PC6 wrist point — can reduce nausea caused by chemotherapy, surgery, and pregnancy (morning sickness).

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

By regulating the nervous system and promoting the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, acupuncture can offer meaningful relief from stress and anxiety, and is increasingly used alongside conventional treatment for depression.

Sleep Disorders

Acupuncture may improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia, particularly when linked to anxiety, chronic pain, or menopause.

Digestion

Including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, bloating, and constipation.

Fertility and Reproductive Health

Acupuncture is widely used to support fertility treatment, regulate menstrual cycles, ease period pain, and manage symptoms of menopause.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Some research supports the use of acupuncture to reduce post-operative pain, nausea, and recovery time.

Immune Support

Regular acupuncture may help regulate immune function, making it useful for those prone to frequent illness or managing autoimmune conditions.

What Happens During a Session

  • Consultation

    Your first appointment will begin with a thorough consultation. Your acupuncturist will ask about your current symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, sleep patterns, diet, and emotional wellbeing. In the tradition of TCM, they may also examine your tongue and take your pulse at several positions on the wrist — both considered valuable diagnostic tools.

  • Needle Insertion

    You will lie comfortably on a treatment table, and your acupuncturist will insert fine, sterile, single-use needles at selected acupoints — which may be on the area of concern, or seemingly unrelated parts of the body. The needles are extraordinarily thin (much finer than a hypodermic needle) and most people report feeling little to no pain on insertion. You may feel a mild ache, warmth, or tingling sensation at the needle site — known in TCM as "de qi" — which is considered a sign that the point has been effectively activated.

  • Rest & Aftercare

    Once the needles are in place, you will rest quietly for 20–40 minutes. Many people find this the most relaxing part of their week.

    After the needles are removed, your acupuncturist may offer advice on diet, lifestyle, or follow-up sessions. It's common to feel deeply relaxed, or occasionally mildly energised, after treatment. Drinking plenty of water and resting where possible is recommended.

Acupuncture vs Acupressure

Fine Needles

Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted into the skin to stimulate acupoints. It is performed exclusively by trained, licensed practitioners and is generally considered to produce stronger and longer-lasting effects for many conditions.


Invasive vs Noninvasive

Acupressure uses firm finger, thumb, or elbow pressure on the same acupoints — with no needles involved. It is non-invasive, can be self-administered at home, and is an excellent starting point for anyone new to energy-based therapies.

Safety and Cautions

When performed by a qualified, licensed practitioner using sterile single-use needles, acupuncture is considered very safe. Serious side effects are rare. You may occasionally experience minor bruising, slight soreness, or light-headedness after treatment — these are generally mild and short-lived.

However, there are some situations where caution is advised:

• Pregnancy — certain acupoints are contraindicated during pregnancy as they may stimulate uterine contractions. Always inform your acupuncturist if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
• Blood-thinning medication — if you are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, let your practitioner know before treatment.
• Pacemakers — if your treatment plan includes electroacupuncture (which uses mild electrical stimulation), this is not suitable for people with pacemakers.
• Bleeding disorders — those with clotting disorders should consult their doctor before beginning acupuncture.
• Active infection or skin conditions — needles should not be inserted into areas of broken skin, infection, or inflammation.

Always choose a practitioner who is fully qualified, licensed, and registered with a recognised professional body. In the US, look for a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) with NCCAOM board certification. In the UK, check for membership of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).

Featured collection