Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people experience minimal discomfort. The needles are extremely thin and many report a mild tingling sensation rather than pain.

How many sessions are needed?

This varies depending on the condition. Acute issues may require fewer sessions, while chronic conditions often benefit from a structured course of treatment.

When performed by a qualified practitioner using sterile needles, acupuncture is generally considered safe.

What conditions does acupuncture have the strongest evidence for?

The strongest clinical evidence for acupuncture exists for chronic pain conditions — particularly chronic low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and headache/migraine prevention — where multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses show benefits exceeding sham acupuncture and comparable to first-line pharmacological treatment. The Acupuncture Trialists' Collaboration individual patient data meta-analysis (2018), covering over 20,000 patients, found acupuncture superior to both sham and no-acupuncture controls for these conditions. Moderate evidence also exists for chemotherapy-induced nausea, post-operative pain, and menopausal symptoms. The NHS provides acupuncture for chronic primary pain in certain clinical guidelines.

Do I need to prepare anything before an acupuncture session?

Arrive neither too full nor too hungry — avoid a large meal immediately before and do not fast. Wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to arms and legs. Bring a list of current medications (some interact with acupuncture treatment protocols) and any recent test results relevant to your presenting condition. Avoid alcohol before a session. On the day of treatment, try to allow time to rest afterwards rather than rushing straight back to demanding work — many people find acupuncture deeply relaxing and benefit from a quiet hour after the session.

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Acupuncture

A traditional practice commonly used to support pain management, stress regulation, and overall wellbeing.

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Reviewed by Internal Medical Editorial Team · Integrative Health Content Review

Quick answer

Acupuncture is a traditional healing practice that involves the precise insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. It is commonly used for managing chronic low back pain, migraines, and anxiety, and may support stress regulation and sleep improvement. The evidence base for acupuncture is growing, with moderate strength evidence supporting its use in pain management and migraine prevention.

What Acupuncture is commonly used for

Conditions

Migraines & Headaches PCOS Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Calf cramps

Top Practitioners

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Top Practitioners

Emma Murphy

Sarah O'Brien

Marta García

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What to Expect in a Session

Neurochemical Modulation

Autonomic Nervous System Regulation

HPA Axis Modulation

Local Tissue and Fascial Effects

Best supported for

References

Best for

Not ideal for

Commonly used for

Migraines & Headaches

Anxiety

Arthritis

Neck & Shoulder Pain

Back Pain

Cancer Support

Chronic pain

PCOS

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Calf cramps

Thyroid Issues

Central Sensitisation Reduction

Honest context

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Postpartum Depletion

Psoriasis

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Burnout

ADHD

Acid Reflux & GERD

Acne

Addiction & Recovery

Allergies

Asthma

Atrial Fibrillation

Bipolar Disorder

Bloating & Gas

Brain Fog & Cognitive Fatigue

Crohn's Disease

Constipation

Endometriosis

Chronic Cough

Post-Viral Fatigue

Lupus

Heart Palpitations

High Blood Pressure

IBS & Digestive Issues

Lyme Disease

Multiple sclerosis

OCD

Restless Leg Syndrome

Insomnia

Menopause

PMS & PMDD

Infertility

Depression & Low Mood

TMJ & Jaw Pain

Adrenal Fatigue

Shoulder Pain

Ulcerative Colitis

Immune Support

Joint Pain

Eczema

Fibromyalgia