Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture in London
Restore balance and promote physical and emotional harmony with traditional acupuncture. Our experienced practitioners use ancient techniques backed by modern research to help you feel your best.
NHS Recommended for Back Pain • Open 7 Days • Children & Adults Welcome
Understanding Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture works to help maintain our body’s equilibrium. Acupuncture involves the use of very fine needles on specific points of the body to regulate the flow of ‘qi’ (sometimes translated as energy) in the body. For a variety of reasons the ‘qi’ can become unbalanced, which can result in symptoms such as pain and illness. Traditional acupuncture can be an effective therapy to restore balance and promote physical and emotional harmony.
Treatment is aimed at the root of the condition as well as the symptoms. This approach helps to both resolve the problem and enhance feelings of well-being. You may notice other niggling conditions also resolve as your health improves.
Acupuncture originated in China and is common in far eastern cultures, where it still features in mainstream health care. Acupuncture is now widely accepted and used all over the world – and in the UK more and more people are finding out what acupuncture can do for them.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Why Acupuncture in London?
Many people come for acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or to relieve specific pains such as osteoarthritis of the knee. Some use acupuncture because they feel generally unwell, but have no obvious diagnosis, others choose acupuncture simply to enhance well being. Because acupuncture aims to treat the whole person it can be effective for a wide range of conditions.
Targeted Relief
Acupuncture can help with specific symptoms or conditions, providing targeted relief for pain, tension, and discomfort throughout the body.
Health Maintenance
Beyond treating illness, acupuncture helps maintain overall health and can be used as a preventative measure to sustain well-being long term.
Preventative Care
Regular acupuncture sessions can help prevent illness before it starts, keeping your body’s energy balanced and your immune system strong.
NHS Recommended Treatment
In 2009 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended that acupuncture be made available on the NHS as a cost effective short term treatment for the management of early persistent non-specific lower back pain. You can get more information on current scientific research into the effectiveness of acupuncture by visiting www.acupuncture.org.uk.
Conditions Treated
A whole-person approach to healing
Because acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather than just isolated symptoms, it can be effective for a remarkably wide range of conditions. Our practitioners take time to understand your complete health picture before designing a treatment plan.
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Family Friendly
Acupuncture for Children in London
Acupuncture is also suitable for children and in our practice children are frequently treated. They do not necessarily need to have needles as there are other ways of treating children without the use of needles.
Our practitioners are specially trained in paediatric techniques including Japanese paediatric acupuncture, which uses gentle, non-insertive tools that children find comfortable and even enjoyable. Parents often tell us their children look forward to their sessions.
From digestive issues and sleep problems to skin conditions and anxiety, acupuncture offers a safe, natural approach to children’s health that works alongside conventional medicine.
Call to Discuss
Meet Sarah.
She went from daily headaches to becoming a marathon runner.
REDUCED HEADACHE FREQUENCY
From daily to twice monthly
PAINKILLER REDUCTION
90% less medication needed
How it started
Sarah had been suffering from headaches every day for quite a while and the doctors had said there was nothing they could do as they were tension headaches. She had severe tension in her neck and shoulders that was there continuously and spread to her head at some point every day. She was taking painkillers daily just to function at work, and had given up on exercise entirely.
How it’s going
Over the course of a couple of months of seeing our acupuncturist every week to two weeks there was a massive improvement. The level of tension decreased and the frequency of headaches had gone down to about twice a month. She was taking a LOT less painkillers – and the stretches she was shown, which she had not been given by doctors previously, proved to be quite effective. Last year she completed her first half marathon.
Patient Testimonials
Real Results From Real Patients
Gynaecology Acupuncture
“Yes, the fibroids have improved considerably since Neesha’s treatment. The flow is more manageable and I find that I am not so anxious in the lead up to my periods with very little PMS. I have seen a significant improvement since about January until now.”
— Patient, Women’s Health
Tension Headaches
“I was suffering from headaches every day and the doctors had said there was nothing they could do. Over a couple of months there was a massive improvement. The frequency had gone down to about twice a week and I was taking a LOT less painkillers.”
— Patient, Chronic Headaches
Cosmetic Acupuncture
“The treatment was brilliant as I feel and look much better, my boyfriend noticed after the second session. The lines under my eyes are hardly visible now. I feel so relieved that there is something I can do that doesn’t involve surgery.”
— Patient, Cosmetic Acupuncture
Why Choose Us
Why choose our acupuncturists in Central London?
20+ Years Experience
Our senior acupuncturists have been practicing for over two decades, continually updating their skills.
University Lecturers
Our practitioners teach at the University of Westminster, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.
BAcC Registered
Members of the British Acupuncture Council and Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Fertility Specialists
Post-graduate diploma in gynaecology, reproductive medicine and obstetrics from Dr Trevor Wing.
Children Welcome
Paediatric techniques available including needle-free options for children who prefer them.
Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbs available as stand-alone therapy or combined with acupuncture. Pre-prepared powders – no cooking required.
Our Team
Central London Acupuncturists
Women’s Health Specialist
Neesha Perera
Acupuncturist | Sports & Musculoskeletal Specialist
Neesha is an experienced acupuncture practitioner in London, who has been in practice for many years. She enjoys treating a wide range of problems including sports and musculo-skeletal injuries.
She has special interest areas, which include treatment of women’s problems (gynaecological etc) and treatment of children. She has a wide range of alternative techniques to acupuncture for those children (and adults) who are fearful of needles but still want complete health care.
Neesha’s gentle approach and extensive experience make her particularly popular with first-time acupuncture patients and those who may feel nervous about treatment.
Book with Neesha
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people find acupuncture surprisingly painless. The needles used are extremely fine – much thinner than injection needles. You may feel a slight tingling or dull ache when the needle reaches the right point, but this is generally not unpleasant. Many patients find treatment deeply relaxing and even fall asleep during their session.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your condition and how long you’ve had it. For acute problems, you might notice improvement after just one or two sessions. Chronic conditions typically require a course of treatment. Your acupuncturist will discuss a treatment plan with you after your initial assessment, including realistic expectations for progress.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, acupuncture is very safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Our acupuncturists are registered with the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), which sets strict standards for training, safety and hygiene. We use single-use, sterile, disposable needles. Side effects are rare and usually minor, such as slight bruising.
Can acupuncture help with fertility?
Yes, acupuncture is increasingly used to support both natural conception and IVF treatment. Our practitioners have specialist post-graduate training in reproductive medicine. Acupuncture may help by regulating hormones, improving blood flow to reproductive organs, reducing stress, and creating optimal conditions for conception.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first session will last about an hour. We’ll take a detailed health history, including questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, diet, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. We may also check your pulse and look at your tongue – traditional diagnostic methods in Chinese medicine. Treatment usually begins in the first session.
Can children have acupuncture?
Yes, children respond very well to acupuncture. We have special paediatric techniques that don’t require needles – using gentle pressure, massage, or non-insertive tools instead. Children often enjoy their sessions and parents frequently report improvements in sleep, digestion, and behaviour.
Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely. Acupuncture works well alongside conventional medicine and other complementary therapies. Many patients combine acupuncture with osteopathy, physiotherapy or massage. Always tell your acupuncturist about any medications you’re taking or other treatments you’re receiving.
Find an Acupuncturist Near You
If you try to find an acupuncturist near me look no further. With our Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and acupuncture clinic in Shoreditch, we are conveniently located for acupuncture in Central London, the City, Angel, Islington, Canary Wharf, Docklands, North, West, South and East London and is easily accessible from anywhere in London via London buses and trains.
Nearest tube stations: Old Street, Shoreditch High Street, Moorgate and Liverpool Street.
RESTORE YOUR BALANCE
Ready to experience acupuncture?
Book your acupuncture session today. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, support for fertility, or simply better overall wellbeing, our experienced practitioners are here to help.
325-327 Old Street, London EC1V 9LE • Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm | Sat: 10am-5pm | Sun: 10am-4pm
We provide Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and other treatments 6 days a week. Book your appointment online to find our availability.
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