Finding the right practitioner can make a significant difference to your experience of treatment.

When choosing an acupuncturist, it’s worth considering their qualifications, professional registration, experience, areas of special interest and whether their approach feels like a good fit for you personally.

Acupuncture is not simply about inserting needles. The therapeutic relationship, the quality of the consultation and the practitioner’s ability to listen and understand your health concerns are all important factors.

If you’re currently researching practitioners, my guide on How to Choose the Best Acupuncturist in Brighton may help you make an informed decision.

You don’t need to do anything complicated before your appointment, but there are a few simple things that can help you feel more comfortable and get the most from your treatment.

It’s generally best to eat a light meal beforehand, stay hydrated and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may also find it helpful to make a note of any symptoms, medications or questions you’d like to discuss during your consultation.

Visit for a complete guide on how to prepare for acupuncture.

When we meet for the first time I will ask lots of questions to make a complete diagnosis of your main complaint and to get an overall picture of your health. We’ll also talk a little about any emotional experiences that may have contributed to your physical symptoms. This extended appointment is a great opportunity for us to take an in-depth look at your health and join up the dots with everything that’s going on for you.

After our chat I will look at your tongue and feel your pulses before starting your acupuncture treatment.

Treatment is always tailored to the individual. Acupuncture takes a holistic approach, looking beyond isolated symptoms to understand the wider patterns affecting your health.

Once the needles are in place, many people experience a deep sense of relaxation. In fact, some patients become so comfortable that they drift off to sleep during treatment. This experience is so common that it has earned its own name: The acu-nap.

All members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) must observe a Code of Practice. This lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for needles and other equipment. The Department of Health have approved these procedures which provide protection against the transmission of infectious diseases.

This is by far one of the most common questions people ask before their first treatment.

The short answer is that acupuncture is generally much gentler than most people expect. The needles used in acupuncture are high-quality and extremely fine – significantly thinner than those used for injections or blood tests. Many people feel very little when the needles are inserted, while others experience a mild sensation such as warmth, heaviness, tingling or a dull ache.

If you’re nervous about needles, you’re certainly not alone. Many of my patients arrive feeling apprehensive and are surprised by how relaxing they find the experience.

Read more: Does acupuncture hurt?

There are over 365 official acupuncture points on the body, about the same on the ear and even more extra and Ahshi (tender trigger) points. Most commonly we needle points on the lower limbs, the back and the torso but where we put them will depend on what you’ve got going on. Your practitioner should let you know where they’re planning to put them. If you have any concerns please do voice them, we can often find a work around.

Acupuncture needles are usually left in for about 20 minutes, during which time you can fully relax. Many people find acupuncture treatments to be deeply calming and may even fall asleep during the session. After we’ve done some acupuncture, we’ll go through your treatment plan. I will also recommend lifestyle changes that you will need to make to ensure a quick and successful recovery. We work together on this so that you feel fully supported.

The frequency and number of treatments will depend on the severity and complexity of your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them for. A shorter course of 6 sessions is common for acute conditions. For more chronic or complex conditions you will most likely need to come weekly for a bit longer.

Contact me for a chat about your symptoms and what treatment plan might be suitable for you.

This depends on what you’ve got going on. You should feel a difference after your first treatment, particularly a reduction in any pain and lower stress levels. People often report sleeping very well the night after their first treatment.

In fact, you should see results after every treatment, but to see a permanent shift in your health you will need to complete a course of treatment.

If you aren’t able to follow your prescribed treatment plan you may find that treatment is not effective or that your symptoms take a lot longer to improve.

After you have completed your treatment plan you should come back once a month for a tune-up to prevent your symptoms from returning. This will also help you to stay in optimum health.

Understanding treatment costs is an important part of deciding whether acupuncture is right for you.

My pricing structure is designed to be transparent and straightforward, with no hidden fees. The cost of treatment reflects not only the time spent during the appointment itself, but also the years of training, professional development and individualised care that go into each treatment plan.

You can find full details on consultation fees, follow-up appointments and payment information when you book online.

Read more about how much you should be paying for acupuncture.

Acupuncture can be a valuable treatment option for teenagers experiencing a range of physical and emotional health concerns, including anxiety, stress, headaches, sleep difficulties, menstrual problems and sports-related injuries.

Young people often respond particularly well to acupuncture, and treatment is always adapted to suit the individual’s age, comfort level and needs.

Parents frequently have questions about what treatment involves, whether acupuncture is appropriate for teenagers and how appointments are structured. I’ve created a dedicated guide that answers these questions and explains my approach to working with younger patients.

Read more about Acupuncture for teenagers

Many people discover acupuncture after first hearing about acupressure mats. These mats have become increasingly popular for relaxation, muscle tension and stress relief.

While they work quite differently from traditional acupuncture treatment, they can be a useful self-care tool for some people and may provide temporary relief from tension and discomfort.

If you’re curious about whether an acupressure mat is worth investing in, I’ve written an in-depth review exploring the benefits, limitations and what you can realistically expect from using one.

Read more about acupressure mats