About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to restore balance, improve circulation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

Today, acupuncture is widely recognised as an effective form of healthcare and is increasingly supported by modern research. It is one of the five key pillars of Chinese medicine, alongside Chinese herbs, Tui Na massage, moxibustion, and Qigong movement.

In traditional styles of acupuncture, the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of life are understood as deeply interconnected. Treatment focuses on the whole person rather than isolated symptoms, aiming to address the root causes of imbalance as well as providing relief from current concerns. It works gently and cumulatively

'Qi' is a key concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is often understood as 'energy' or 'life force'. The aim of acupuncture is to achieve balance or harmony to allow an individual’s best expression of Qi possible.  Many people use acupuncture to support a wide range of concerns, from pain relief, stress, and anxiety, to sleep, digestion, and overall wellbeing. It is considered safe, drug-free, and can be integrated alongside conventional medical care.

Whether you are seeking support with a specific condition or simply wish to feel more balanced and energised, acupuncture offers a calm and holistic approach tailored to your individual needs.

If you have more questions, please take a look at our frequently asked questions page.

“The concepts of Yin and Yang as the essential opposites within all things is both divinely simple and beautifully complex. It is the balance of Yin and Yang we all strive for in living a healthy and fulfilling life.”

Hannah Lambert - founder of FORM Acupuncture

How does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is part of a system that has studied the body intensively for thousands of years. Its continued use and evolution has made it a highly attuned model that looks at the body as a whole. Today, acupuncture remains an integral part of healthcare across East Asia and is increasingly recognised worldwide.

Acupuncture taps into the body’s natural energy channels. According to Chinese medicine, when this energy becomes blocked, depleted or weak, illness can occur.

By gently inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body, acupuncture helps restore the smooth flow of energy, addressing imbalances that may form the root of many health concerns.

 Evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness continues to grow and studies increasingly show how acupuncture activates multiple biochemical pathways to produce both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This is in spite of the fact that acupuncture as an individualised holistic toolkit is hard to squeeze into the systematic protocols of conventional medicine.

Modern research suggests that acupuncture can improve circulation, stimulate the body’s connective tissue (fascia), activate the nervous system, influence hormone activity, and reduce inflammation. Together, these actions help relieve pain, support healing, and promote overall balance in the body.

What does Acupuncture Treat?

Recognised by the World Health Organisation as a safe and effective treatment for over 100 different conditions, traditional Acupuncture has been researched in the treatment or management of:

  • Chronic pain

  • Joint and muscle pain (musculoskeletal conditions)

  • Headaches (tension type and chronic)

  • Migraines

  • Women’s health and fertility issues

  • Insomnia

  • Anxiety

  • Stress

  • Allergies, including hayfever

  • Digestive issues

  • Postoperative pain and nausea

  • Lower back pain and sciatica

  • Neck pain

  • Skin conditions

  • Autoimmune conditions

  • Jaw pain

  • Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy

 

According to the NHS, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) currently recommends considering acupuncture as a specific treatment option for:

  • Chronic (long term) primary pain

  • migraines and chronic tension headaches 

  • prostatitis symptoms

  • hiccups

Interested to try acupuncture?

Acupuncture is effective as a preventative tool and we see many clients who seek treatment to support overall wellbeing, energy and emotional balance without having a specific health concern.  Book in for your first appointment today!

If you have a specific condition or circumstance and are unsure how acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can support you, please get in touch or email hello@form-acupuncture.com

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