The House · 283 Acklam Road · Middlesbrough · TS5 7BP · 0800 593 2023

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in Middlesbrough

For people who've tried the standard route, and are ready for acupuncture that works on a completely different level.

Wellness flows where energy grows

800+ Five-Star Reviews· Three Best Rated 2026· NHS & NICE Recognised· Deanna: BAcC & CNHC Registered

Book a Consultation Appointment only · Free parking at Acklam shops · No pressure to commit at your first session
Deanna Thomas — Traditional Chinese Acupuncturist in Middlesbrough

TCM Acupuncture as a Specialism, Not an Add-On

If you've searched for acupuncture in Middlesbrough, you'll have found physiotherapy clinics, general wellness centres, and practitioners offering acupuncture as one of many services on a list.

At Deanna Thomas – Acupuncture & Wellbeing, Traditional Chinese Acupuncture is the specialism. Every appointment is built around you specifically. Your health history, your patterns, your symptoms, your goals. No standard protocol applied to everyone.

We work with people across Teesside who are ready to address the root of what's going on, not just manage symptoms from one week to the next.

"Your body isn't failing you. It's trying to tell you something. We're here to help you listen."

800+
Five-star reviews across
Google and Fresha →
2
Specialist practitioners
under one roof
NICE
Guidelines recognised
NHS recommended
BAcC
Registered clinic · Highest
UK professional standard

What is Traditional Chinese Acupuncture?

Hear it explained by the British Acupuncture Council — the UK's leading professional body for TCM acupuncture.

TCM is built on something Western medicine is only just catching up with: mind, body, and spirit aren't separate things. They're one system. What's happening emotionally shows up physically. What's happening physically affects how you think and feel. Acupuncture has always worked with all three — which is why clients often notice changes they weren't expecting, in areas they didn't come in for.

We don't just treat where it hurts. We look at the whole pattern: your energy, your sleep, your digestion, your cycle, your stress response, your emotional state. All of it is diagnostic. The points chosen are based on your full picture — which is why no two clients receive the same treatment, even with the same condition.

Fine needles at specific points activate the body's own regulatory systems — calming inflammation, supporting hormonal balance, and restoring circulation to where it's needed. The result builds over time.

TCM meridian diagram used in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture diagnosis

TCM meridian pathways used in diagnosis and treatment planning

If you've already tried acupuncture and felt nothing — here's why

Many clients arrive after trying acupuncture with a physiotherapist and feeling nothing. No sensation, no warmth, no response. That experience is frustrating, and very common. But it's worth understanding why it happened.

Physiotherapy acupuncture targets trigger points in muscle tissue. It's a specific, localised technique. It doesn't access the nervous system, the hormonal pathways, or the deeper energetic patterns that TCM works with. When most people receive Traditional Chinese Acupuncture for the first time, they feel something. A warmth, a heaviness, a release at the needle site. That sensation, called 'de qi' in Chinese medicine, is the nervous system responding. It's the beginning of a different kind of treatment altogether.

Read: Acupuncture vs Dry Needling — What's the Difference? →
✔ Recognised by the NHS ✔ NICE Guidelines Recommended ✔ Deanna: BAcC Registered ✔ Deanna: CNHC Registered ✔ PSA Accredited Clinic

TCM Acupuncture vs Physiotherapy Acupuncture

Physiotherapy clinics offering acupuncture appear in search results alongside dedicated TCM practices. They are not the same thing.

If you're navigating more than pain, you need more than dry needling.

Physiotherapy acupuncture, sometimes called dry needling, is a technique used within physiotherapy appointments to relieve localised muscle pain. It can be effective for certain musculoskeletal injuries. That's where it ends.

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture is a complete medical system. It reaches conditions that dry needling cannot: fertility challenges, hormonal imbalance, menopause, anxiety, unexplained fatigue, sleep disorders, digestive issues, and complex conditions that don't fit neatly into a single diagnosis. TCM treats the pattern of imbalance producing that symptom, not the symptom in isolation.

  • A TCM practitioner takes a full case history: your whole-system picture, not just where it hurts
  • Treatment is personalised to you at every session, adapted as your body responds and changes
  • TCM addresses fertility, menopause, hormonal health, anxiety, sleep, and complex chronic conditions
  • Deanna's BSc (Hons) in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture is a full degree, not a module added to a physiotherapy qualification
  • NADA auricular protocols, moxibustion, cupping, and electro-acupuncture are part of the TCM toolkit and unavailable in a physio setting
  • Deanna is a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council, the highest professional regulatory standard for acupuncture in the UK

If you're dealing with anything complex — hormonal, emotional, systemic, or unexplained — Traditional Chinese Acupuncture with Deanna is the right starting point.

If your concern is primarily a sporting injury, muscular pain, or physical recovery, Anthony may be the better fit — combining sports massage, auricular acupuncture, cupping, and targeted bodywork in a single session.

How TCM Acupuncture Works

Three things happen in every session. They build on each other over time.

1

Your whole picture, not just your symptom

Before a single needle is placed, we understand you. Your sleep, digestion, stress, cycle, energy — all of it informs the diagnosis. This is what makes TCM personalised rather than protocol-driven.

2

Your nervous system is invited to regulate

Fine needles at specific points prompt the body to release natural compounds, shifting you from a protective, braced state into one where repair can occur. Most people find this profoundly relaxing. Many drift off.

3

Change builds session by session

Acupuncture is cumulative. Each session builds on the last. There's no such thing as a quick fix when you're working with a nervous system that has been under strain — but consistent treatment produces results that isolated sessions cannot.

Pulse diagnosis, part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment process

Pulse diagnosis: reading the body's patterns

Acupuncture needle placement during treatment at Middlesbrough clinic

Precise, personalised needle placement every session

Client relaxing during acupuncture treatment

Deep relaxation, a common experience during treatment

Conditions We Support

TCM acupuncture is used to support a wide range of conditions. Here is what people come to us for most often — and what the clinical evidence says.

No two people receive the same treatment here, even with the same diagnosis. Two people with migraines get entirely different sessions, because we look at what's behind it. What else is going on? How is the body responding? What does the full picture show? The diagnosis is the person, not the condition.

Women's Health & Hormonal

Pain & Musculoskeletal

Mental Health & Nervous System

Respiratory & Immune

Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever ★ Asthma Support Sinusitis Immunity & General Wellness

Digestive, Skin & Other

IBS & Digestive Discomfort Eczema & Skin Conditions Hypertension Support Dizziness & Vertigo Urinary Conditions Smoking Cessation Weight Management Support

Conditions marked ★ are supported by NICE Guidelines or major UK clinical recommendations for acupuncture.

Acupuncture works alongside your existing care, not instead of it.

Many clients come to us while actively under the care of their GP, a fertility clinic, a hospital consultant, or a mental health team. We don't ask you to stop your medication or step away from conventional care. TCM acupuncture is designed to complement what you're already doing, supporting the body's own regulatory systems alongside whatever medical treatment you're receiving. If you're on medication, we'll factor it in. Your care is a collaboration, not a competition.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

TCM acupuncture is suitable for a very wide range of people and conditions.

Acupuncture is well suited to you if…

  • You have a chronic condition that hasn't fully responded to conventional treatment
  • You're navigating fertility, IVF, unexplained infertility, or hormonal imbalance
  • You're in perimenopause or menopause and want a natural, evidence-informed approach
  • You're dealing with anxiety, low mood, poor sleep, or burnout
  • You're experiencing ongoing pain: migraines, back pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia
  • You want to understand the root cause, not just manage symptoms
  • You're committed to giving treatment enough time to work. A course, not a single session
  • You want to complement your existing medical care, not replace it
  • You're pregnant and looking for safe, gentle symptom support

Acupuncture may not be appropriate if…

  • You have a pacemaker and are considering electro-acupuncture specifically
  • You're on blood-thinning medication. Please discuss with us first before booking
  • You have haemophilia or a bleeding disorder. Always disclose before booking
  • You have a severe, unmanageable needle phobia
  • You're currently unwell with a fever or acute infection
  • You're in early pregnancy. Some specific points require care, though pregnancy acupuncture is available here with appropriately trained practitioners

Not sure whether acupuncture is suitable for your situation? Call us on 0800 593 2023 and we'll give you an honest answer before you book anything.

How to Prepare for Your First Appointment

A little preparation helps you get more from your session.

  1. Eat a light meal one to two hours beforehandPlease don't come on an empty stomach. Low blood sugar can make lightheadedness after treatment more likely. A light snack or meal is ideal.
  2. Wear loose, comfortable clothingWe often need access to your lower arms, legs, and abdomen. Loose layers make this easy without fully undressing.
  3. Avoid alcohol on the day of your appointmentAcupuncture heightens the body's sensitivity. Alcohol and treatment don't mix well.
  4. Bring a list of your current medicationsEverything you're taking is relevant to your TCM diagnosis, including prescribed medication, over-the-counter treatments, and anything your GP has recommended.
  5. Allow some recovery time after your sessionYou may feel deeply relaxed or noticeably lighter after treatment. Give yourself a gentle afternoon rather than rushing straight back to a full schedule.
  6. Stay well hydrated before and afterDrinking plenty of water around your appointment supports the body's response to treatment.
  7. Come as you areWe'll guide the consultation. You just need to be honest about how you're feeling. Nothing is too small to mention and there are no wrong answers.

What Happens at Your First Appointment

Your first session is 75 minutes. Here is exactly how it unfolds.

① The consultation: 30 to 40 minutes

We take time to understand your full health picture. Sleep, digestion, energy, cycle, stress, emotional state. All of it matters. This is a proper conversation, not a tick-box exercise. Take your time.

② Your personalised treatment plan

We explain our diagnosis, our recommended approach, and how this sits alongside any existing care you're already receiving. No pressure to commit to anything in the room.

③ Your first treatment: 20 to 30 minutes

Fine sterile needles are placed at the specific points chosen for you. Most people feel very little. You then rest while the treatment works. Many people drift off.

④ Aftercare and lifestyle guidance

We talk through how you might feel over the next 24 to 48 hours, any dietary or lifestyle recommendations relevant to your case, and your clear written plan going forward.

Your Practitioners

Two specialists. One clinic. A breadth of care that a single-practitioner practice cannot match.

Deanna Thomas

Deanna Thomas

Acupuncturist · Women's Health & Fertility Specialist

Anthony

Anthony

Auricular Acupuncturist · Sports Massage Therapist

Deanna Thomas

BSc (Hons) Acupuncture, London South Bank University · MBAcC · CNHC Registered · PG Diploma Obstetrics & Gynaecology · NADA GB Certified

Deanna holds a BSc (Hons) in Acupuncture from London South Bank University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC) and the CNHC, and holds NADA GB Certification, renewed annually.

She came to acupuncture with over a decade of existing therapy practice behind her, which means her clinical instincts go further than the degree alone. She picks up on things. That matters.

She reviews your progress at every session, not just at the end of a course. You will always know where you are.

She sees clients Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

  • Fertility acupuncture: natural conception and IVF support
  • Menopause and perimenopause
  • Pregnancy acupuncture, all trimesters
  • Period pain, PCOS, endometriosis
  • Women's hormonal health and general wellbeing

Anthony

FHT Registered · NADA GB Certified · Level 3 Battlefield Acupuncture · VTCT Level 3 Sports Massage

Anthony is a registered member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and holds NADA GB Certification, renewed annually. He is one of the very few practitioners in Teesside qualified to deliver the full five-point NADA protocol for stress, burnout, anxiety, and recovery support. He also specialises in Battlefield Acupuncture for both acute and chronic pain.

His VTCT Level 3 Sports Massage qualification is Active IQ endorsed. He works with athletes, active adults, and anyone carrying physical strain, injury, or restricted movement, and offers combined session formats for those who want more from a single visit.

Anthony sees clients Monday to Saturday.

  • NADA protocol: stress, burnout and emotional recovery
  • Battlefield Acupuncture: chronic and acute pain
  • Auricular acupuncture for anxiety, sleep, and nervous system support
  • Sports massage and injury recovery
  • Combined Sports Massage and Ear Acupuncture sessions

Why Choose This Clinic

There are other options in and around Middlesbrough. Here's what's genuinely different.

Physically in Middlesbrough

Based at TS5 7BP. Some practitioners appearing in local search results are based in Yarm or Northallerton. We're here, not commuting in.

800+ Five-Star Reviews

Across Google and Fresha combined. No other acupuncture provider in Teesside comes close. Real client outcomes, built over time.

Personalised Every Time

No two clients receive the same treatment, even for the same condition. Your diagnosis is yours, and it changes as you do.

Outcomes Tracked

Symptom scores, validated measures, goal-setting. You'll always know how things are moving, not just hope they are.

Degree-Qualified in TCM

Deanna's BSc (Hons) from London South Bank University is a full acupuncture degree. Not a module. Not a weekend course.

Two Specialists

Deanna: fertility and women's health. Anthony: auricular acupuncture and sports massage. No other clinic in the region offers both.

Licensed and Regulated

Licensed with Middlesbrough Council. Fully insured through the BAcC. Every regulatory requirement met, not self-certified.

Professional memberships and accreditations

Pricing — Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

No surprises. No hidden costs. And for those ready to give acupuncture the time it needs to work, a membership that makes it easier and better value.

Initial Consultation & Treatment

£80
75 minutes · first appointment only

Full case history, personalised diagnosis, treatment plan, and your first acupuncture treatment. All in one session.

Book now

Follow-Up Treatment

£65
60 minutes · existing clients

Building on progress already made. Tailored to where you are right now — adapting to your body as it changes.

Book now

Fortnightly Membership

£110
per month · 2 sessions
Save £20/month

Two sessions a month — a consistent rhythm for maintaining progress or for those with lighter schedules who want to continue regular support.

Join membership
Recommended Course

Weekly Membership

£220
per month · 4 sessions
Save £40/month

Weekly acupuncture gives the nervous system the consistent, rhythmic support it needs. This is the plan Deanna recommends most often — the right dosage for acupuncture to genuinely build in your system.

Join membership

Why weekly — and why consistency is everything

The most common reason acupuncture doesn't work for people isn't the treatment, it's the time they give it. One or two sessions isn't a course. Your nervous system needs consistent input to change.

Most people need six to eight sessions for acupuncture to build genuine cumulative effect. Weekly sessions — four a month — give your body the frequency it needs to move from managing symptoms to genuinely improving. Deanna tracks outcomes across every course of treatment, so you'll always know exactly where you're at.

Fertility acupuncture, ear acupuncture, sports massage, cupping, moxibustion, and specialist programmes are priced separately. Please see the relevant treatment pages for full details.

Good to Know Before You Come

Everything practical — so there are no surprises when you arrive.

The House — home of Deanna Thomas Acupuncture and Wellbeing, Acklam Road Middlesbrough

The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 7BP

📅 Booking and Payment

Please book in advance online via Fresha or call 0800 593 2023. Payment is taken at the time of booking to confirm your appointment. We do not accept walk-ins.

🚗 Free Parking

Free parking is available at Acklam shops, directly near the clinic, and on the surrounding residential streets.

⏳ 48-Hour Cancellation Policy

A 48-hour cancellation policy is in place. Please cancel or rearrange at least 48 hours before your appointment to avoid a cancellation charge. You can manage your booking through Fresha at any time.

🖊 Consent Forms

Once you've booked, we'll send your consent forms to complete before your appointment. This means we can use your first session for what matters most — your consultation and treatment.

🧾 Receipts and Insurance

Receipts are issued automatically on completion of every appointment. As a BAcC member clinic, your sessions may be eligible for reimbursement through your private health insurance — please check with your provider before booking.

📋 Working Alongside Your Medical Team

We are happy to liaise with your GP, consultant, or specialist team where it is helpful. If a treatment summary or progress letter would support your wider care, just let us know.

What Clients Say

800+ five-star reviews across Google and Fresha.

★★★★★

"I cannot thank you enough for what you've done for my mam. Honestly the pain in her face has been tormenting her for so long and my dad said she hasn't had the severe pain in her face for a good few weeks now... unbelievable... this means so much to our family. Thank you."

Client family member

Facial pain · Client message

★★★★★

"I've been very settled, sleep improved and with very manageable pain levels. Managed a full 9 hour work day today. The gut seems much happier too since I've been able to reduce heavy pain meds. Thank you so very much for your knowledge, care and support."

Client

Chronic pain · Client message

★★★★★

"My hayfever has been so much better since I started acupuncture with you last summer. I've gone from feeling exhausted and unwell to having so much more energy. I stopped taking antihistamines in July (normally take until October) and haven't started them yet this year. Wish I'd tried acupuncture years ago!"

Client

Hay fever & fatigue · Client message

Ten Great Reasons to Try Acupuncture — Free Guide from Deanna Thomas Middlesbrough

Free Download

Ten Great Reasons to Try Acupuncture

Not ready to book yet? That's completely fine. This free guide covers the ten most compelling reasons people turn to Traditional Chinese Acupuncture: pain, stress, sleep, fertility, hormones, and general wellbeing. No jargon. No pressure. Just honest information to help you decide whether it's right for you.

Download Free

No sign-up required. Yours instantly.

From the Blog

Honest answers to the questions most people arrive with.

Know the Difference

Acupuncture vs Dry Needling — What's Actually Different?

If you've had physiotherapy acupuncture and felt nothing, this explains why — and what makes Traditional Chinese Acupuncture work differently.

Read more →
Your Course of Treatment

How Often Should You Have Acupuncture?

The honest answer — including why one session isn't enough, how many most people actually need, and how to get the best from your treatment.

Read more →
Results

How Do You Know If Acupuncture Is Working?

What to look for between sessions, why improvement isn't always linear, and how Deanna tracks clinical outcomes across every course of treatment.

Read more →
Pricing

How Much Does Acupuncture Cost in the UK?

What to expect to pay, what affects the price, and how to tell whether you're getting genuine value for money from a qualified TCM practitioner.

Read more →

Based in Middlesbrough — Serving Teesside and the Surrounding Area

The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 7BP. Free parking at Acklam shops and surrounding residential streets.

We regularly see clients from across Teesside — including Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, Guisborough, Stokesley, Redcar, Darlington, and Northallerton. Easy to reach from the A66 and A19, with free parking on arrival.

0800 593 2023

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm with Deanna · Monday to Saturday with Anthony · Appointment only

Book Online

Ready when you are.

If something here has resonated, you're welcome to take the next step, in your own time, with no pressure to commit to anything before you feel ready.

Book Your First Appointment Call: 0800 593 2023 Your first appointment is 75 minutes. Unhurried. Personalised to you from the very first question.

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