How Often Should You Get Acupuncture? A Complete Guide to Treatment Frequency & What to Expect
If you’re wondering how often you should get acupuncture, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions new patients ask during their first appointment.
Whether you’re seeking help for menstrual cramps, neck pain, chronic pain, stress, fertility, or simply better sleep, understanding how acupuncture works, and how often you should receive treatments, can help you get the most out of this powerful form of healing.
Acupuncture Treatment: A Holistic Healing Approach
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of alternative medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the skin, which lie along energy channels known as meridians.
By stimulating these points, an acupuncturist inserts needles to influence the flow of qi (energy), support pain relief, and encourage healing. The practice may look simple from the outside, but it’s deeply personalised to the client’s health condition, goals, and medical history.
In modern medicine, acupuncture is recognised as a valid treatment option to help reduce pain, inflammation, and tension by stimulating the body's central nervous system. This encourages the release of the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins and serotonin, which play a key role in promoting overall health and well-being.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system and triggering physiological responses. The acupuncture needles are inserted at various depths depending on your condition and the intended outcome. This gentle stimulation promotes circulation, reduces inflammation, and enhances communication between the brain and body.
Many clients experience a sense of calm after even a few sessions, while others notice significant improvements in sleep, mood, pain, or energy levels after frequent treatments.
Why Personalised Care Matters
Each body is different, and each treatment is personalised. A qualified practitioner will take a thorough look at your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing before crafting a treatment plan. At my Middlesbrough clinic, I tailor each session to your unique constitution and goals—whether you're seeking pain relief, hormonal support, or help to reduce stress.
Working with licensed acupuncture practitioners ensures you're receiving authentic, traditional acupuncture that's grounded in both Eastern wisdom and Western safety standards. Always check that your practitioner is a member of a recognised professional body, like the British Acupuncture Council, uses single-use sterile needles, and takes time to understand you fully.
Chronic Pain: A Common Reason to Start
Acupuncture is often sought out for its remarkable effects on chronic pain. Whether you're dealing with long-standing neck pain, back pain, arthritis, or fibromyalgia, acupuncture may offer much-needed relief without relying on medications.
In most cases, acupuncture is used alongside other treatments, not instead of. It complements physiotherapy, osteopathy, counselling, and even cancer treatment in some supportive care settings.
Treatment Sessions: What to Expect
Your first session will begin with a detailed consultation where we’ll go over your medical history, current symptoms, and goals. I’ll ask about your sleep, digestion, emotional state, and even your skin, because in Traditional Chinese Medicine, everything is connected.
Next, you’ll get comfortable on the treatment couch, and I’ll begin inserting acupuncture needles into strategic points. Most people feel little to no discomfort, and many feel deeply relaxed or even fall asleep.
The session usually lasts 45–60 minutes. Follow-ups are often shorter but just as powerful.
Acupuncture Sessions: Building Consistency for Results
Acupuncture works cumulatively, meaning that each session builds upon the previous one. The number of acupuncture sessions you'll need depends on your condition, how your body responds, and your overall health goals. Whether you're aiming for pain relief, emotional balance, or hormonal regulation, consistent sessions over a few weeks can help establish deeper change.
To make treatment more accessible, we offer treatment packages that help reduce the overall cost of care. These are especially useful for clients working on long-term goals or navigating chronic conditions. If you have a healthcare plan, you may also be able to claim back the cost of your acupuncture treatments, check with your provider to confirm what’s covered.
Chronic Conditions: Long-Term Support That Works
For chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, long-standing back pain, or hormonal imbalances, acupuncture provides ongoing support for healing and symptom management. While some people may start noticing shifts within the first few sessions, others see significant improvements after a regular course of 6–12 sessions, especially when paired with supportive lifestyle changes and other treatments.
Acupuncture is also recognised by the NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for the management of certain types of chronic primary pain. This further supports its role as a clinically recommended option for people looking for non-pharmacological and holistic ways to improve their long-term health outcomes.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some clients experience relief after just one session, while others notice changes after a few sessions. For long-standing or complex issues, a course of 6–10 weekly sessions is often recommended to create lasting change.
We’ll regularly review your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Menstrual Cramps and Hormonal Support
One of the most common reasons women come to see me is for help with painful periods, irregular cycles, or hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture is a powerful treatment option for supporting reproductive health, reducing menstrual cramps, and bringing the body back into balance without needing to rely on medication.
Other Treatments That Pair Well with Acupuncture
To maximise results, we may combine acupuncture with ear acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, massage, or auricular seed therapy. These other treatments enhance the effects of acupuncture and work synergistically to support your healing journey.
Overall Wellness and Preventive Care
You don’t have to be unwell to benefit from acupuncture. Many clients continue with monthly maintenance sessions to support overall wellness, emotional balance, and seasonal transitions. Just like you’d book in with your doctor or dentist for check-ups, acupuncture is a powerful way to maintain health and build resilience.
Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?
Both dry needling and acupuncture use fine needles, but their principles are very different. Dry needling is a technique often used by physiotherapists to target trigger points in muscles. It is focused on relieving tight knots and improving movement.
Traditional acupuncture, on the other hand, is rooted in Ancient Chinese Medicine and involves a more holistic understanding of the body. It considers emotional, energetic, and physical factors and works on acupuncture points connected to organ systems and meridians. While both have their place in physical medicine, acupuncture offers a whole-body approach that addresses not only the symptoms but also the root causes of imbalance.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
When performed by a registered and experienced practitioner, acupuncture is generally safe. I follow strict hygiene protocols, use sterile, single-use needles, and stay up-to-date with current guidance. If you’re pregnant, receiving cancer treatment, or managing another serious health condition, I’ll always work alongside your healthcare provider to ensure your safety.
Is Acupuncture Recognised by the NHS?
Yes. Acupuncture is increasingly being recognised by mainstream organisations for its therapeutic value. According to the NHS, acupuncture can be a helpful treatment for chronic pain, tension-type headaches, migraines, and other conditions when provided by a qualified practitioner. This recognition further reinforces the importance of seeking care from trained professionals who understand both traditional wisdom and modern safety standards.
About Me
I'm Deanna Thomas, a degree-trained and fully licensed acupuncturist, registered with the British Acupuncture Council. With over six years of experience, I’ve supported hundreds of women through hormonal changes, fertility struggles, and stress-related symptoms. I combine Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern insights to offer bespoke treatment plans for every client. My approach is gentle, compassionate, and deeply personalised because your story and your symptoms are unique.
FAQs: Common Questions About Acupuncture
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is safe in pregnancy and can help ease symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and back pain. Always ensure your practitioner is experienced in women’s health support.
Can acupuncture help with hormonal imbalances?
Absolutely. Acupuncture supports hormonal balance by regulating the nervous system, improving circulation, and stimulating endocrine function. It’s particularly effective for menstrual issues, fertility, and menopause symptoms.
What are the side effects of acupuncture?
Minor side effects can include slight bruising or temporary soreness at acupuncture points. These are generally short-lived. Acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment with very few risks when performed by a licensed acupuncture provider.
How does acupuncture support mental health?
By calming the nervous system, acupuncture helps regulate pain signals, reduce cortisol, and support serotonin release, making it an effective tool for managing anxiety and depression.
Can acupuncture help my immune system?
Yes, acupuncture can support immune function by reducing inflammation and improving your body’s response to stress. It’s a natural complement to maintaining holistic health and resilience.
Your Next Steps
If you’ve been searching for answers, tried western medicine with limited success, or simply want a natural approach that treats the whole you—mind, body, and soul, acupuncture may be the support you’ve been looking for.
Book your consultation today and take the first step towards feeling better in your skin.
Consultations start from just £80 and include a full health assessment, personalised plan, and your first acupuncture session.
Whether you're navigating chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, or just feel out of balance, acupuncture offers a natural, personalised, and effective path to wellness.