At Emma Hart Acupuncture, in my private practice in Ketton I charge £80 per appointment.

It depends on your individual needs and goals. Some people feel a shift after just one or two sessions, while others benefit from regular treatment over time. We’ll work together to create a plan that feels realistic and supportive for you.

Most people tend to notice a significant difference in their well-being after 3-4 sessions for chronic conditions. To make this more accessible, I offer 4-session bundles for £300.

We begin with a thorough conversation about your health, lifestyle, and any current symptoms. I’ll feel your pulse, look at your tongue, and may palpate your abdomen or back. You’ll then receive a tailored treatment that may include acupuncture alongside moxibustion (gentle heat therapy), cupping, guasha (skin scraping), or dietary support depending on your needs.

There are two ways to approach this question: through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and through the lens of modern biomedical research. Both perspectives offer valuable insight.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective:

Acupuncture works by supporting the smooth flow of qi (the body’s vital energy) along channels known as meridians. When qi becomes blocked or imbalanced, it can manifest as physical or emotional symptoms. Pain, for instance, is often understood as a stagnation of qi; an acupuncturist selects points along the affected meridian to help restore movement and harmony.

For example, if someone experiences frequent anger or frustration, TCM theory suggests the qi may be rising upwards, leading to symptoms like tension in the head, jaw, or chest. Treatment might include points on the feet to ground and redirect that energy.

The aim of acupuncture is always to treat the whole person not just the symptom. As balance returns, people often notice improvements in related areas such as sleep, digestion, mood, or energy.

From a biomedical perspective:

Modern research has proposed several mechanisms through which acupuncture may work. While no single explanation captures the full picture, studies suggest that acupuncture can affect the body in multiple, complex ways, including:

• Releasing endorphins and other natural pain-relievers

• Modulating inflammation and immune response

• Influencing nerve pathways in the spine and brain

• Regulating the autonomic nervous system (especially parasympathetic activity)

• Altering brain connectivity, particularly in areas linked to stress, memory, and emotion

• Engaging the body’s reward and mirror systems

• Helping to ‘reset’ the default mode network of the brain (involved in rest and reflection)

• Supporting the HPA axis (which governs hormonal and stress responses)

A 2021 study showed that stimulation of a specific acupuncture point (ST36) activated an anti-inflammatory pathway via the vagus nerve but that another point (ST25) did not. This suggests that different acupuncture points may produce distinct physiological effects, not just generalised responses to needle insertion.

[1]. Lund I, Lundeberg T. Mechanisms of acupuncture. Acupunct Relat Ther. 2016;4(4):26-30.

[2]. Liu S, Wang Z, Su Y, et al. A neuroanatomical basis for electroacupuncture to drive the vagal–adrenal axis. Nature. 2021;598:641–645

Acupuncture can support a wide range of concerns - from pain management, digestive issues, menstrual or hormonal imbalances, and fatigue, to sleep difficulties, anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm. It’s also a wonderful tool for seasonal balance and general wellbeing.

For more information on what acupuncture can help with, please visit the acupuncture research page on The British Acupuncture Council’s website.

Individual sensitivity varies from person to person, but most people are pleasantly surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels. The sterile, single-use needles are extremely fine and about the width of a strand of hair, many people find the experience relaxing.

You may occasionally feel a dull ache, warmth, or tingling at the needle site. These sensations are a normal response and indicate that your body is responding to the therapy.

These feelings are different from the uncomfortable tingling, prickling, or itching sometimes called “pins and needles” (paresthesia).

I’ve written a blog explaining needle sensations in more detail.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothes that allow easy access to your lower legs, arms, and abdomen. If you are experiencing pain in your neck, shoulders or back then a vest and some shorts might be preferable so I can work on those areas with ease.

You’re more than welcome to bring your own towels or blankets for extra comfort.

Plus a bottle of water or flask of tea to keep you hydrated and comfortable during and after your session.

Please ensure you have had a light meal at least an hour before your appointment.

Yes! Acupuncture is safe when carried out by a fully trained, licensed practitioner. I’m a member of the British Acupuncture Council and follow their Codes of Safe Practice and Professional Conduct.

As part of my 3,600 hour undergraduate training I have completed over 400 hours of supervised clinical training, and I’m certified in both First Aid and Mental Health First Aid.

As part of my voluntary regulation I also take part in regular supervision groups and undertake a minimum of 30 hours of CPD activity per year.

I also adhere to strict hygiene, consent, and safeguarding standards to ensure your safety and wellbeing throughout every session.

In terms of infection control, I use sterile, single use needles - once removed they are collected in a medical sharps box and disposed of by my local authority.

I thoroughly clean my space in between patients and can take extra precautions to accommodate for any patients who are immunocompromised.

Yes, acupuncture can be safely used to support children and teenagers, and it’s always adapted to their age, comfort level, and needs. Appointment length for younger people can sometimes be shorter, and needles may not be retained for long (or at all - sometimes acupressure, cupping, or non-needle tools are used instead). Parental consent is required, and a parent or guardian must be present during the session.

At present, I only support children and teenagers needing support with regulating or adapting to their menstrual cycles.

If your child needs support in other areas I can refer you to colleagues who specialise further in Paediatric Acupuncture.

In the UK, clinical guidelines are published by organisations like NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and SIGN (the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network). These guidelines are based on systematic reviews of research and often weigh both effectiveness and cost-benefit.

Acupuncture is currently recommended in the following NICE guidelines:

• Headaches in over 12s: for the prevention of tension-type headaches and migraines (CG150)

• Chronic primary pain in over 16s: as part of a wider support plan for conditions like fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and chronic musculoskeletal pain (CG193)

While acupuncture is not yet included in every guideline, these recommendations reflect growing recognition of its value in managing certain long-term conditions especially where pain and quality of life are concerned.

While fertility isn’t a core focus of my practice, acupuncture may support people trying to conceive by improving cycle regularity, regulating stress, and encouraging whole-body balance.

A 2025 study in the World Journal of Acupuncture–Moxibustion also showed promising results for people undergoing IVF or ICSI cycles, suggesting acupuncture may improve certain reproductive outcomes when used alongside conventional care.

If you're looking for acupuncture as part of your conception journey, I’m happy to explore whether a general support plan might be right for you, or recommend colleagues who specialise more directly in fertility care.

Dry needling is a technique that focuses primarily on muscular trigger points.

Traditional Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine with thousands of years of theory behind it. Its framework is based on the core principles of Chinese or Japanese medicine.

Unlike dry needling, Traditional Acupuncture considers the whole person including digestion, mood, energy, and genetic constitution. Each session is tailored to support your natural rhythms gently and holistically.

While dry needling can help ease acute injuries or muscle pain, it does not address internal physiological systems such as endocrine, digestive, respiratory, reproductive, or emotional health.

Neither Traditional Acupuncture nor Dry Needling are regulated professions in the UK, and training for both can be as short as one or two days.

To become a licensed Traditional Acupuncturist I studied full-time for four years to ensure I completed the most comprehensive training available. Read more about my qualifications here.

While I am not a trauma specialist, my approach is informed by trauma-aware practice, with a focus on creating safety and trust. I work at your pace, with respect for your boundaries and your body’s signals.

If you need any adaptations or accommodations to ensure you have a more comfortable appointment - then please feel free to email me and chat things through ahead of your appointment. I’ll always be happy to help.

Read my ethics policy.

At Emma Hart Acupuncture, accessibility is very important, and I want every visit to feel as comfortable and welcoming as possible.

We offer:

• Step-free access to the clinic

• Accessible bathroom available (please note: no drinking water on site)

• Ample parking directly outside

Guests who accompany you can sit in our quiet waiting room.

If you have any specific needs or require additional accommodations, please get in touch.

Read more about accessibility in my ethics and inclusion policy.