Surprisingly in the UK, acupuncture isn’t currently regulated however at Liet clinic all our acupuncturists are BSc degree level qualified and they are members of British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) . BAcC sets very high standards of professional practice and their members are required to meet and maintain these standards.

Symptoms: Fatigue, lethargy, brain fog, dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness, numbness and tingling, loose stools, constipation, acid reflux, migraines and headaches, aches and pains, pain in the lower and upper back, neck, insomnia, anxiety, depression, irregular periods, heavy and painful periods, cold symptoms, sports injuries, skin rash, wound/surgery healing, healing from broken bones, cravings, difficulty to lose weight etc

Conditions:

• Autoimmune disease (IBS, chronic fatigue, lupus, fibromyalgia etc)
• Chronic pain
• Mental health (anxiety, depression, PTSD, bi-polar)
• Woman’s health (PMS, menopause and perimenopause, heavy periods etc)
• Insomnia
• Addiction
• Covid long term side effects
• Parkinson’s disease
• Plantar fasciitis

and much more. click here for an A to Z list of conditions for which we have research evidence at present.

Evidence A-Z

Click here for a short summary of evidence based acupuncture https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scientific-evidence/

Scientific papers concluded that acupuncture is a safe procedure as long as treatment is delivered by a properly trained professional. We highly recommend that you ensure your acupuncturist is a member of a recognised professional organisation such as BAcC.

Occasionally patients may have a small bruise where needle was inserted, they may feel tiered or dizzy immediately after treatment.

The most known ailments that people seek acupuncture treatments for are pain conditions such as migraines, headaches, pain in different areas of the body, osteoarthritis etc.

There is research evidence that confirms that acupuncture is effective in relieving these symptoms. For some ailments relieve is short term for others benefits have been shown to last long term.

In the recent years research evidence regarding pain management through acupuncture treatments became much stronger proving that it isn’t just a placebo.

For other health challenges there isn’t enough research evidence, however because acupuncture does not address only your symptoms and your acupuncturist is working with you to target the root cause of your health challenges, you may notice other benefits as well.

Many patients continue having regular acupuncture treatments for general wellbeing, maintenance of health and prevention of illness long after their symptoms have been resolved.

Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture that involves the use of electrical stimulation along with the traditional insertion of needles into specific points on the body. During electroacupuncture, a small electrical current is passed through the needles, which can help to enhance the effects of the treatment (PATIENT HAS FULL CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY OF THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT FOR THE DURATION OF THE TREATMENT). This can be particularly useful in cases where acupuncture alone may not be enough to relieve symptoms or when a stronger, more targeted stimulation is needed. Electroacupuncture has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, depression, and infertility, among others.

The NADA protocol is a type of acupuncture that involves the insertion of five needles into specific points in each ear. The procedure is sometimes referred to as "ear acupuncture" or "auricular acupuncture." NADA stands for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, which developed the protocol to help individuals who are struggling with addiction (of virtually any kind including food, habits, sex etc) or substance abuse.

The five points that are targeted during the NADA protocol are known as Shen Men, Sympathetic, Kidney, Liver, and Lung. These points are believed to have a calming and balancing effect on the body's nervous system, which can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and cravings for drugs or alcohol. The protocol is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counselling, support groups, and other therapies.

However, it's important to note that the NADA protocol is not a standalone treatment for addiction or substance abuse. It should be used in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

VAS acupuncture, also known as Vega Testing or Electroacupuncture According to Voll (EAV), is a diagnostic tool used by some practitioners of acupuncture and other alternative therapies. It involves the use of a device that measures changes in electrical conductivity on the skin when a small electrical current is applied to acupuncture points. The theory behind VAS acupuncture is that the electrical conductivity of the skin can provide information about the health of the body and the functioning of its organs. By measuring changes in conductivity at specific acupuncture points, practitioners can identify areas of imbalance or dysfunction in the body and develop a treatment plan to address them. However, the use of VAS acupuncture is controversial, and its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. Critics argue that the device used to measure electrical conductivity is not reliable, and that the results are subjective and open to interpretation. As with any alternative therapy, it's important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before trying VAS acupuncture or any other unconventional treatment.

Cupping is an alternative therapy that involves placing cups made of glass, bamboo, or silicone on the skin to create suction. This suction can help to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. Cupping is often used as a form of massage therapy or as a treatment for various health conditions.

During a cupping session, the practitioner applies a small flame to the inside of the cup to create a vacuum, which is then placed on the skin. The cups can be left in place for several minutes or moved around to massage specific areas of the body. As the cups create suction, they can cause the skin to turn red or even develop bruises, but these effects are usually temporary and fade within a few days.

Cupping is often used to treat pain, muscle tension, respiratory problems, and digestive issues, among other conditions. However, as with any alternative therapy, it's important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before trying cupping or any other unconventional treatment.

Moxibustion is a traditional therapy that is commonly used in Chinese medicine to promote healing and alleviate pain. This therapy is based on the belief that blockages in the flow of energy, or "qi," within the body can lead to mental and physical health problems. In moxibustion therapy, dried mugwort called "moxa" is placed either directly on the skin or above it near the acupuncture points or meridians on the body. This is burnt so that the heat can permeate the skin and stimulate the flow of qi and blood in the affected area.

Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, another traditional Chinese therapy. The two therapies are thought to complement each other, with acupuncture addressing blockages in the flow of qi along meridians, and moxibustion using heat to stimulate the flow of qi in the body.

There are different types of moxibustion, including indirect and direct methods. In indirect moxibustion, the moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture needle, and in direct moxibustion, the moxa is placed directly on the skin. Moxibustion has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, and gynaecological issues, among others.

Gua sha, it is a safe and non-invasive practice that has been used for centuries to promote healing and well-being.

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing method that has been used for centuries to promote healing and alleviate pain. It involves the use of a smooth-edged tool, such as a small wooden spoon, buffalo horn, or a gemstone gua sha tool, to gently scrape areas of the skin.

A trained professional typically performs gua sha by using the tool to stroke the skin in a particular direction and with a specific amount of pressure.

Gua-sha helps to release tension and promote the flow of qi, or vital energy, within the body and is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and respiratory problems.

It is also commonly used in combination with other traditional Chinese therapies, such as acupuncture and cupping.

Heat lamp therapy, also known as infrared heat therapy, is a form of treatment that uses heat to alleviate pain and promote healing. This therapy involves the use of a special lamp that emits infrared radiation, which penetrates deep into the skin to increase blood flow and circulation to the affected area.

The heat from the lamp is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, reducing pain and inflammation and promoting tissue repair. Heat lamp therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, muscle pain, and joint stiffness. Heat lamp therapy is similar to other traditional Chinese therapies such as gua sha and moxibustion  in that it utilizes heat to promote healing and reduce pain. Heat lamp therapy can be performed at a professional clinic or at home with a portable heat lamp device. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and to avoid overexposure to the heat to prevent burns or other injuries. As with any medical treatment, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning heat lamp therapy to determine if it is appropriate for your individual needs.

It depends which treatment you are booking in for.

At Liet clinic we typically dedicate 60-90 minutes to your initial acupuncture appointment when booking a 1-2-1 consultation.

Occasionally an appointment can extend up to 2 hours.

For community clinic acupuncture we are typically dedicate 45-60 min per appointment that includes brief consultation and treatment.

All other appointments will allow for a brief 5-10 min consultation prior to treatment.

Your practitioner will invite you into a safe, relaxing, judgement free environment to discuss your concerns…

Pulse taken, tongue diagnosis

We suggest that you wear lose, comfortable clothes or you can bring them with you and change before your treatment. All details will be provided before your appointment.

We never re-use our needles. Liet clinic uses only disposable sterile needles opened during your session.

Typically, patients do not experience pain. A tingling sensation or dull ache can be experienced but this is only for a few seconds while the needle is inserted and adjusted.

There are situations when the practitioner may use certain techniques or protocols that can cause pain but this will be explained to the patient prior to treatment and the practitioner will only proceed with patients’ agreement.

If you do feel in any discomfort, your practitioner will be able to adjust or remove that particular needle.

The frequency of acupuncture treatments can vary depending on the individual's condition and the severity of their symptoms. Typically, a course of treatment involves multiple sessions, with each session lasting 30-60 minutes.

For acute conditions, such as a recent injury, it may be recommended to have acupuncture treatments 2-3 times per week until the symptoms improve. In clinic we noticed changes such as pain or inflammation reduction after one treatment only.

For chronic conditions, such as back pain or stress, treatments may be recommended once a week or every other week. The longer the condition has been with the patient the longer it takes for a change or considerable improvement to be noticed. In clinic we noticed that it takes approximately 6 weekly treatments to be aware of change and approximately 10 weekly treatments to notice improvement.

For maintenance of health and wellbeing and prevention of illness we see patients every fortnight or once a month.

Your acupuncturist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals, and they may adjust the frequency of treatments based on your progress. It's important to communicate with your acupuncturist about how you are feeling and any changes in your symptoms so that they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Most credit and debit cards are accepted. We also accept cash and bank transfer. Payments must be received at the time of booking. Please refer to T&C:s for cancelation and refund policy.

Most private health insurances are covering acupuncture but we advise our patients to check with their health insurance whether their individual insurance covers this treatment.