From relieving persistent pain to supporting fertility, acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a valuable treatment option for a wide range of health concerns. While its roots lie in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is now used by many in the UK as part of an integrated approach to wellbeing—especially when conventional treatments don’t provide complete relief.
At Aquilia Acupuncture, we treat a broad spectrum of conditions, from chronic pain and hormonal imbalances to fatigue, stress and endometriosis. But which conditions respond best to acupuncture, and what does current UK guidance say about its effectiveness?
Let’s take a closer look.
Pain is one of the most common reasons people turn to acupuncture—and for good reason. It’s one of the few areas where UK clinical guidelines recognise acupuncture as a recommended treatment.
According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), acupuncture is considered for:
Supporting this, a recent Cochrane review—widely known for its rigorous, evidence-based healthcare research—looked at non-drug and non-surgical treatments for lower back pain. The review found that acupuncture can significantly improve function in people with chronic lower back pain.
Acupuncture may help by stimulating sensory nerves, triggering the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. At Aquilia Acupuncture, we work with clients to develop tailored treatment plans that can ease pain, restore movement and reduce reliance on medication. Learn more about our acupuncture for general health and pain management services.
Acupuncture is widely used as a complementary therapy in fertility journeys—whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or undergoing IVF. While it’s not offered on the NHS as a standard fertility treatment, many private fertility clinics and patients in the UK incorporate it into their care.
Acupuncture may help by:
If you’re exploring your options or facing fertility challenges, our acupuncture for fertility treatments are designed to support both your physical and emotional wellbeing through every stage of your journey.
Endometriosis is a complex and often painful condition that affects 1 in 10 women in the UK. It can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy periods, fatigue and infertility. While there is no cure, acupuncture may help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Acupuncture for endometriosis often focuses on:
Many of our clients find that regular sessions can help reduce the severity of their symptoms and improve quality of life. You can learn more about how acupuncture can help with endometriosis in our dedicated blog post here.
Modern life can take a toll on both body and mind. Acupuncture is increasingly sought out for stress related conditions, low energy, insomnia and mood imbalances.
By targeting acupuncture points linked to the nervous system, treatments can:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, acupuncture can be a gentle, grounding therapy to support your resilience. We offer treatments focused on general health and wellbeing, tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
While acupuncture is still considered a complementary treatment in the UK, many people report significant improvements in symptoms. In cases of chronic pain and tension headaches, these results are backed by NICE guidelines. A 2021 update from NICE on chronic pain management recommended acupuncture as one of the few evidence-based options, especially where medications offer limited relief.
More broadly, the NHS notes that “acupuncture is sometimes available on the NHS, most often for chronic pain and migraines”—though access can vary by area.
Acupuncture isn’t a one size fits all solution, but for many, it offers lasting relief—especially when combined with other approaches. Whether you’re exploring options for fertility, looking for support with endometriosis or need help managing pain or stress, Aquilia Acupuncture is here to help.
We take a holistic approach, combining clinical expertise with compassionate care to support your long-term health goals. Explore our full range of acupuncture services or get in touch to book a consultation and see how acupuncture could support your personal journey.