Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
At Soho Osteopathy Clinic, we offer acupuncture as a holistic treatment that supports the body’s natural healing processes. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, enhance blood flow, and encourage the release of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins.
Research suggests that acupuncture can help modulate inflammation, reduce muscle tension, and support the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. It is often used to manage chronic pain, reduce stress, and promote physical and emotional wellbeing. Whether you're dealing with persistent discomfort, or musculoskeletal issues, acupuncture offers a targeted and effective treatment approach.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits that go beyond pain relief. Clinically, it has been shown to help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural ability to regulate hormones and stress responses. Many patients report improvements in conditions such as tension headaches, migraines, neck and back pain, sciatica, digestive issues, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can influence both the central and peripheral nervous systems, promoting relaxation and restoring physiological balance. It is a safe, minimally invasive treatment that can be used on its own or alongside other therapies to support recovery, enhance wellbeing, and improve quality of life.
Treatment Overview
Phase 1
Your acupuncture session at Soho Osteopathy Clinic begins with a thorough consultation to understand your current health concerns, medical history, and treatment goals. Our specialist, Jacob, will carry out a detailed assessment to determine whether acupuncture is suitable for your specific condition. This includes evaluating your symptoms, lifestyle factors, and physical examination findings to create a personalised treatment plan. Jacob specialises in acupuncture and uses comprehensive assessments to track key recovery markers, ensuring measurable progress throughout your care. His approach is centred on empowering individuals to regain control of their health, function, and overall performance.
Phase 2
Once the treatment plan is established, ultra-fine, single-use, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific points on the body. These needles are very thin and designed to minimise discomfort. Most people experience a mild sensation, such as warmth, tingling, or dull pressure, but the procedure is generally very well tolerated. All equipment used adheres to the highest safety and hygiene standards.
Phase 3
After your session, you may feel deeply relaxed or mildly energised. It's important to keep the area clean and avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, or very hot baths for the rest of the day to allow your body to fully benefit from the treatment. Staying well-hydrated and resting if needed can help maximise the effects.
Jacob will provide tailored aftercare advice and schedule any follow-up sessions based on your progress. His evidence-informed approach ensures that each treatment is effective, measurable, and aligned with your recovery goals.
How does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body (known as acupoints) to elicit a complex neurophysiological response. When a needle is inserted, it activates A-delta and C nerve fibers, which send signals to the spinal cord and brain. This stimulation triggers the release of endogenous opioids (such as endorphins and enkephalins), serotonin, and other neurochemicals involved in pain modulation and mood regulation.
Additionally, acupuncture influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping to regulate stress responses and restore autonomic balance. At the local level, needling increases blood flow, promotes tissue healing, and modulates inflammatory cytokines, supporting recovery in musculoskeletal and systemic conditions.
Functional MRI studies have also shown that acupuncture affects activity in brain regions related to pain perception, emotion, and somatic regulation, further validating its mechanisms within both Eastern and Western frameworks.
Below is an image highlighting common areas of the body where acupuncture needles are typically applied. These points are selected based on your specific condition and can include the head, neck, back, arms, legs, and other targeted regions to support healing and symptom relief.
What Conditions does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is a versatile therapy used to address a wide range of physical and emotional health concerns. Below are some of the key conditions it can help manage:
Chronic Pain
Effective for back pain, neck pain, shoulder tension, arthritis, sciatica, and musculoskeletal discomfort.
Headaches and Migraines
Reduces the frequency and intensity of tension headaches and migraines by targeting specific neurological and muscular points.
Stress and Anxiety
Promotes relaxation and regulates the nervous system to help manage symptoms of chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue.
Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
Improves sleep quality by calming the mind, reducing tension, and supporting hormonal balance.
Digestive Issues
Helps with conditions such as bloating, IBS, indigestion, and nausea by regulating gut function and reducing inflammation.
Hormonal and Menstrual Imbalances
Supports the regulation of menstrual cycles, reduces PMS symptoms, and is often used in fertility support.
Sports Injuries and Recovery
Speeds up healing, reduces inflammation, and restores function following strains, sprains, or repetitive stress injuries.
Fatigue and Low Energy
Boosts circulation and stimulates energy flow to combat chronic fatigue and improve vitality.
What’s Included in Your Package?
At Soho Osteopathy Clinic, each acupuncture session is designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term support. We offer two treatment options: a 1-hour session for £120 and a 90-minute session for £150. Every appointment includes a comprehensive initial assessment, where we take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and goals. Based on this, we create a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs. Your session also includes time for discussion around aftercare, including what to expect post-treatment, how to optimise recovery, and any recommended follow-up treatments to support your ongoing progress.
Whether you're managing chronic pain, stress, hormonal imbalances, or looking to optimise performance, our expert practitioner Jacob is here to guide you every step of the way. Book your session today and take the first step toward feeling better, moving better, and living better.
How to find Soho Osteopathy Clinic
You can find us at 162-168 Regent St, Linen Hall, W1B 5TB, located between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, with their respective tube stations nearby.
