Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting fine, sterile, stainless-steel needles into acupoints on the body to promote the body’s natural healing response.

Consultations and treatments may be conducted by TCM physicians or medical doctors who are trained and registered as acupuncturists. Our clinicians build on TCM theories, available research and scientific literature to offer evidence based integrative medicine.

Typical Patient’s Journey for Acupuncture Treatment

1. Preparation for your acupuncture session
   1. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
2. Avoid wearing excessive accessories and makeup
3. Have a light meal one to two hours before your acupuncture session
4. Arrive at the clinic 10 minutes before your appointment time
5. What you can expect during acupuncture session
   1. Consultation to learn about your condition
   2. A personalized treatment plan catered to your condition and needs will be formulated in discussion with you
   3. The consultation and treatment duration typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes; however, it may be extended on a case-by-case basis.
6. Post acupuncture self-care & Follow-up sessions
   1. Get adequate rest and avoid excessively tiring yourself out after your acupuncture session.
   2. Avoid showering within 2 hours after acupuncture treatment
   3. Try to sleep before 11pm during the period when you are receiving acupuncture.

The number and frequency of treatments depend on the nature, severity, and duration of your condition. Each course of treatment may comprise 5 to 10 sessions. The recommended treatment frequency is generally 1 to 2 sessions per week during the initial phase of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture can help relieve pain, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep and digestion and support women’s health by balancing energy flow and triggering natural healing responses. Response to acupuncture treatment may differ from person to person.

The conditions that may benefit from Acupuncture include:

• Neurological Conditions
• Gastrointestinal Ailments
• Urological Conditions
• Women’s Health
• Pain Management
• Allergic Rhinitis
• Dry Eye Syndrome
• Smoking Addiction & Withdrawal Symptoms

What should I do during acupuncture treatment?

Maintain a comfortable position and relax:

1. Avoid movements or changing your body and limb positions unless instructed.
2. Inform your acupuncturist if you feel pain or discomfort at the needle sites.
3. Inform our acupuncturists or therapy assistants if you feel unwell during the treatment (for example dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath).

Is acupuncture painful?

The sensations from acupuncture treatment are generally bearable. You may feel a quick pinch or dull ache, soreness, heaviness, or numbness at the needle sites. Most people find the sensations acceptable once the needles are in place.

What are the common side effects and risks of acupuncture?

Some common side effects of acupuncture are:

• Soreness, numbness or itch at needle site post treatment
• Fatigue or light-headedness immediately after treatment
• Minor bleeding, bruising

Side effects are often mild and temporary. If you feel unwell after acupuncture treatment, do let your acupuncturist know so appropriate care can be provided to you.

What should I do after Acupuncture?

• In the rare event that there is a bruise at the acupuncture site, do not panic. You may apply cold compress over the bruise for about 10 minutes each day, up to two days post-acupuncture. After which, you may switch to apply warm compress. The bruise will fade in one to two weeks depending on the bruise area and body condition.
• You may feel fatigue post-acupuncture. Get adequate rest by not overexerting yourself physically and mentally.
• Try to sleep early (before 11pm) during the period when you are receiving acupuncture
• Avoid drinking alcohol and coffee

Is everyone suitable for needle acupuncture?

Needle acupuncture may not be suitable for people with: 

• Bleeding disorders or usage of blood thinning medications (e.g. Warfarin, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Clexane)
• Prosthetic heart valve(s)
• Acute Infections
• Pregnancy
• Pacemaker (especially when electroacupuncture is part of treatment)
• Deep Brain Stimulation (especially when electroacupuncture is part of treatment)

If any of the above applies to you, please inform your acupuncturists before starting treatment.

When should acupuncture be avoided?

Acupuncture should be avoided if you have a fever, are extremely fatigued, or having heavy menstrual flow. Always consult your acupuncturist when in doubt. 

How long should you rest after acupuncture?

You may move around and carry on with your usual routine after acupuncture. However, do avoid strenuous activity on the day of treatment to allow your body time to heal. 

How do I know if acupuncture is working for me?

Acupuncture is likely working for you if you notice improvement in your symptoms, such as reduced stiffness or pain, better sleep, or enhanced relaxation. Although effects can sometimes be immediate, some effects can also be gradual and cumulative. You might want to track symptoms over time and discuss progress with your acupuncturist to help clarify effectiveness.

Is there a subsidy for acupuncture?

Per MOH’s recommendation, subsidy may be accorded for adults with low back pain and neck pain for treatment performed in Public Healthcare Institutions (PHIs), referred by a medical specialist in a PHI.

You may refer to guidance recommendations by Agency of Care Effectiveness here for more information: Acupuncture for adults with low back pain and neck pain | Agency for Care Effectiveness

Can MediSave be used for acupuncture treatment?

Acupuncture for back pain (lower back) and/or neck pain may be claimed under the Flexi-MediSave scheme, which applies to Senior Citizens/PRs aged 60 and above.