Michelle Aris, LLB BSc MBA, has over 16 years of post-graduate clinical experience and training in Traditional and Classical Chinese Medicine acupuncture.  Michelle owns and runs the Advanced Acupuncture practice in Ealing, London and is qualified to answer your questions on acupuncture.

What is Acupuncture?

An acupuncturist inserts ultra-fine needles into specific points of the body. The goal is to improve the flow of qi (roughly translated as energy) to restore balance and trigger the body’s natural healing response.

Are Acupuncture Needles Sterile?

At London Advanced Acupuncture, we only use pre-sterilised single-use needles, which are disposed of after your treatment.

How Does Acupuncture Feel?

Most people find our style of acupuncture at London Advanced Acupuncture very relaxing. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache. Our needles are extremely fine and sometimes can not be felt at all.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments on offer in the UK.

Two surveys conducted independently of each other and published in the British Medical Journal in 2001 concluded that the risk of a serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. This is far less than many orthodox medical treatments.

Does Acupuncture Have Side Effects?

There are very few side effects when practised by a fully qualified acupuncturist. Any minor side effects that do occur, such as dizziness or bruising around needle points, are mild and self-correcting.

Is My Acupuncturist Fully Qualified?

Michelle Aris, LLB BSc MBAcC, is a fully qualified member of the British Acupuncture Council. Michelle completed her three-year Bachelor of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of Westminster. Since then, Michelle has undergone extensive post-graduate training in Advanced Acupuncture. She continues with ongoing professional development through a mentorship program, private study and regular attendance at lectures and seminars.

The British Acupuncture Council sets the professional standards of acupuncture practice in Britain. Members are covered by full medical malpractice and public/product liability insurance. 

Always check that your acupuncturist is registered with the British Acupuncture Council. Members should have the letters MBAcC after their name, which can be found on the British Acupuncture Council website.