Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture is a sophisticated, complete medical system. It goes far beyond the simplified needle therapy commonly offered in physiotherapy and GP clinics across the UK.
Acupuncture has been practised in China for over two thousand years, and TCM — Traditional Chinese Medicine — represents the most fully developed and clinically comprehensive form of that practice. At its core is the concept of Qi: the vital energy that flows through pathways in the body known as meridians. When this flow is disrupted — by injury, illness, emotional stress or constitutional weakness — symptoms arise. Acupuncture restores balance by stimulating precise points along these pathways using fine sterile needles.
What distinguishes TCM acupuncture from other styles is its diagnostic depth. Rather than matching a diagnosis to a fixed set of points, TCM looks for the underlying pattern of disharmony unique to each patient. Two people presenting with the same Western diagnosis may have entirely different TCM patterns — and will receive different treatment accordingly.
It is worth understanding the landscape of acupuncture in the UK before choosing a practitioner:
Dr (TCM) D'Alberto trained for five years at Beijing University, China — he practises the most comprehensive form of acupuncture available in the UK today.
TCM acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been used together for centuries because they complement each other powerfully. Acupuncture stimulates and regulates; herbal medicine nourishes, clears and supports the body's systems between sessions. Dr D'Alberto may prescribe herbal formulas alongside acupuncture where they will meaningfully improve your outcomes — particularly for chronic conditions, hormonal imbalances and fertility support.
All herbs are sourced from pharmaceutical-grade suppliers and dispensed as granules (concentrated powders dissolved in hot water), making them convenient to take at home.
After your initial consultation and TCM diagnosis, Dr D'Alberto will select a set of acupuncture points tailored to your individual pattern. Fine, sterile single-use needles are placed at these points — typically on the arms, legs, back or abdomen depending on your condition. You may feel a brief, mild sensation as each needle settles; this is the activation of the point and is a positive sign that the treatment is working.
Needles are usually retained for 20–30 minutes while you rest. The experience is remarkably relaxing — most patients describe feeling deeply calm, and many fall asleep. After treatment it is common to feel a pleasant tiredness; this typically resolves within a few hours and is followed by a sense of lightness and wellbeing.
When performed by a fully qualified, BAcC-registered practitioner, acupuncture is an extremely safe treatment. Dr D'Alberto adheres to the British Acupuncture Council's Code of Safe Practice, which sets rigorous standards for needle hygiene, clinical conduct and patient safety. All needles are single-use and sterile. Serious adverse events are exceedingly rare; the most common side effects are minor bruising or brief tiredness after treatment.
This depends on your condition, how long you have had it and how your body responds. Acute problems often respond within two to four sessions. Chronic, long-standing conditions typically benefit from a longer course — usually six to ten sessions — with maintenance treatment as needed thereafter. Dr D'Alberto will give you a clear and honest assessment of expected outcomes at your initial consultation.