Acupuncture
Holistic Directions is registered with the Acupuncture Regulatory Authority and fully licensed by Southampton City Council, giving you confidence in safe, professional, and regulated practice.
A 60‑minute acupuncture session is a calm, restorative treatment that supports your whole system; not just isolated symptoms. After a gentle consultation, ultra‑fine needles are placed at carefully selected points to rebalance energy flow, ease tension, and activate the body’s natural healing response.
Acupuncture can support a wide range of concerns, including stress and anxiety, muscular pain, headaches and migraines, digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, sleep difficulties, and general fatigue.
The experience is deeply soothing, helping you feel centred, lighter, and more aligned as your body returns to its natural state of balance.
Choose the treatment that suits your day:
Enhance your treatment with an express reflexology session, ideal for grounding the body and supporting deeper relaxation.
The Stress Reset Trio; a powerful 90‑minute combination of acupuncture, massage, and reflexology that melts away tension, calms the nervous system, and leaves you feeling fully reset.
The Women’s Health Trio; a deeply restorative 90‑minute treatment designed to support women through menstrual cycles, peri & post‑menopause. Blending massage, reflexology & calming acupuncture, it eases physical discomfort, steadies mood, supports hormonal balance & brings the whole system back into a grounded, centred state. Perfect for women seeking relief from pain, tension, emotional overwhelm or fatigue, this trio leaves you feeling lighter, clearer & more resilient.
Frequently Asked Questions...
01
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most clients experience minimal discomfort because the needles are very thin. Some might feel a mild tingling, dull ache, or pressure when needles are inserted, but significant pain is uncommon.
02
How long does a session last, how often should it be done?
A typical session lasts 50 minutes. The frequency of treatment depends on the condition; some people start with 1 or 2 sessions per week and adjust based on response. Chronic conditions may require more prolonged treatment.
03
Are there any side effects?
Acupuncture is usually well-tolerated. Mild side effects can include drowsiness, temporary aggravation of symptoms, or minor bruising. Serious side effects are extremely rare when treated by a licensed practitioner.
04
How soon will I see results?
Effects vary with the condition and individual. Some feel immediate relief, especially for pain, while others may need several sessions over weeks to observe improvement. Chronic conditions typically require ongoing treatment for optimal results.
05
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
- Pain management
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Women's health
- Digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome
- Allergies and respiratory issues
- Smoking cessation and addiction recovery
06
Who Shouldn’t Have Acupuncture?
Absolute contraindications:
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorders
- Active infection or open wounds at the intended needle site
- Severe needle phobia that could cause fainting or distress
Relative contraindications:
- Clients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication (needle depth and technique may need adjusting.)
- Diabetes, especially if sensation is reduced in the lower limbs
- Pregnancy – certain points are avoided, but acupuncture is widely used safely with the right modifications
- Compromised immune system – needles must be placed away from any areas of infection or inflammation