Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture is a complete system of medicine with over two thousand years of clinical history. It treats the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
Most acupuncture practised in the UK is based on a simplified Western version — often using a small set of standardised points for a given diagnosis. TCM acupuncture is different. It is a full system of medicine that integrates classical Chinese theory — including the concept of Qi, the vital energy that flows through channels in the body — with modern understanding of anatomy, physiology and neurological function.
When the flow of Qi is disrupted — by injury, illness, emotional stress, dietary imbalance or constitutional weakness — symptoms arise. Acupuncture works by inserting fine sterile needles at precise points on the body to restore balance, reduce pain, regulate the nervous system, and stimulate the body's own healing response.
It is important to understand the difference between TCM acupuncture and other forms of acupuncture you may encounter:
Dr (TCM) D'Alberto practises full TCM acupuncture, having trained at Beijing University in China for five years. This is the most comprehensive and clinically versatile style of acupuncture available in the UK.
Your first appointment will begin with a thorough consultation. Dr D'Alberto will ask about your main health concerns, medical history, lifestyle and diet. He will assess your tongue and take your pulse at both wrists — traditional diagnostic tools that provide detailed information about the state of your internal organs and energy systems.
From this assessment, he will build a TCM diagnosis — identifying both the branch (your presenting symptoms) and the root (the underlying pattern of disharmony). Your treatment plan will address both.
Fine sterile needles are then inserted at selected acupuncture points. Most patients feel a mild, brief sensation as the needle is placed — often described as a gentle ache, warmth or tingling. This is the arrival of Qi at the point and is a sign that the point is active. Many patients find the experience deeply relaxing and fall asleep during treatment.
Sessions last 45–60 minutes. Needles are typically retained for 20–30 minutes before being removed. All needles are single-use and disposed of safely after each session.
When performed by a qualified and registered practitioner, acupuncture is extremely safe. Dr D'Alberto is a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), which requires practitioners to meet rigorous standards of education, hygiene and professional conduct. The BAcC's Code of Safe Practice ensures the highest standards of needle hygiene and patient safety.
Serious adverse events from acupuncture are extremely rare. Minor side effects — such as slight bruising or temporary tiredness after a session — occasionally occur but resolve quickly.
Alongside acupuncture, Dr D'Alberto may prescribe Chinese herbal medicine as part of your treatment plan. Herbal medicine is a core component of TCM and can be particularly effective for chronic conditions, hormonal imbalances and conditions that benefit from ongoing systemic support between acupuncture sessions.
All herbal formulas are prescribed individually based on your TCM diagnosis and are sourced from pharmaceutical-grade suppliers. They are dispensed as granules (concentrated powders) to be dissolved in hot water.
This depends on the nature and chronicity of your condition. Acute conditions may respond within two to four sessions. Chronic conditions typically require a longer course — usually six to twelve weekly sessions — with a reassessment after the initial course. Dr D'Alberto will give you a realistic expectation of outcomes at your first appointment.