Medical acupuncture, grounded in medicine
Acupuncture from Dr Karen Benson, an experienced GP who has practised medical acupuncture for over 30 years — combined with conventional medical knowledge for safe, thoughtful care.
- GP-led medical assessment before treatment
- Over 30 years of acupuncture experience
- Whole-person, medically grounded approach
- Covered by most major insurers
About medical acupuncture
Acupuncture, informed by anatomy and diagnosis
Dr Karen Benson’s approach is holistic but medically grounded. She won’t simply treat a symptom in isolation — she considers your wider health, medical history, medication, lifestyle, diagnosis and treatment goals.
Medical acupuncture involves inserting very fine disposable needles into specific points on the body, sometimes with gentle manual or low-voltage electrical stimulation. Unlike acupuncture practised entirely within traditional Chinese medicine, medical acupuncture is usually delivered by regulated healthcare professionals and informed by anatomy, physiology, pathology and conventional diagnosis.
Your symptoms are always assessed medically first, particularly if pain is new, worsening, unexplained or associated with other symptoms. This helps ensure that any underlying condition is identified before considering acupuncture as part of your treatment plan.
The evidence for medical acupuncture varies depending on the condition being treated. It may be used as part of the management of musculoskeletal pain, tension-related symptoms and some headache disorders, although suitability always depends on the individual patient and clinical assessment.
For women experiencing perimenopause or menopause, medical acupuncture may also be considered as part of a wider management plan. It may help reduce symptoms such as hot flushes, disturbed sleep, anxiety, headaches, joint and muscle pain, and general wellbeing in selected patients. Where appropriate, Dr Karen Benson can also provide assessment, advice and treatment through the clinic’s HRT and menopause service, ensuring hormonal and non-hormonal options are considered together.
Acupuncture is not a guaranteed cure. Suitability and likely benefit depend on your individual symptoms, diagnosis and clinical assessment.
Conditions acupuncture may help
When medical acupuncture may be considered
Not a treatment for everything — but for selected patients and conditions, it may reduce symptoms, improve function and support quality of life.
Why choose GP-led acupuncture
Medicine first, treatment second
Medical assessment first
As a GP, Dr Benson can assess whether acupuncture is appropriate — or whether another approach is needed.
Over 30 years' experience
Trained by the British Medical Acupuncture Society, bringing extensive clinical experience to every consultation.
Whole-person care
Treatment considered alongside lifestyle, stress, sleep, medication, movement, posture and wider medical factors.
Conventional treatment when needed
As a GP, Dr Benson can provide medical advice, prescribe treatment where appropriate, and offer integrated care through the clinic's menopause and HRT service when hormonal assessment or treatment is indicated.
Convenient local setting
Appointments at Letchworth Pharmacy, One Garden City, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3BF.
Covered by most insurers
Including BUPA, AXA and Aviva — check your policy for acupuncture cover before booking.
Your appointment
What to expect
Your first appointment usually begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history and current medication, and may include an examination before treatment.
Before treatment starts, Dr Benson will explain:
- What treatment involves
- Where the needles may be placed
- What you may feel during treatment
- Possible side effects
- How many sessions may be needed
- When acupuncture may not be suitable
- Whether other medical treatment or investigation is advised
Treatment process
Four steps, reviewed as you go
Consultation
Medical assessment and discussion of your symptoms to consider whether acupuncture is suitable.
Treatment plan
If appropriate, a short course of appointments is recommended rather than one isolated session.
Medical acupuncture treatment
Fine, sterile needles are placed at carefully selected points based on your symptoms and clinical assessment.
Review & ongoing care
Your progress is reviewed, treatment adjusted where needed, and advice provided on movement, medication, sleep, stress and lifestyle to support your overall health.
Safety
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional, acupuncture is generally considered safe — though no treatment is completely risk-free.
!Possible side effects
- Temporary soreness
- Minor bleeding or bruising
- Tiredness after treatment
- Light-headedness
- Temporary worsening of symptoms
- Local discomfort at the needle site
✓Tell Dr Benson if you
- Take blood-thinning medication
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Are pregnant or trying to conceive
- Have a pacemaker or implanted device
- Have a history of fainting
- Have a weakened immune system or lymphoedema
- Have had surgery, cancer treatment or radiotherapy in the treatment area
Pricing
Charged as private GP appointments
Frequently asked questions
Good to know before you book
This is medical acupuncture provided by Dr Karen Benson, an experienced GP. It uses acupuncture techniques within a conventional medical framework, informed by anatomy, physiology, diagnosis and clinical judgement.
Most people feel very little when the needles are inserted. Some feel a brief scratch, tingling, warmth, heaviness or a dull ache. Treatment should not be severely painful.
This depends on your condition, how long symptoms have been present and how you respond. Some people notice improvement after one or two sessions, while others may need a short course, usually up to five.
Acupuncture should not be viewed as a guaranteed cure. For up to 75% of patients it may reduce pain, improve function or help symptoms become more manageable — it works best as part of a broader treatment plan.
Often yes, but Dr Benson will review your medication first. It’s particularly important to mention blood thinners, steroid treatment, immunosuppressants and anything affecting bleeding or healing.
It may be suitable for some pregnant patients, but certain points are avoided during pregnancy. Always tell Dr Benson if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are trying to conceive.
Some patients find it relaxing and helpful for stress-related physical symptoms, such as muscle tension. Persistent anxiety, depression or severe stress should also be assessed and managed appropriately.
No referral is usually required for a private appointment, though some insurers require one if they cover acupuncture. Bringing relevant medical information can help if your symptoms are complex.
Yes. Medical acupuncture can be used alongside HRT as part of a personalised menopause management plan where appropriate. For women who cannot take HRT or prefer a non-hormonal approach, acupuncture may also be considered as an alternative treatment option for selected menopausal symptoms. Dr Karen Benson will advise on the most appropriate approach based on your symptoms, medical history and treatment goals.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being treated — points may be used on the arms, legs, back, neck or shoulders.
You can usually return to normal activities, though some people feel tired or relaxed afterwards. Avoid driving, strenuous exercise, alcohol or heavy meals immediately after if you feel light-headed or tired.
