Business Details
32 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Acupuncture Clinic in Exeter
Established in 1994, Robin Costello Acupuncture has been dedicated to providing holistic healthcare through traditional Chinese acupuncture, shiatsu, and tuina. Our approach focuses on treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms, encouraging the body's innate healing abilities. With extensive experience gained through practice in China, teaching roles in academic institutions, and continuous professional development, we offer tailored treatments addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.Our clinic adheres to strict safety standards, featuring sterile disposable needles and premises approved by Exeter City Council's Environmental Health Department. As a member of the British Acupuncture Council and holder of Professional Standards Authority accreditation, we maintain rigorous professional standards while offering urgent appointments for pressing health concerns.
Services
Acupuncture
Shiatsu
Tuina
Qi Gong
Chinese Dietary Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 29 years of clinical experience since 1994
- Treatments tailored to individual health profiles
- Sterile disposable needles and approved clinical environment
- Urgent appointments available for pressing health concerns
- Combines acupuncture with complementary therapies
Associations and certifications
- British Acupuncture Council
- Professional Standards Authority
Services
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate energy flow and promote natural healing. This evidence-based practice addresses chronic pain, mental health conditions, and various systemic imbalances. Treatments at Robin Costello Acupuncture follow individualised protocols based on comprehensive diagnosis, incorporating modern research findings alongside classical techniques to optimise patient outcomes.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu therapy applies rhythmic pressure to meridian points to restore energy balance. This Japanese bodywork technique alleviates musculoskeletal tension, improves circulation, and reduces stress. Practitioners at our clinic integrate shiatsu with acupuncture principles to create synergistic treatment plans addressing both physical discomfort and emotional well-being through non-invasive manual therapy.
Tuina
Tuina combines therapeutic massage with acupressure to treat musculoskeletal conditions and internal diseases. This modality improves joint mobility, relieves pain, and enhances organ function through specific hand techniques. Our practitioners use tuina as both standalone treatment and complementary therapy alongside acupuncture to address complex health presentations effectively.
Qi Gong
Medical Qi Gong instruction teaches patients self-care techniques to maintain health balance. These gentle movement sequences improve energy circulation, reduce stress, and enhance physical resilience. Our clinic provides tailored Qi Gong prescriptions as part of comprehensive treatment plans, empowering patients to actively participate in their healing journey through daily practice.
Dietary Therapy
Chinese dietary therapy utilises food properties to address health imbalances. This nutritional approach considers individual constitutions and seasonal factors to create eating plans that support healing. Our practitioners provide practical dietary advice as complementary treatment, helping patients achieve wellness through everyday food choices that align with their specific health requirements.
People
Robin Costello
Acupuncturist
Robin Costello graduated from the London School of Acupuncture in 1994 and holds a CertAc(China). With 29 years of clinical experience, including hospital work in China, he teaches at university level and maintains dual qualifications in shiatsu. His practice integrates acupuncture, Chinese massage, and dietary therapy.
Questions
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture effectively addresses chronic pain, mental health conditions, digestive disorders, and women's health issues. The World Health Organization recognises over 100 treatable conditions, including back pain, migraines, and osteoarthritis.
What happens during initial consultation?
The first session includes comprehensive health assessment covering physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Gentle introductory acupuncture may be offered, followed by explanation of diagnosis and creation of personalised treatment plans.
Are treatments safe?
Yes, we use sterile disposable needles following strict safety protocols. The clinic premises are approved by Exeter City Council's Environmental Health Department, with treatments adhering to British Acupuncture Council standards.
How many sessions are needed?
Treatment plans vary based on condition duration, severity, and individual health factors. Typically 6-8 sessions are recommended initially, with progress reviewed regularly to optimise outcomes.
Can I continue GP care?
Yes, acupuncture works well alongside conventional medicine. We encourage patients to maintain GP communication and inform us about concurrent treatments to ensure coordinated healthcare delivery.
Do you offer emergency appointments?
Urgent cases receive priority scheduling. We reserve time slots for acute conditions while maintaining regular appointments for ongoing treatment plans to ensure comprehensive patient care.
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Reviews (7)
Penny Woodhead
Dec 28, 2021
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Excellent!
Robin is a very experienced practitioner who is empathetic and understands the holistic needs of his patients. I have a pharmacological side effect from a drug for Fibromyalgia which is extremely bothersome to the point you want to stop taking it. Robin manages this very well for me and supports the Fibromyalgia problems as well. He translates Western to Chinese medicine with ease. Highly recommended!! Many thanks Robin.
Robin is a very experienced practitioner who is empathetic and understands the holistic needs of his patients. I have a pharmacological side effect from a drug for Fibromyalgia which is extremely bothersome to the point you want to stop taking it. Robin manages this very well for me and supports the Fibromyalgia problems as well. He translates Western to Chinese medicine with ease. Highly recommended!! Many thanks Robin.
Fiona Louise Kitsell
Sep 13, 2021
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Robin immediately made me feel welcome, relaxed and confident with his treatment. He took time to listen and provided a wealth of reassurance. The treatment was very relaxing and felt a strong clarity following the treatment. The beneficial effects were very positive and gave me a sense of wellbeing and maintained energy. I work night shifts and I had alot more vitality and stamina.
Robin gave me a session before my wedding and I felt relaxed. There is no doubt that the acupuncture treatment relieved my anxiety and made me feel a great sense of wellbeing
Robin gave me a session before my wedding and I felt relaxed. There is no doubt that the acupuncture treatment relieved my anxiety and made me feel a great sense of wellbeing
LibelulaLuz
Apr 13, 2021
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Robin is a highly knowledgeable, caring and experienced practitioner and I can't recommend him enough. Initially saw Robin for an acute shouldre problem, relieved by just one session. I tend continued treatment for long term back issues, peri menopausal symptoms etc. My hot flushes stopped after one treatment on balancing hormones, and my sleep improved greatly!
100% recommend seeing Robin for nay issues, whether physical or emotional
100% recommend seeing Robin for nay issues, whether physical or emotional
Kelly Brewer
Nov 20, 2020
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I would highly recommend Robin, I have been going to Robin for over 5years for many Reasons fertility treatment, well being, back pain and many more,
Robin is very professional and loves what he does, I feel that Robin as become a Family friend as my husband goes to robin as well. I was doing IVF and needed some think more to help me through it and a friend recommended Robin and It was amazing and know I have 2 perfect children thanks to Robins work and hard work to get to know me and my body,
Robin always has time to talk and very flexible to meet your busy life. If your looking for acupuncture
Robin is very professional and loves what he does, I feel that Robin as become a Family friend as my husband goes to robin as well. I was doing IVF and needed some think more to help me through it and a friend recommended Robin and It was amazing and know I have 2 perfect children thanks to Robins work and hard work to get to know me and my body,
Robin always has time to talk and very flexible to meet your busy life. If your looking for acupuncture
Penny Woodhead
Jun 19, 2020
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Right from the start, Robin makes you feel at ease. He takes his time in finding out what is wrong with you and shows a lot of empathy. He is very intuitive and skilled. I would highly recommend him, especially if you are nervous about having acupuncture (not that you need to be of course!) I am so pleased to have found him!
ThomasMc
Oct 01, 2019
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Robin has treated me for sports injuries in the run up to a half marathon with great effect. Having been concerned about whether I would be able to complete the course at all 2 weeks prior to the event, I was able to hit my target time following Robin's treatment. Robin provides a targeted and individual approach in a relaxing setting. Would highly recommend.
Alex Lewis
Aug 10, 2019
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Robin is a very kind, caring and professional practitioner. I have received several treatments from him, and I felt that not only was this extremely beneficial in treating my symptoms, I also found a great improvement in my general health and well being. I have no hesitation in recommending Robin.
