Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Trusted Acupuncture Clinic in Barnstaple
Acupuncture North Devon has served Barnstaple and surrounding communities for over 30 years, offering traditional Chinese acupuncture treatments. Our practitioners, Marilyn Richards and Heidi O'Neill, bring combined expertise of 40 years, ensuring patients receive care rooted in ancient practices validated by modern research. We relocated our Barnstaple clinic to the Tarka Clinic in July 2024, maintaining accessibility while adhering to strict safety protocols. As members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), we follow NHS and government guidelines, prioritizing patient safety through mandatory hygiene measures and professional standards. Our approach integrates diagnostic precision with personalized treatment plans, addressing physical, emotional, and psychological conditions.We maintain continuous professional development and insurance coverage, ensuring treatments remain evidence-based and compliant with health regulations. The clinic serves adults, children, elderly patients, and pregnant individuals, offering complementary care alongside conventional medicine. Our relocation preserves treatment continuity while enhancing facility standards. We welcome new patients and provide consultations for various health concerns, from chronic pain to stress management. Our commitment to traditional Chinese medicine principles, combined with modern clinical practices, establishes us as a trusted healthcare provider in North Devon.
Services
Acupuncture
Gua Sha
Cupping
Tui Na
Moxibustion
Facial Revitalisation
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- Combined 40 years of acupuncture expertise
- Members of the UK's largest regulated acupuncture body
- Strict adherence to NHS safety guidelines
- Personalized treatment plans for holistic wellness
- Convenient central Barnstaple location
Associations and certifications
- British Acupuncture Council
- Professional Standards Authority
Services
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate specific points, restoring Qi flow and promoting natural healing. Treats chronic pain, stress, and various health conditions. Combines ancient principles with modern medical understanding for comprehensive care.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha involves press-stroking lubricated skin to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Creates temporary petechiae that boost immune response. Effective for musculoskeletal issues and respiratory conditions through enhanced microcirculation.
Cupping Therapy
Glass cupping creates localized suction to stimulate acupuncture points and improve circulation. Relieves muscle tension and promotes detoxification. Utilizes traditional techniques adapted for modern clinical applications.
Facial Revitalisation
Acupuncture-based facial treatment enhances skin tone and reduces aging signs. Stimulates collagen production through micro-needling. Addresses both cosmetic concerns and systemic imbalances affecting skin health.
Tui Na Massage
Tui Na employs rhythmic pressing techniques to release muscle tension and improve Qi flow. Targets postural issues and injury recovery through traditional Chinese medical principles. Complements acupuncture treatments for enhanced therapeutic effects.
People
Marilyn Richards
Lead Acupuncturist
Marilyn has practiced traditional Chinese acupuncture since 1992, combining London School of Acupuncture training with postgraduate studies in Nanjing, China. She integrates qigong principles into personalized treatment plans for holistic wellness.
Heidi O'Neill
Acupuncturist
Heidi holds a BSc in Integrated Chinese Medicine and specializes in combining Five Element and Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches. Her expertise includes facial revitalisation acupuncture and women's health support through continuous professional development.
Questions
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture effectively addresses musculoskeletal pain, migraines, anxiety, gynaecological disorders, and digestive issues. The British Acupuncture Council recognizes its benefits for over 60 common health conditions through evidence-based research.
Are your practitioners qualified?
Our acupuncturists hold BAcC certifications requiring minimum three years full-time training. They maintain continuing professional development and adhere to strict safety standards set by the Professional Standards Authority.
What safety measures are in place?
We follow NHS guidelines with mandatory sterilization protocols. Disposable needles are used for each session. Patients with respiratory symptoms should reschedule appointments to ensure clinic safety for all visitors.
How does acupuncture work scientifically?
Research shows acupuncture stimulates nervous system responses, releasing endorphins and improving blood flow. The British Acupuncture Council's clinical studies demonstrate its effectiveness in modulating pain perception and inflammatory responses.
What should I expect during treatment?
Initial consultations include detailed health assessments using traditional diagnostic techniques. Treatments involve fine needle insertion with minimal discomfort, followed by 20-30 minutes of relaxation while the needles stimulate Qi flow.
Do you offer facial rejuvenation services?
Our facial revitalisation acupuncture combines micro-needling with traditional techniques to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines. This non-invasive treatment addresses aging concerns while promoting overall systemic balance.
