Acupuncture
Your Acupuncture Session
Come and start your acupuncture journey with us today. If you are struggling with pain, an injury, feeling out of sync, or stress then we are the place for you. James not only has a degree in acupuncture, but also a post grad in applied sports and exercise medicine, a level 5 in somatic psychotherapy and is a teacher of qigong and meditation with many years of experience to integrate these skills. This means that your session will truly be yours and not just a generic one size fits all, helping you get to where you want to be.
For James his belief has always been that the mind and body are not two separate parts with connections and so he works with them as two aspects of the same thing which is reflected regularly in the sessions he has with clients centering everything around you and not just symptom management. Here we also don’t charge you extra if during your first session you need a little longer to explain any issues and have a treatment too as in order for the best outcome we feel it is important to have the time to do both to get the most from this experience.
Whilst James has worked with many people within the last 10 years of his practice, his main areas of specialism are split into a few key areas –
Physical Injuries
From James’s studies around sport as well as teaching and participating in some himself he has a great understanding of the body and how the different muscles, joints and ligaments impact each other especially when one part is injured. During sessions this is taken into account and worked upon so that the next area along doesn’t then feel pain or the other parts of the body that may have been compensating and overworking can also heal too as it can be very common for postural issues related to injuries that have healed to remain and cause new problems. We also aim to create as relaxing an environment as possible as having an injury can often feel stressful or annoying so when it’s needed we aim to allow the body to go towards a state of relaxation as this means that the body is able to go into a better healing state as well as helping you relax from the discomfort.
Pain and chronic health
Many clients often visit James because they have lots of different ongoing health issues where perhaps they aren’t feeling listened to by others, or have so much going on that it is becoming overwhelming. James is exceptional at sitting down and listening, which is one of the reasons there is extra time added on your first session so you aren’t rushed and can say what is needed. From there we can work on a plan together so that you do not lose control of your health or treatments, instead we work together so that you can have realistic expectations but align with your priorities and values rather than James deciding them for you.
Mental and Emotional health
Another area that we can help with is stress, emotional health, and trauma. James has trauma informed training and takes a very gentle and careful approach here going at a pace that you’re comfortable with without judgement and compassionately listening in order to better understand you and any issues whilst working to allow gentle regulation of the body and nervous system, moving away from fight or flight and into rest and relaxation. It is important to note that this is a process which takes time because each session is not only dealing with reducing the physical symptoms, but also aims to deal with emotional symptoms which may at first be overwhelming or sound scary. However, over time the emotional charges within the body can slowly become released although this doesn’t mean you will always feel the full force of each emotion but instead allows the emotional cycle that paused when the body was overwhelmed, freezing, or experiencing other interrupting factors to complete and the weight in the body pulling you down to then release.
Our Acupuncture Service
At Riverside Natural Health Centre, our acupuncture service blends ancient healing tradition with a grounded, personalised approach to care. Each treatment begins with a detailed consultation, allowing our practitioner to understand not just your symptoms, but the broader patterns at play in your body, mind, and lifestyle.
We use fine, sterile needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points along the body’s meridian pathways — aiming to restore the smooth flow of Qi, reduce stagnation, and promote internal harmony. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, stress, poor sleep, headaches, or hormonal imbalance, our treatments are always adapted to your unique constitution and evolving needs.
Sessions may also include lifestyle and dietary guidance based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, helping to support and extend the benefits of your treatment beyond the clinic. Our goal is not only to alleviate symptoms but to help you build long-term resilience, balance, and wellbeing.
“When the heart is at ease, the body is healthy.”
— Chinese Proverb
About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a central pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a holistic medical system developed over thousands of years through close observation of nature, the body, and the flow of life energy known as Qi. In TCM, health is seen as the harmonious balance between opposing yet complementary forces — Yin and Yang — and illness arises when this balance is disrupted or when Qi becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive.
Through the precise placement of ultra-fine needles at specific points along the body’s meridian pathways, acupuncture aims to regulate the flow of Qi, activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, and restore balance across physical, emotional, and energetic levels. It is used to address a wide range of concerns — from musculoskeletal pain and digestive disorders to stress, insomnia, and hormonal imbalances.
Far more than symptom relief, acupuncture as practised within TCM supports the body as an interconnected whole, helping patients return to a state of resilience, vitality, and inner harmony.
Our Other TCM Services
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About James Screeton
James Screeton is a qualified Acupuncturist and Somatic Psychotherapist with a deep commitment to holistic, body-centred healing. Trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and contemporary somatic approaches, James offers treatments that honour both the physical and emotional dimensions of wellbeing. His practice is grounded in attentiveness, compassion, and clinical precision, supporting individuals with issues ranging from musculoskeletal pain and stress to trauma and energy imbalance. With a calm and grounded presence, James creates a therapeutic space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are acupuncture needles reused?
No, never. All acupuncture needles used at our clinic are single-use, sterile, and disposed of safely after each treatment. Your safety and hygiene are always our top priority.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people find acupuncture to be relaxing and virtually painless. The needles are extremely fine, and while you may feel a slight sensation as they’re inserted, it’s usually brief and minimal.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, goals, and how your body responds. Some people experience improvement after one or two sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment.
What conditions can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture is used to support a wide range of conditions including pain, stress, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, hormonal imbalance, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances — all within a holistic, individualised framework.
What should I expect during my first appointment?
Your first session includes a full consultation and diagnostic assessment, followed by a tailored treatment. We’ll also discuss your lifestyle, goals, and any recommended follow-up sessions.
