Medical Acupuncture
Medical acupuncture is available at The Massage Lab as a 15-minute add-on to your massage session (pre-booked) or as an ad-hoc extra (a small supplement applies).
We never use acupuncture without your prior consent, and it is always fully explained before treatment begins.
What is Medical Acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture is also known as Western Acupuncture or Dry Needling and is based on modern anatomy and physiology. Unlike Traditional Chinese acupuncture, its scope of practice is limited to musculo-skeletal complaints or injury.
In Western acupuncture uses fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points in muscle or fascia to:
- Relieve pain and reduce muscle tension
- Deactivate trigger points and “knots”
- Improve local circulation and healing
- Support recovery from injury or overuse
Studies suggest that the therapeutic effects of acupuncture are the result of 2 main mechanisms:
- When a needle targets a painful or taut muscle, it may cause a brief and involuntary “twitch” response. This reflex helps reset the muscle, reduces hypertonicity, and improves blood flow, allowing waste products to be cleared more effectively.
- Carefully targeted needle placement stimulates nerves in the skin and muscle, triggering the release of natural painkillers such as endorphins and serotonin in the brain and spinal cord. This changes how pain signals are processed and can create lasting improvements in comfort and function.
A growing body of evidence supports the use of medical acupuncture in musculoskeletal care, with proven benefits for:
- Chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain (neck, shoulder, back, knee, and hip pain)
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-operative pain management
We never use acupuncture without your prior consent, and it is always fully explained before treatment begins.
Book your Medical Acupuncture add-on in Islington
Biliana
Biliana is a Massage Therapist and Osteopath. She combines deep tissue, myofascial, and stretching techniques with a strong educational approach, helping clients not only relieve pain but also understand their bodies and take back control of their wellbeing.
Raymond
Raymond is a Massage Therapist with decades of experience offering sports & remedial massage, pregnancy massage, medical acupuncture, and trigger point therapy. He combines deep tissue techniques with a calm, restorative approach, aiming to treat both body and mind so clients leave feeling understood, balanced, and supported in their recovery.
What our Clients Say
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CandoladTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Lukasz is an excellent and extremely knowledgeable sports therapist who also has a backgrounds in physiotherapy. It was the perfect combination for my issue. He performed a thorough deep tissue massage and advised me of what to do if there were further complications within a few days. I strongly recommend Lukasz because he's grounded and has no pretentiousness about him, which is very refreshing to find in London.Posted on Google![]()
Lisa BeckTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have been seeing Biliana now for a number of years for a massage, in particular this time around was having some back issues for her to deal with. The massage was painful in parts but I knew that this would only be beneficial at the end, really felt the issue was addressed & also some exercises were recommended.Always feel the massage is good for my skin also having had eczema from an early age. Thank you Biliana.Posted on Google![]()
Bill KnightTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Really excellent. Highly competent and knowledgeable.Posted on Google![]()
julienne louis-marieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It was amazing. I will definitely attend again.Posted on Google![]()
Nicole Abi-EsberTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sarah has been amazing! She treated me throughout my pregnancy and postnatally and I’ve recommended her to so many people. She’s AMAZING!Posted on Google![]()
Yasmina Salah DrisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing massage by Sarah! I went at 33 weeks pregnant because I was struggling with sciatica, and she was amazing. She made me feel comfortable throughout the session, and I left feeling so much better. I highly recommend her!Posted on Google![]()
CTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fantastic massage , will definitely return, highly recommended !Posted on Google![]()
Connie GarradTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The best pregnancy massage with Elisa - has been just what I’ve needed in the last few weeks of my pregnancy to target sciatica and back pain. Thank you so so much.Posted on Google![]()
Sally GTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Biliana is a brilliant therapist. She is very thorough, careful, really listens gives a realistic assessment and self help suggestions. Her massage technique demonstrates a breadth of skill and knowledge and has helped me significantly. I highly recommend the Massage Lab, comfortable and spotless facilities.