Acupuncture is generally safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner. All our acupuncturists are registered with the Singapore TCM Practitioners Board. Minor side effects may include: Mild bruising or slight bleeding at the needle site Temporary soreness, tingling, or aching More side effects are mild, temporary and typically go away on their own.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Before your session: Wear loose, comfortable clothing Avoid arriving overly hungry, tired or anxious Maintain good personal hygiene Avoid wearing jewellery Use the restroom beforehand, as a session usually lasts about 20 minutes

What should I do after treatment?

It is recommended that you: Rest for the remainder of the day Avoid strenuous physical activity Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your acupuncturist

Acupuncture | Sengkang General Hospital

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupoints. This may be done using fine needles or other techniques.

According to TCM principles, acupuncture helps restore the balance and flow of the body's energy, known as qi ("chee"), to support overall health and well-being.

Treatment plans are tailored to each individual and usually require a series of sessions over few weeks. The number and frequency of treatments depend on your condition, its severity, and how well you respond to treatment. Our acupuncturists will assess your needs and recommend a suitable treatment plan.

We Offer:

Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture (gentle electrical stimulation applied through acupuncture needles)
Dry cupping
Infa-red lamp therapy

Conditions that may benefit from Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be used to help manage a range of conditions, including:

Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions

Back and neck pain
Shoulder and knee pain
Arthritis and ostheoarthritis
Sciatica
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Trigger finger
Tendon-related conditions

Neurological Conditions

Stroke rehabilitation
Spinal cord injuries
Nerve disorders (neuropathies)
Muscle and neuromuscular conditions

Respiratory Conditions

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Sinusitis
Asthma

Sleep and Mental Well-being

Insomnia
Sleep apnoea
Anxiety
Depression
Smoking cessation support

Digestive Conditions

Constipation
Gastritis
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Women's Health

Painful or irregular menstrual cycles
Fertility support
Menopausal symptoms

Other Conditions

Blood pressure management
Urinary symptoms and incontinence
Dry eye syndrome
Cancer-related fatigue
Chemotherapy side effects such as nausea and nerve-related symptoms

If you are unsure whether acupuncture may be suitable for your condition, please contact our general hotline at (65) 6930 5000 and they will route to our acupuncturists.

Subsidies and MediSave

MOH Subsidies

Subsidies are available only for patients who meet ALL the following criteria:

Referred by a specialist from Sengkang General Hospital
Receiving outpatient acupuncture treatment for lower back pain and/or neck pain
Subsidised treatment is limited to maximum of 12 sessions within 3 months from the first session

All other acupuncture treatments are charged at private rates and are not eligible for subsidies.

MediSave

Patients aged 60 years and above may use Flexi-MediSave for acupuncture treatment of lower back and/or neck pain at SKH
MediSave cannot be used for acupuncture treatments other than lower back and/or neck pain

FAQs

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Response to acupuncture varies from person to person. Some people notice improvements after one session, while others may require several treatments. Chronic or complex conditions often need more time before benefits are seen.

Acupuncture is generally safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner. All our acupuncturists are registered with the Singapore TCM Practitioners Board.

Minor side effects may include:

Mild bruising or slight bleeding at the needle site
Temporary soreness, tingling, or aching

More side effects are mild, temporary and typically go away on their own.

At SKH, acupuncture services are available for patients aged 18 years and above.

Before your session:

Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Avoid arriving overly hungry, tired or anxious
Maintain good personal hygiene
Avoid wearing jewellery
Use the restroom beforehand, as a session usually lasts about 20 minutes

Most patients experience little or no pain. The sensation varies from person to person and is often described as similar to a small ant bite.

You may also experience a feeling of heaviness, dull aching, or tingling, known as the "de-qi" sensation, which is considered a normal part of treatment. In TCM, "de-qi" is often considered a sign that the acupuncture point has been effectively activated and the body's energy (qi) is being engaged. Not everyone experiences de-qi in the same way, and some people may feel it more strongly than others. The absence of a noticeable de-qi sensation does not necessarily mean the treatment is ineffective.

No. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and do not leave visible holes in the skin.

Yes, you may shower as usual after treatment.

It is recommended that you:

Rest for the remainder of the day
Avoid strenuous physical activity
Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your acupuncturist

If you would like to find out whether acupuncture may be suitable for your condition, please contact our general hotline at (65) 6930 5000 and they will route to our acupuncturists. Our team will be happy to advise you and discuss the treatment options available.

Our Care Team

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