Struggling with IBS, bloating, acid reflux or other digestive symptoms? When your gut won’t settle, symptoms such as gas, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal discomfort can affect your sleep, concentration and mood. You may even find yourself worrying about food or turning down plans because you never know how you’ll feel.
At our acupuncture clinics in Camberwell and Paddington, we take time to understand your symptoms and how they affect your everyday life. We offer personalised acupuncture as a complementary approach to support your symptoms, alongside appropriate medical advice and treatment.
Not sure where to start? Take our free 2-minute health assessment for personalised recommendations. When you’re ready, book your first appointment online. This includes a full consultation and treatment, looking at your symptoms, lifestyle and health history.
At The Get Well Clinics we make acupuncture affordable at £42 a session.
★★★★★
“Has helped my Crohn’s and digestive issues enormously. I highly recommend this much cheaper, but no less effective treatment. ” Anne
★★★★★
“Seeing George since 2021 for a variety of chronic and acute health issues. I am continuously in awe of George’s abilities and attunement as a healer.” Eden
★★★★★
“New to acupuncture I was a bit nervous for my first session. I was very happy with my experience. I was treated with care and felt very comfortable. I now go for treatment weekly.” Cherona
★★★★★
“The community style is comfortable. I slept like a baby after my first treatment.”
Individual patient experiences. Results vary.
What Causes Digestive Problems?
IBS and functional digestive problems often have no single identifiable cause, which is part of why they can go unexplained for years. Symptoms are real even when tests come back clear.
What Usually Causes It
- Stress and anxiety, which affect gut function directly
- Diet, including trigger foods, irregular meals and alcohol
- A change in gut function after an infection or a course of antibiotics
- Poor sleep, which lowers your tolerance for everything else
- Hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle
What You May Be Feeling / Experiencing
- Bloating and excessive gas, often worse as the day goes on
- Cramping and abdominal pain that comes and goes
- Constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating between the two
- Heartburn, reflux and a feeling of sluggish digestion
- Nausea, and losing confidence around food and social plans
Please see your GP about any bleeding, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, a persistent change in bowel habit, or symptoms starting later in life.
These need investigating. Acupuncture works alongside medical care, not instead of it.
Source: NHS, ‘Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)’; NICE guideline CG61.
How Acupuncture Helps With IBS and Digestive Problems
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat digestive complaints.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, digestive problems are read as a sign that the body’s digestive system is out of balance, which affects how well food and energy are processed, so symptoms such as bloating, IBS, constipation, diarrhoea and reflux are treated by supporting digestion and restoring that balance.
Modern research has examined its effects too, and one proposed mechanism is its influence on the gut-brain axis via the nervous system. As to why acupuncture works for digestive problems, researchers point to several mechanisms:
- Reducing IBS symptoms: systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found acupuncture may be beneficial for symptom severity, abdominal pain and quality of life in IBS, though evidence quality varies (Frontiers in Public Health, 2022).
- Calming the nervous system: the gut and nervous system are closely linked, which is why stress so often disrupts digestion and why symptoms tend to flare at the worst times. Acupuncture is aimed at the parasympathetic “rest and restore” side of that system, and a meta-analysis of 9 randomised trials found it affected heart-rate variability and parasympathetic activity, the measures used to track that shift (Hamvas et al., 2023).
- Releasing endorphins: research points to the release of endogenous opioid peptides, including endorphins, the body’s own pain-relieving and feel-good chemicals (Han, Neuroscience Letters, 2004).
Individual results vary. These findings are not a guarantee of outcome for every patient.
Whole Person Care
We look at your symptoms in the context of your whole health, assessing your diet, stress levels, sleep patterns and emotional wellbeing to build a complete picture. Each appointment includes acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis, and practical self-care tips:
- Dietary guidance: foods, herbal remedies, or lifestyle changes to support your digestion between visits.
- Stress-management tools: easy breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques you can use daily without feeling overwhelmed.
Flavio Cabral
3 months ago
The service I received was unhurried, kind, personal, as well very educative from both treatments I had on full body and head only (ear). I strongly recommend it.
Mdm Pleguebyrne
3 months ago
I first came to the Gate Well Clinic last year, and it was a fantastic experience. I'm now back again to help get myself back on the healthy path I was on before.
I feel that we live in a very different world compared to a couple of generations ago. Life moves at such fast pace, and much of our food has been depleted of its nutrients or replaced with ultra-processed alternatives, making it increasingly difficult to maintain good health.
Coming back to the clinic is helping me regain control of my health. The acupuncture treatment with George, together with the guidance and natural supplements he recommends, have given me the support I need to feel better, more balanced, and more in tune with my body.
I'm truly grateful for the care, knowledge, and support that George and the whole team provide. I would highly recommend the Gate Well Clinic to anyone looking to take a more natural approach to improving their overall health and well-being.
Tom Tom C
5 months ago
I have been seen by the fantastic Luke Warburton for a year for acupuncture & bodywork. He combines both skills in treatment at the get well clinics in Paddington. His knowledge really helps me maintain my health conditions like Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis and anxiety. The get well clinics is my go to comfort zone for well being. Tom
Vincent Crooks
5 months ago
It's so good to have a place like the getwell clinic which for me is acceptable,affordable, clean and pleasant, with experience and professional practioners ,with the knowledge to read and diagnose ailments,
Vincent Crooks.
Emma Williamson
6 months ago
Marion is an excellent acupuncture therapist - I have really benefited from her treatment and highly recommend her.
Daria
8 months ago
Very good services at affordable prices. Acupuncture treatments have been helping me to balance my energy - either to bring it up or down depending on how I was feeling. Sheree is very helpful.
Fiona Blakeman
9 months ago
I couldn’t recommend this highly enough and I’m very grateful that this service is available in my local community. I’ve had a lot of experience receiving acupuncture, and despite the heavily discounted cost, the level of care, attention, and quality of treatment is exceptional.
The initial consultation is carried out privately, with treatments taking place alongside other patients. The setting is calm and peaceful, and I felt very safe and supported by both the practitioner and the environment overall.
Lucy Brook
11 months ago
This was a first time trying acupuncture, in a welcoming and tranquil space that's affordable to have professional treatment in a community clinic. I have several issues with my spine and I came initially with my sciatica pain at a 10 so severe for months struggling to walk and cope with daily functioning using mobility aids. I felt a major difference in pain relief after the first treatment and by the third session it has drastically reduced to a 2 and sometimes no pain on good days.
George is excellent and I feel so thankful, his knowledge and recommendations has been helpful and I've slowly been implementing. I come away from the sessions feeling relaxed and able to sleep better. I look forward to continuing my journey of pain relief, health and wellbeing, plus getting some normality slowly back in my daily life and functioning.
Elisa R
11 months ago
I went for several sessions this year to help with an extra heartbeat caused by stress. I also changed my lifestyle slightly, but acupuncture definitely made a difference. It takes time and trusting the process, and since I’m not used to slowing down, having this dedicated ‘me time’ was exactly what I needed.
John and Marion are knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely take the time to listen. I love how welcoming the community clinic is, and I always felt in very good hands.
Thank you to both of them, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for support with stress or overall well-being.
Lucia Krupova
6 months ago
If you are preparing for IVF or struggling with back pain, you need to book an appointment with John.
I was a little bit worried about sharing room with other people but the place is incredibly peaceful which is exactly what you need when dealing with the stress of fertility treatments.
I came in for fertility support and a bad back, and I am amazed at how quickly it worked.
It only took a few sessions for my back pain to disappear entirely, and my periods are now perfectly on schedule. It has given me so much peace of mind and physical comfort heading into my IVF cycle.
Camilla Cooper
8 months ago
Get Well Community Acupuncture clinic is absolutely incredible. I’ve had really healing and helpful treatments with both Phil and Luke who are both exceptional & extremely caring practitioners. I can’t recommend this clinic enough for all your Community Acupuncture needs.
Maria del Mar Arranz Martin
11 months ago
Excellent service and professionals
John Watson
12 months ago
Very sympathetic and thoughtful treatment from Marion. I like the no-nonsense (and affordable) approach of having a communal treatment room. You still get plenty of attention and then lie and relax with the needles in whilst other people are attended to.
Vicki Zhang
1 year ago
Marion is super attentive and skilful - would highly recommend her to anyone considering acupuncture.
Sehr schön
2 years ago
I landed at Paddington location in Marion Rolling’s magical hands at the end of Jan 25.
I had high anxiety, heart palpitations and frequent migraines. I was always on high alert expecting a catastrophe at every corner and on the verge of tears at all time.
After a few Acupuncture sessions with Marion, my anxiety is manageable , I have more energy and I go for days without my previous symptoms. Also have not had a migraine since then.
I’m looking forward to seeing Marion a few more times this spring to help me with my hayfever.
Can’t recommend them enough. Thank you 🙏
Isabel Pitcaithly
2 years ago
Recently I attended The Get Well Clinic in Paddington where I had 3 accupuncture sessions a week apart with the very knowledgeable Marion Rollings. I did my homework before choosing Marion who has trained extensively including 7 years in China. I was impressed with how she managed to remember all I had told her in pre treatment forms and lying there relaxing with the needles in place ( completely painless) I could tell she remembered all about her other patients. I felt very relaxed and well cared for.
I had a problem with my ankle/foot which was very debilitating and this has greatly improved. I am so pleased as I was afraid to go out in case I suddenly couldn't walk any more. I no longer have this problem.
I was also concerned about headaches which seemed to take over my life. I can honestly say since the first treatment up to now several weeks down the line I have only had one headache which for me is amazing !!
To anyone considering a treatment with Marion go ahead. You will not be disappointed !!!
I plan on further treatments for my back when I have finished work in the garden. Isabel 76
Common Questions Answered
IBS, bloating and excessive gas, constipation or diarrhoea, heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion and sluggish digestion, and nausea. No matter how long you have had symptoms, there is often still room for improvement, and some patients tell us they notice a difference within a few sessions. If you have a diagnosed condition, do tell us, and keep your GP or specialist in the picture.
Many of our patients come while following a low FODMAP or elimination diet, or while taking prescribed medication for reflux or IBS. Acupuncture is intended to work alongside that care, never instead of it. Tell us what you are doing and taking so we can plan around it, and never change prescribed medication without speaking to your GP.
Acupuncture works by building change slowly over time, small shifts that add up, rather than one big fix. Everyone is different, but most patients start to notice a difference after several regular sessions rather than a single visit.
Why Choose Our Low Cost Acupuncture Clinics in London?
Expert
Our highly qualified acupuncturists, without the private clinic price tag.
Whole-body approach
We use traditional acupuncture diagnostic principles to look at your symptoms in the context of your whole health, not just the area that hurts
Convenient locations
Our clinics in Camberwell and Paddington are close to bus, train, and Tube lines, so getting here is simple.
Acupuncture Articles
You don’t need to understand how acupuncture works for it to work. But if you’re curious about the science, we’ve linked some articles below, with more on Traditional Chinese Medicine in our Articles section.
Acupuncture can be difficult to study. Researchers use sham acupuncture as a control, with needles placed away from recognised acupuncture points, but these “fake” points can still have an effect. Many studies are also small because research funding is limited. This means some conditions have not yet been studied at the scale needed for firm conclusions. That is not the same as acupuncture being tested and failing.
Where high-quality, large-scale research has been carried out, the evidence is much stronger.
Does Acupuncture Work for IBS?
Zhang J, et al. Effects and Mechanisms of Acupuncture on Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Front. Neurosci., 15 July 2022, Volume 16.
What systematic reviews say about acupuncture and IBS symptoms. Yang Y et al. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022;10:1022145. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1022145.
The Gut-Brain Axis Explained
Tang H-Y, Jiang A-J, Wang X-Y, et al. Uncovering the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome by exploring the gut-brain axis: a narrative review. Annals of Translational Medicine. 2021;9(14):1187. doi: 10.21037/atm-21-2779.
Acupuncture for the stress response
Hamvas S, et al. Acupuncture and heart rate variability: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 randomised controlled trials. 2023.