Pain relief & rehabilitation
- Back, neck & knee pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Sports injuries & spasm
- Headaches & migraine
- Arthritis & joint stiffness
- Sciatica
- Post-stroke rehab support
- Bell's palsy support
In brief
Acupuncture at PULSE TCM is physician-led care with fine, sterile needles after a full TCM consultation. Traditional or electroacupuncture is chosen for your pattern across 15 Singapore clinics. First visits usually take 45–60 minutes. Sessions from $70.
- MOH-registered
- 45–60 min first visit
- From $70
What it is
Targeted care with fine precision
Fine, sterile needles at selected points along the body’s channels (meridians) to support pain relief, recovery, and internal balance, always after a physician consultation and TCM pattern diagnosis.
In Chinese medicine, acupuncture regulates qi and blood through the channel network. A consultation looks at your pattern (zheng): for example stagnation, deficiency, cold, or heat, not only a Western disease label. Clinically, needling also engages nerves, circulation, and the body’s own calming and pain-modulating responses. At PULSE, MOH-registered physicians hold both lenses, and can work alongside physiotherapy and Allied Health when your plan needs both. Across Singapore’s public hospitals, acupuncture is also expanding as adjunct care for pain, stroke rehabilitation support, and cancer-related symptoms: complementary framing, not a substitute for specialist Western care.
- Unblock stagnant qi: easing stuck flow that often shows up as pain or tension.
- Balance yin and yang: supporting harmony between the body’s complementary forces.
- Support organ function: working with the internal systems your pattern involves.
- Support natural healing: encouraging the body’s own recovery responses.
Coordinated with Heartland Rehab & PULSE Allied Health. Explore integrative care
Common concerns
What conditions can TCM acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can stand alone or sit with herbs, tuina, or Western rehab. Physicians treat patterns, not only disease names. The concerns below are common in clinic and not exhaustive.
In TCM we describe disharmony in the channels and organ systems: qi stagnation, blood stasis, cold or heat, dampness, deficiency. Your physician will name the pattern in plain language (and in TCM terms when useful) so care stays specific to you.
Internal & reproductive health
- Insomnia & stress tension
- Fertility support
- Menstrual conditions
- Menopause
- ED & low libido
- IBS, bloating & reflux
- Cancer support*
ENT, skin & lifestyle
- Sinuses & congestion
- Allergies & asthma support
- Acne & eczema
- Facial acupuncture
- Weight management
- Hair thinning
- Addiction support*
* Supportive / adjunctive only under physician guidance. Not a substitute for oncology or specialist addiction programmes.
Pathways
Explore a related care pathway
Pain is a common entry point. Use a programme pathway when you want care framed around a goal, not only a modality.
Common start
Pain & Injuries
- Back & neck
- Migraine
- Sports
- Joints
Sports Enhancement
- Plateau
- DOMS
- Event prep
Muscle Recovery with BIXEPS
- Seniors
- Athletes
- Recovery
Women's Health
- Cycles
- Fertility
- PMS
- Menopause
Facial & Skin
- Anti-ageing
- Acne
- Complexion
Acne
- Hormonal
- Cystic
- Marks
General Health
- Sleep
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Digestion
Sleep & Stress
- Sleep
- Stress
- Burnout
Mental Wellness
- Mental health
- TCM × PSYCH
Insomnia
- Insomnia
- CBT-I
- TCM
Depression
- Depression
- CBT
- TCM
Anxiety
- Anxiety
- CBT
- TCM
Weight Management
- Metabolism
- Appetite
- Digestion
Hair Loss
- Scalp
- Thinning
- Circulation
Modalities
Traditional or electroacupuncture
Both share the same diagnostic groundwork. Your physician chooses traditional needling, electroacupuncture, or a blend (not a one-size protocol).
Traditional acupuncture
Fine needles at selected points to support comfort, recovery, and internal balance: a calm foundation for first visits and ongoing plans.
Electroacupuncture
A mild electrical current through selected needles when pain or muscle patterns need more intensive, evenly paced input. Sensation is usually a light buzz or tap. Say so if it feels too strong; settings are adjustable.
Traditional needling suits many first visits and constitutional or stress-linked patterns. Electroacupuncture may be added when pain is more stubborn or muscle holding patterns need steadier stimulus. You will hear the recommendation in plain language before needles go in.
How it works
How acupuncture works
Classical TCM framing and what research describes physiologically, side by side, with a short evidence sketch below.
A TCM perspective
Qi, channels, and pattern
Chinese medicine describes qi and blood moving through a network of channels (meridians). Points along those pathways are chosen for your pattern: to move stagnation, warm cold, clear heat, or nourish deficiency. Different concerns call for different combinations. Your physician explains the pattern in clinic language as well as TCM terms when they help.
A clinical perspective
Nerves, circulation, calm
Needling stimulates sensory nerves in skin and muscle, signalling the brain and spinal cord. That can release endorphins and other messengers involved in pain modulation, while local blood flow and a calmer nervous-system state support repair and ease.
What research helps explain
A plain summary, not a promise of outcome for every person.
- Neuromodulation & pain relief Needle stimulation can engage pathways that dampen pain signalling and release the body’s own analgesic chemistry. [1]
- Circulation & inflammation Local blood flow may increase, supporting tissue repair and helping reduce inflammatory discomfort in treated areas. [2]
- Stress regulation Many patients shift toward a calmer physiological state, useful for stress-linked sleep, tension, and recovery. [2]
- Tissue interaction Needles engage connective tissue and local cellular responses that may contribute to therapeutic effects. [3]
- Regulated practice in Singapore At PULSE, acupuncture is delivered by TCM physicians registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board under MOH. [4]
Your visit
What to expect
Consultation first. Needles only when they fit your plan.
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Consultation
Share history, goals, and any reports or medications. First visits usually take 45–60 minutes.
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TCM diagnosis
Pulse and tongue diagnosis guide a personalised point selection, traditional or electro as needed.
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Treatment
Single-use sterile needles in a private room. Most sessions include quiet rest while needles remain in place.
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Plan & aftercare
Leave with clear next steps. Take it easy, hydrate, and avoid strenuous activity for 12–24 hours when you can.
How it feels
Needles are finer than injections
Most people feel a brief pinch, then a dull ache, warmth, or tingle that settles. You rest quietly while needles stay in place. Tell your physician if anything feels sharp so they can adjust.
- Fine, single-use needles, a different sensation from blood tests or vaccines.
- A quiet rest of about 20–30 minutes is common once points are placed.
- Electroacupuncture, when used, may add a mild buzz rather than a shock.
- Many people leave calmer; mild tiredness the same day can happen.
- You stay clothed except for the area being treated; private rooms are standard.
Comfort & safety
Designed to feel manageable
Needles are far finer than those used for injections. Many people feel a brief pinch, tingling, or dull pressure, then settle into a quiet, restful session.
- Single-use sterile needles; insertion sites cleaned as part of clinic hygiene protocol.
- Tell your physician if you are pregnant, on blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or have an alcohol allergy (some skin preps).
- Mild dizziness, tiny bruises, or brief soreness can occur; lasting or severe symptoms should be reported promptly.
- Acupuncture complements (and does not replace) urgent or specialist Western medical care.
Why patients choose PULSE
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MOH-registered, bilingual physicians
TCMPB-registered under MOH. English and Mandarin care across the network.
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Private rooms, Seirin single-use needles
Calm treatment rooms and Japan-made Seirin needles (sterile, single-use) with hygiene protocols you can ask about on the day.
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Personalised after diagnosis, not a menu
Pulse and tongue reading shape point selection, pacing, and whether electro belongs.
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From $70 · East meets West when needed
Clear starting price; coordination with Heartland Rehab and PULSE Allied Health when recovery needs both.
Physicians
Registered physicians for acupuncture
TCMPB-registered under MOH. Bilingual teams across the network.
Dr Sim Beng Joo
Advisor / Consultant Physician
Gastrointestinal Syndromes · Pain Management · Sleep / Fatigue
Dr Kevin Tang
Consultant Physician
TCM Oncology · Pain Management · Gynecology
Physician Fang Ying
TCM Physician
Pain Management · Sports Injuries · Gynaecology
Physician Ji Hui Jun
TCM Physician
Gynaecological Issues · Women’s Health · Digestive Issues
Physician Yumi Yen
TCM Physician
Pain & Injury · Dry eye · Internal Medicine
Physician Patricia Wang
TCM Physician
Eye Conditions · Internal Medicine · Pain Management
Physician Tanny Kong
TCM Physician
Gastrointestinal · Internal Medicine · Pain Management
Physician Ng Yu Xiang
TCM Physician
Internal Medicine · Pain & Injury · Aesthetic Care
Physician Judy Zhu
TCM Physician
Facial Beauty Acupuncture · Facial Nerve · Cosmetology
From the clinic
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Having served over a decade in community clinics, I know that true healing begins when a patient feels truly heard. I am dedicated to resolving complex pain and systemic issues at your own pace, with relief that is as compassionate as it is effective.
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As a biomedical scientist and TCM practitioner, I bridge ancient clinical craft with modern precision. My focus is intercepting suboptimal health (fatigue, gut patterns, pain) before it settles into something harder to shift.
Patient stories
Patient stories from acupuncture
Charges
Acupuncture from $70
Session pricing starts at $70. Your physician confirms the recommended plan and any packages after assessing your condition.
Full charges
Locations
Available across our Singapore clinics
Private treatment rooms islandwide, near MRT, with bilingual teams and consistent hygiene standards.
- 15 clinics islandwide Orchard, CBD, and neighbourhood locations including ION Orchard, Paragon, Woodleigh, and more.
- Modern clinical setting Calm rooms built for comfort and confidentiality from consultation through needle retention.
FAQs
Acupuncture questions, answered
Prep, comfort, timing, aftercare, and how we work with your wider care.
How should I prepare for my acupuncture session?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be rolled above the elbows and knees. Have a light meal or snack 1–2 hours before your appointment. Avoid arriving on an empty stomach, and refrain from alcohol or heavy, greasy meals beforehand.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are much finer than injection needles. Many people feel little more than a brief pinch, tingling, or pressure. Sessions are designed to be relaxing, and some patients doze during treatment. Brief soreness around treated points can occur afterwards and usually settles. PULSE uses Japan-made Seirin needles chosen for Light Touch Insertion™ and sterile single-use packs.
How long does a typical acupuncture session last?
A first visit is typically 45–60 minutes including a full health assessment. Follow-up sessions are usually 30–45 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on whether your concern is acute or chronic. Some people notice change after one or two sessions; longer-standing patterns usually need a short course. Your physician will propose a personalised plan at the first consultation.
Can I receive acupuncture if I am pregnant or menstruating?
Yes, with adapted point selection. Acupuncture can also be used for related symptoms such as PMS cramps or morning sickness when appropriate. Tell your physician if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or menstruating so they can choose the safest approach for you.
Can I combine acupuncture with Western medicine or physiotherapy?
Yes. Acupuncture can complement Western care, physiotherapy, and Allied Health. Singapore’s public hospitals have likewise been expanding acupuncture alongside conventional treatment for selected pain, stroke rehab support, and cancer-related symptoms. Share current medications and treatments with your physician. At PULSE, care can be coordinated with Heartland Rehab and PULSE Allied Health when helpful.
What should I do after treatment?
Take it easy for the rest of the day and drink warm water. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, swimming, cold showers, and alcohol for 12–24 hours when possible.
How much does acupuncture cost at PULSE TCM?
Acupuncture sessions start from $70. Your physician will confirm the recommended plan and any package options during consultation.
What conditions can TCM acupuncture treat?
Common areas include pain and rehab (back pain, sciatica, arthritis, frozen shoulder, migraine), internal and reproductive health (sleep, cycles, fertility support, IBS and digestion), and ENT, skin, and lifestyle concerns (sinuses, allergies, asthma support, eczema, facial acupuncture). Care is pattern-based in TCM and confirmed after consultation. Supportive care only for cancer journeys and addictions; not a substitute for specialist Western programmes.
References
Sources & page citations
- Vickers AJ, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2012;172(19):1444–1453. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know. 2019. nccih.nih.gov
- Lee JW, Lee JH, Kim SY. Use of acupuncture for the treatment of sports-related injuries in athletes: a systematic review of case reports. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020;17(21):8226. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33172218
- Zhang H, et al. Effects of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and massage on sports injuries: a narrative review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2022;2022:9467002. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35668787
- World Health Organization. Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. who.int
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board. Registration & practice standards for TCM physicians. Ministry of Health, Singapore. healthprofessionals.gov.sg/tcmpb
- Lim V. From painkillers to acupuncture: Singapore's public hospitals expand TCM use in acute care. Channel NewsAsia. 28 Aug 2026. channelnewsasia.com
Clinically reviewed
Reviewed by Dr Sim Beng Joo
Advisor (Science & Strategy) / Consultant Physician · TCMPB T1303003A
MOH-licensed TCM physician and biomedical scientist, with clinical work in digestion, pain, and sleep or fatigue.
View full profileEducational information based on clinical experience and TCM principles. Not a substitute for personalised consultation. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting new treatments. Acupuncture complements (and does not replace) urgent or specialist Western medical care.
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