TraDitional Chinese Medicine – Acupuncture clinic in Walkley, Sheffield
Expert Acupuncture in Sheffield for Pain, Women’s Health & Stress
With over 15 years’ experience and a calm, compassionate approach, Di Shimell offers acupuncture that eases pain, supports women’s health and helps you feel balanced in both body and mind.
About Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCM) has been supporting people’s health and wellbeing for thousands of years. It has grown into a gentle, thoughtful system of medicine that aims to help the body return to a more balanced and harmonious state.
Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body. These points are chosen according to your individual needs and are used to ease discomfort, support circulation and encourage the body’s natural healing responses. Many people are surprised by how subtle and relaxing treatment feels — it’s not unusual to drift off during a session.
What makes acupuncture unique is its holistic approach. Rather than focusing on one symptom, it considers the wider picture of your physical, emotional and lifestyle factors. When balance begins to return, people often notice improvements not only in their symptoms but also in sleep, mood, energy and overall sense of wellbeing.
While acupuncture has deep roots in traditional practice, modern research continues to explore its potential benefits for pain, stress-related conditions, hormonal health and more. The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) provides further information on how acupuncture works and its safety.
If you’re unsure whether acupuncture is right for you, Di is always happy to answer questions and talk through what to expect.
Our Specialties
Key Treatment Areas
Musculoskeletal & Pain Relief
Support for back, neck, shoulder and joint pain through gentle techniques that ease tension and encourage natural healing.
Stress & Anxiety
Calming acupuncture that helps regulate the nervous system, reduce overwhelm and promote a deeper sense of rest.
Women’s Health & Fertility
Support reproductive health and enhance fertility with specialized acupuncture care.
Hormonal Balance
Gentle support for fatigue, mood changes, menstrual irregularities and the wider hormonal system.
About Acupuncturist Di Shimell
Di discovered acupuncture in an unexpected way — through her Springer Spaniel, Jess. When Jess developed arthritis at a young age, the vet recommended acupuncture. Di was sceptical at first, but after just a few treatments, Jess was like a new dog — full of energy and life again.
That experience made a lasting impression. A few years later, while exploring a new career path, Di decided to study acupuncture herself. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Acupuncture at the Northern College of Acupuncture in 2008 and has been practising ever since.
Di is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC) and also holds qualifications as a clinical supervisor, supporting other practitioners in their professional development.
Since founding Acupuncture Health, Di has provided acupuncture treatments at clinics across Sheffield, helping clients improve their wellbeing, manage pain, and find balance in their busy lives.
Membership of the British Acupuncture Council requires training to degree level in acupuncture, anatomy, and physiology — so you can be confident you’re in safe and skilled hands. Some health plans, including Westfield and others, will reimburse part of the cost of treatment.
If you’d like to find out how acupuncture could help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — Di will be happy to answer your questions and discuss your needs.
Conveniently Located in Walkley
Located at The Lodge House in Walkley, Sheffield — supporting clients from Hillsborough, Crookes, Broomhill and the wider Sheffield area.
How Biomedicine Understands Acupuncture
While acupuncture has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, modern research has provided clear insights into how it works from a biomedical perspective.
When fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body, they stimulate the nervous system, sending signals to the brain and spinal cord. This process encourages the release of natural chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine — substances that help reduce pain, improve mood, and promote relaxation.
Acupuncture has also been shown to:
- Increase local blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to tissues and aiding healing
- Relax muscles and reduce inflammation
- Regulate the stress response, helping balance hormones and calm the nervous system
- Support the immune system, enhancing the body’s natural resilience
In this way, acupuncture gently works with your body — not against it — to restore balance, relieve pain, and encourage natural healing processes.
Many hospitals and healthcare providers around the world now integrate acupuncture as part of a holistic approach to treating pain, stress-related conditions, and a variety of chronic health issues.
What The Research Says
🌿 At Acupuncture Health, we combine the wisdom of traditional acupuncture with an understanding of modern science — helping you feel better, naturally and safely.
Key Papers & Reviews
- “Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for pain relief: a systematic review and meta-analysis” — shows a significant positive effect of acupuncture for pain relief, and reports on safety. PubMed
- “Integrative research on the mechanisms of acupuncture mechanics and interdisciplinary innovation” — a 2025 review that explores how mechanical stimulation (needle insertion) interacts with tissue structures, mechanotransduction, etc. BioMed Central
- “Acupuncture for neuropathic pain: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials” — focuses on neuropathic pain and reports acupuncture had an effect greater than control in pain intensity. PubMed
- “Revealing the magic of acupuncture based on biological mechanisms: A literature review” — examines the biological mechanisms proposed for acupuncture (e.g., neurochemical changes, circulation, immune modulation). jstage.jst.go.jp
“Descriptions of sham acupuncture in randomised controlled trials: a critical review of the literature” — helps understand the difficulties in research design, placebo/sham controls, and why acupuncture’s mechanism is complex. BioMed Central
Common Questions About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that often raises questions for those new to the practice. Here, we address some of the most frequently asked questions to help you understand what to expect from your acupuncture sessions.
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a gentle, natural therapy that uses very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body. It’s designed to support your body’s own healing processes, relieve pain, and restore balance.
From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, improving circulation and encouraging your body’s natural pain-relieving and healing responses.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable acupuncture feels. The needles are extremely thin and insertion is usually painless.
You might feel a brief tingling or slight ache. It’s common for people to drift off to sleep during their treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. When performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is very safe. I use single-use, sterile needles and follow strict hygiene standards.
I’m fully insured and registered with the British Acupuncture Council, ensuring the highest standards of care and professionalism.
What happens during my first appointment?
Your first visit begins with a relaxed consultation where we’ll discuss your health concerns, lifestyle, and goals. I’ll then create a personalised Chinese Medicine diagnosis and point prescription and explain what to expect before we begin.
You’ll lie comfortably on a treatment table while fine needles are gently inserted. Most people find the experience deeply calming, and many leave feeling lighter, more balanced, and refreshed.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone responds differently, depending on the condition and how long it has been present. Some people notice improvements after just one or two sessions, while others benefit most from a course of treatments.
At your first appointment, we’ll discuss a plan tailored to your needs and adjust it as your body responds.
How much does it cost, and do you take insurance?
Your first consultation and treatment costs £55, and follow-up sessions are £55.
Some private health insurance plans cover acupuncture — I’m happy to provide receipts if you’d like to claim reimbursement from your provider.
What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture can be helpful for a wide range of conditions, both physical and emotional. At Acupuncture Health, people commonly seek treatment for:
- Pain (back, neck, shoulder, knee, etc.)
- Stress, anxiety, and sleep problems
- Headaches and migraines
- Digestive issues
- Women’s health, including menstrual and menopause support
Each treatment plan is unique — we’ll focus on what matters most to you.
What makes Acupuncture Health different?
At Acupuncture Health, you’re treated as a whole person — not just a list of symptoms. Each session is tailored to your individual needs, combining traditional acupuncture techniques with a modern understanding of health and wellbeing.
My goal is to create a calm, supportive environment where you can relax, recharge, and feel genuinely cared for.
Where are you located and how do I book?
Acupuncture Health is located at The Lodge House, Howard Road, Walkley, S6 3RX. There’s free parking nearby and easy access by public transport.
To book an appointment please phone or text: 07866417830 or email di@acupuncturehealth.co.uk, alternately please fill out the contact form.
Can acupuncture help with stress and anxiety?
Can I have acupuncture alongside other treatments?
Yes, acupuncture works well alongside many other forms of healthcare and can complement physiotherapy, talking therapies and medication. If you’re receiving treatment elsewhere, just let me know so I can tailor your acupuncture sessions appropriately.