Driftwood Wellness Clinic | Acupuncture in Staining, Blackpool

Meet Paul Thompson

Paul Thompson is a highly skilled acupuncturist who graduated summa cum laude from Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC—Canada’s top school for acupuncture and integrative health studies. He combines the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with modern scientific knowledge to help his patients feel their best, offering treatments that are tailored to each person’s specific needs and goals.

Paul discovered his passion for acupuncture through his desire to help people achieve better health naturally. He works with a wide range of health concerns, including pain relief, digestive health, hormonal balance, sleep issues, and mental-emotional wellness.

In addition to acupuncture, Paul incorporates complementary techniques such as cupping therapy, gua sha, moxibustion, and nutritional counselling into his treatments. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific health challenge or simply want to feel healthier overall, Paul is here to guide you on your journey to wellness.

Known for his warm and compassionate approach, Paul takes the time to understand each patient’s unique situation and creates personalised treatment plans to address the root causes of health challenges—not just the symptoms.

Paul is registered with The Acupuncture Society UK and is committed to providing safe, professional, and high-quality care.

What is Acupuncture?

A focused approach to easing pain and enhancing well-being

Acupuncture is a widely recognised method within Traditional Chinese Medicine that aims to restore balance and regulate energy flow throughout the body. Using ultra-fine, sterile needles, specific points on the body—called acupoints—are gently stimulated to support your overall health and promote natural healing.

Although acupuncture is most commonly used to help manage both acute and chronic pain, it also offers a range of other therapeutic benefits. It may be helpful for:

Neck and back pain
Muscle and joint pain
Headaches and migraines
Anxiety and stress
Insomnia and sleep issues
Hormonal imbalances
Fertility
Digestive health
Mental-emotional wellness

What happens during a typical acupuncture session?

Appointments last around 60 minutes and initial visits begin with a thorough health consultation (up to 20 minutes), where your Acupuncturist will review your medical history and develop a personalised treatment plan. Following this, you’ll receive your first acupuncture treatment.

Follow-up sessions include a brief check-in followed by treatment. Needle insertion may take up to 15 minutes, with the needles remaining in place for 15–30 minutes.

Is acupuncture painful?

Most patients find acupuncture relaxing and experience little to no discomfort. Sensations—if any—are usually described as a mild tingling or dull pressure.

For context, acupuncture needles are extremely fine—about the width of a human hair. They are typically between 25mm and 50mm in length and just 0.25mm in width.