Home-based acupuncture and herbal clinic

Local private clients, often found through recommendations, local searches and referrals from nearby therapists or GPs' surgeries who know you.

A fee per consultation and treatment, plus herbal prescriptions where appropriate. With no room rent, more of each fee stays with you, but you need enough local demand.

• Recognised training in acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine
• Making clients feel at ease
• Good record keeping and appointment management
• Building a local reputation

• Council registration for acupuncture, which may cover both you and your premises, check with your local council
• Planning permission or change of use may be needed if the business affects the home's residential character, check with your council
• Home insurance may not cover business use, so check and arrange professional indemnity and public liability cover
• Rules on supplying herbal medicines and restricted ingredients, check current MHRA guidance
• Clinical waste and sharps disposal, and keeping client data safe under UK GDPR
• Slow early weeks while you build a client base

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how you fit out the room, your insurance and your supplies. These are estimates, so price up your own set-up before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on how many regular clients you see and your fees. Early weeks can be slow while you build a client base, and these figures are estimates.

Check council registration for acupuncture, which may cover you and your premises, and whether planning permission or change of use is needed. Also check that home insurance covers business use, arrange professional indemnity and public liability cover, and follow MHRA guidance on herbal medicines.