Your own east asian medicine clinic

Individual clients paying you directly, plus some local employers or sports clubs if you build those links.

Fees per treatment and consultation, herbal prescriptions and sometimes treatment plans or memberships. Rent and running costs are higher, so you need a steady flow of regular clients.

• Recognised training in acupuncture and herbal medicine
• Business planning and budgeting
• Local marketing and building referrals
• Managing a clinic space, stock and admin

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, plus employer's liability if you take on staff
• Check whether the premises need council registration for acupuncture or skin piercing, and whether the lease allows clinic use or needs planning permission
• Sourcing, labelling and supplying Chinese herbal products is regulated, so check with the MHRA and your professional body
• Health claims in your marketing must follow ASA and CAP rules
• Clinical waste, needle disposal and hygiene standards need proper arrangements, so check local requirements
• Fixed rent and costs mean slow months can hurt, so keep some cash in reserve

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on premises, fit-out and equipment. Fixed rent and costs mean slow months can hurt, so keep some cash in reserve.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on opening hours, services offered and how many regular clients you build. Estimates start from around 25 hours a week. Revenue is before rent and other costs.

Check whether the premises need council registration for acupuncture or skin piercing, and whether the lease allows clinic use or needs planning permission. Also check MHRA rules on Chinese herbal products, ASA and CAP advertising rules, and clinical waste and needle disposal.