Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a qualified practitioner who follows the strict hygiene and safety standards set by the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). I am a member of the BAcC, which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), providing independent assurance of professional standards.

The needles used are extremely fine, so insertion is usually very gentle. You may feel a brief sensation as the needle is inserted or adjusted, such as a slight tingling, warmth, heaviness or gentle pressure. Acupuncture should not feel painful, and I’ll always check in with you to make sure you’re comfortable throughout your treatment.

A full medical history will be taken, alongside pulse and tongue examination. Together, these help build a personalised treatment plan based on your individual presentation and needs.

Wearing loose, comfortable clothing is recommended, as this allows easy access to the areas being treated. This may include rolling up sleeves or trouser legs to access the acupuncture points.

Have a light meal a couple of hours before and stay well hydrated.

In my private practice the initial consultation will last up to 90 minutes.  Follow up appointments will last up to 1 hour.

Initial consultation & treatment: up to 90 minutes, £85Follow up appointments: up to 1 hour, £75 For Integrated Body Dynamics pricing please see here.

The needles will be in for around 20 minutes. Time for you to relax.

Treatment frequency will vary depending on your individual needs, the nature of your condition and how you respond. After your initial consultation, I’ll recommend a treatment plan tailored to you, including how often you may benefit from treatment, and recommend how many sessions you may require.

Some people leave an appointment feeling blissed out, others leave feeling energised.

Take it easy, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.

Absolutely. Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and can be a supportive treatment throughout. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, please let me know, as some acupuncture points and techniques are not recommended during pregnancy and your treatment will be adapted accordingly.

Generally, yes. Acupuncture can often be used alongside conventional medical treatment. During your first consultation, we’ll talk through any medications, treatments or health conditions that may be relevant to your care.I’m trained to identify contraindications and will take these into account when planning your treatment. However, if you have any concerns about combining acupuncture with another treatment, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor or healthcare professional first.

Many insurance policies cover acupuncture. Check with your provider before treatment.

Not at all. Although acupuncture is often used to support specific health concerns, many people also choose it as part of a preventative approach to their health and wellbeing. Regular treatment can be a way of supporting balance, resilience and overall wellbeing, even when there is no specific problem to address.

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a range of gentle approaches to supporting children’s wellbeing. However, my practice currently focuses on adult care, including women’s health, fertility, pain, stress, sleep and general wellbeing. If you’re looking for support for a child, I recommend visiting the Paediatric Acupuncture Directory to find a practitioner who specialises in treating children.