Frequently Asked Questions

Most people describe acupuncture as a sensation of pressure, tingling, or mild warmth, rather than pain. Needles used are extremely fine, and I'll always check in with you throughout your treatment.

Loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to areas like your lower legs, forearms, and back is ideal. If a specific area needs to be exposed, I'll always explain this beforehand and use appropriate draping.

Your initial consultation includes a full health history, a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis (including pulse and tongue diagnosis), and your first treatment - so you leave with a tailored plan and treatment already underway.

It helps to eat something light beforehand, and to avoid arriving on a completely empty stomach. Otherwise, just come as you are - no special preparation is needed.

Please refer to my full cancellation policy, which you'll be asked to review and agree to when booking. If you have any questions about this beforehand, feel free to get in touch.

This varies from person to person, depending on what you're seeking support with. We'll discuss a realistic plan together at your initial consultation, and review this as we go.

Yes - acupuncture is generally well suited to working alongside other care. Please let me know about any treatments, medications, or diagnoses you have, on your intake form so I can take this into account when planning your care. Acupuncture is a complementary treatment and should not replace any medical care you are receiving.

Yes, absolutely. Every appointment is shaped around you as an individual, and that includes the sensory experience of your treatment. For example, lighting, sound, touch, and pacing can all be adjusted. Please let me know beforehand, either on your intake form or directly, so I can make sure your appointment feels comfortable from the start.

Whilst I don't currently offer fertility-specific treatment or acupuncture during pregnancy, I have a genuine passion for supporting women's health more broadly — including menstrual, hormonal, and pelvic health throughout every life stage. If fertility or pregnancy support is what you're looking for, please reach out and I'll happily point you toward trusted colleagues in the local area.

Absolutely, and you’re far from alone. Many of my patients feel the same way before their first session. We’ll go at your pace, starting with as few needles as possible, and I can also use techniques that involve no needling at all, such as acupressure, moxibustion (gentle heat) and cupping. You’re always in control, and we can build up gradually as you feel more comfortable. Feel free to get in touch before booking if you’d like to talk it through.

Acupuncture has been widely studied and research suggests it can be helpful for some conditions, while for others the evidence is mixed or still developing. It’s also difficult to study using methods designed for testing medications, because it’s a personalised treatment and different styles and practitioners work in different ways. This is one reason findings can vary.

My three-year training was integrative, combining TCM with Western anatomy and pathology, and I keep up to date with current research so that it informs how I practise. If you’d like to look into the research yourself, I’m happy to talk it through with you.

I’m always glad to talk honestly about what the evidence does and doesn’t say for your particular concern, and to help you decide whether acupuncture is worth trying. Just get in touch.

A wide range of insurers cover acupuncture treatments, but each with their own individual requirements. The British Acupuncture Council resource can be a good place to start, and you should check with your own insurer.

Please note that with regard to a series of treatments, the treatment card discounts apply for self-paying appointments only. If you’re claiming through a private health insurer, appointments are charged at my standard fee of £80 for an initial consultation and £75 for a follow up. However, if you later switch to self-pay, your progress carries over, and you can begin to receive the discounts on your treatments.

For example, if you’ve had five insured appointments, your sixth appointment, if self-paying, would receive the £10 discount.