Good To Know Before Your Visit

There is very little you need to do. I recommend eating beforehand, arriving well hydrated and wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the arms and lower legs.

Please bring details of any medication or relevant medical treatment, particularly if anything has changed since your consultation.

Your first appointment allows additional time for us to talk through your health in detail, including what has brought you in, your medical history, lifestyle and any medication or treatment you are currently receiving. I may also look at your tongue and feel your pulse as part of a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment. I will then explain my approach and tailor your treatment to how you are presenting that day. You will have time to ask questions before treatment begins.

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and many people feel very little as they are inserted. You may occasionally notice a brief tingling, heaviness, warmth or dull ache around a point. Treatment should not be painful, so if anything feels uncomfortable, please tell me and I can adjust or remove the needle. Many people find the treatment deeply relaxing.

When practised by a properly trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is generally considered a safe treatment. Minor effects can occasionally occur, such as a small bruise, temporary tenderness, tiredness or light-headedness. Please always tell me about your medical history, medication and any changes to your health so that your treatment can be planned appropriately.

There is no fixed number of sessions because everyone responds differently. It depends on what has brought you in, how long it has been present, your overall health and how you respond to treatment. After your initial consultation and first few sessions, we can review your progress together and decide what feels appropriate going forward. Some people come for a particular concern, while others choose to continue with occasional maintenance treatments.

Everyone responds differently. You may feel deeply relaxed, calm or a little tired after your session, while others simply carry on with their day as normal. Occasionally there may be mild tenderness or a small bruise where a needle has been placed. I recommend keeping yourself hydrated and paying attention to how you feel over the following day or two. If anything concerns you after treatment, please get in touch.

Acupuncture can be adapted for different stages of life, including when you are trying to conceive or during pregnancy. Please let me know if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are undergoing fertility treatment or are trying to conceive, as this will inform how I plan your treatment. Acupuncture is complementary care and does not replace the advice or treatment provided by your GP, midwife, fertility clinic or other healthcare professional.

Acupuncture is often used alongside conventional medical care, but it is important that I know about any medication, supplements and medical treatment you are receiving so that I can take these into account when planning your treatment. Please do not stop or alter prescribed medication or medical treatment because you are having acupuncture; any changes should be discussed with the healthcare professional responsible for your care.

You do not need to work this out on your own. If you know which appointment you would like, you can book directly online. If you are unsure, you can book a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call and I can help you decide which appointment is most appropriate. If you cannot find a suitable appointment online, you can also use the Request An Appointment form and I will be in touch to discuss availability.

I kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Cancellations or changes made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged the full appointment fee. Full details are provided when you book your appointment.

As a member of the British Acupuncture Council, my treatments may be eligible under some private health insurance policies that include acupuncture benefits. Cover depends on your insurer and your individual policy, so please check directly with your insurer before treatment to confirm what is included.