Fees and FAQs

FEES

Our initial Acupuncture session can last up to 1.5 hours during which I will ask you a series of questions regarding your medical history and lifestyle that will help me devise a treatment plan, uniquely relevant to you. Subsequent sessions will be between 45 minutes and one hour

First consultation (up to 90 minutes) - £75

Follow-up appointments (45 - 60 minutes) - £50

Payment is by bank transfer (online in advance please) or card reader (contactless)

Please note that appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice are chargeable in full

Do you do discounts for block booking?

10% discount is available for those wishing to book 6 sessions in advance, after the initial consultation. Please note that, in the treatment of addictions (eg, smoking), 3 acupuncture treatments are necessary in one week, payable in advance.

FAQs - ACUPUNCTURE

How does it work?

Acupuncture works on the life force or energy (known as 'Qi'). Qi flows all over the body in 'channels' or 'meridians'  and, by inserting a very fine needle at acupuncture points, this energy flow is accessed, bringing healing to the whole body. Used regularly, Acupuncture can strengthen your body's immune system and allow your body to help repair and fight disease. Treatment is designed to affect your whole being as well as individual symptoms so you may notice other health problems resolve and an increased feeling of wellbeing.

What conditions can Acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organisation lists a wide variety of diseases or disorders for which Acupuncture has been tested in controlled clinical trials.  To read more, click here

NICE (The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence) recommends Acupuncture on the NHS for migraines and headaches and many BAcC members work within the NHS in specialist clinics and GP surgeries.  SIGN (the respected Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) also recommends Acupuncture for chronic pain.

Although Acupuncture can also help to relieve specific aches and pains, for example knee pain from Osteoarthritis, neck and temporomandibular pain (TMD/TMJ) or conditions such as an over-active bladder, migraine and tension-type headaches, it is also effective when you feel 'out of balance' with no obvious diagnosis. Some pregnant women choose to have Acupuncture throughout their pregnancy; other people come for treatment for anxiety and depression.  In fact, many people have regular Acupuncture treatments purely for health maintenance as it can stimulate healing of the body, mind and spirit in a profound and natural way and because they find it so beneficial and relaxing.  

The British Acupuncture Council has research-based fact sheets for over 60 conditions, which you can access here

How big are the needles?

The needles are extremely fine, barely beyond the thickness of human hair and the finest quality pre-sterilised, disposable needles are used.  These sterile needles come in sealed packs that are opened in front of you and are safely disposed of after each treatment.  

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are so fine that most people don’t feel them being inserted.  You may experience a mild momentary tingle or dull ache as the needle connects with your energy.  Many people feel deeply relaxed during treatment - some even fall asleep!

Are there any side effects from acupuncture?

Occasionally a small bruise might appear at a needle site.  Sometimes people can feel dizzy or tired after a treatment but this soon disappears.  Research studies conducted in 2011 and 2012 concluded that the risk of adverse events from acupuncture is extremely low when practised by properly qualified Acupuncturists, such as members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).  

Should I eat before treatment?

I recommend you try not to come for treatment on an empty stomach or straight after a heavy meal.

What should I wear?

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing.  A gown will be provided if required.

How many sessions will I need?

Weekly treatments are normal to begin with, reducing in frequency as your body responds. Occasionally just one or two treatments are sufficient.  Many people have regular Acupuncture treatment for health maintenance.

Can you treat children?

Acupuncture can be used on babies and young children, using very fine needles or, for those who are frightened of needles, by laser point stimulation.  

Do you use any other treatment methods?

Cupping, guasha and moxa are other treatments that may be used alongside needling, if appropriate, and their combined use dates back 3,000 years.  They will only be used with your consent.

Cupping - involves creating a vacuum in a glass which is then placed onto the skin. These cups may be left in place, rapidly removed and replaced or moved around an area after the application of massage oil.  The practice has been in use in Chinese, Jewish and Middle Eastern traditions for over 2,000 years

Guasha - is a technique that involves 'scraping' an area of the body with a plastic tool (traditionally jade) after the application of massage oil.  It is thought to increase micro-circulation and dates back around 3,000 years

Moxa - is prepared from the leaves of the herb Artemesia vulgarise latiflora (similar to the plant, 'mugwort') and is used during a treatment in order to warm a patient and stimulate a patient's 'Qi'.  It can be rolled into small cones that are placed directly on acupuncture points and lit or used in stick form.  It can also be placed directly on the end of a needle

Will my health insurance pay for acupuncture?

Most health insurance policies cover the cost of treatments with BAcC registered Acupuncturists but please check with your insurer directly.  The BAcC maintain a list of the current status of insurers here

TUI NA

Tui Na (pronounced 'Twee-naa') is a potent therapeutic massage system (always performed through clothing) that can be used as a standalone treatment or integrated with acupuncture or Chinese herbs.  It is 'hands-on' Traditional Chinese Medicine and can increase the effectiveness of treatment by: 

- providing a deeply calming and relaxing treatment that yields powerful results

- enabling pressure and stimulation to Acupuncture points for those who are needle-phobic

- providing a powerful 'combo' with Acupuncture to strengthen treatment, speeding up the healing process

REIKI

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning ‘Universal Spiritual Life Force’ and has the same meaning as the Chinese, ‘Qi’.  It is an ancient form of natural healing that was rediscovered in the second half of the 19th century that enables the body to heal itself.  It is not attached to any religion, creed or belief system.

Reiki is non-manipulative and you remain fully clothed whilst lying on a treatment table. The Reiki practitioner will then move their hands over and around your body, freeing up and smoothing your energy flow and directing the energy to where it is felt to be needed.

How can it help me?

Reiki is used to channel healing energy, working on spiritual, emotional, mental and physical levels.  It can be a powerful aid to self-growth, enabling emotional release and an improvement in physical symptoms.

What does it feel like?

We are all different and, therefore, energy affects us all differently.  You may feel extremely relaxed, light-headed, sad, uplifted, tingly or any combination or none of these.  Some people see vibrant colours during treatment.

How long does it last?

A session may last about 45 minutes, sometimes more, depending on how long it takes to rectify any imbalances in your energy.

Can anyone have Reiki?

Reiki is not advised for anyone with epilepsy, diabetes, asthma or with heart/circulatory problems, pacemakers or during pregnancy.