Initial consultation
On your first visit, I will spend time enquiring about your specific symptoms and your general health. This covers things like digestion, sleep patterns, mood, preferences for heat/cold. I will also need to know your medical history and what treatment you have already tried and any treatment or medication you are currently having. This is necessary for me to assess how your body is working overall and it enables me to choose the best treatment for you. I will explain to you what my diagnosis is and what treatment will entail and you will be able to ask questions before any treatment is carried out. Most people lie down for treatment, but if this is uncomfortable it is possible to sit upright. It may be necessary for you to remove outer clothing but sometimes only shoes and socks need be removed. The first visit usually lasts between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes. The cost is £41.

What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are very fine (usually one quarter of a millimetre in diameter). They are inserted very quickly and so any sharp feelings are avoided or reduced. Once needles are in place, you may experience a dull aching sensation or heaviness near the needles. People find these sensations bearable or even pleasant. Usually needles are left in place for 20 minutes. I only use pre-sterilized, single-use disposable needles. These are safely disposed of immediately after use. This ensures there is no risk of cross-infection.

How does acupuncture work?
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health depends on the body's motivating energy moving in a smooth and balanced way through channels beneath the skin. This energy is known as Qi. The flow of qi can be disturbed by any number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, anger or grief, as well as poor nutrition, hereditary factors, infections and trauma. When the qi is unbalanced or does not flow smoothly, illness may result. During acupuncture treatment, ultra-fine needles are inserted into chosen points along the qi channels to stimulate the body's own healing response and restore its natural balance. Treatment is aimed at the root of the problem as well as current symptoms. This approach can lead to a more permanent resolution of health problems.

How many treatments will I need?
I will discuss with you at the first visit whether I think acupuncture can help you and how many treatments might be needed. Usually it is necessary to have at least 3 sessions to fully explore what might be possible. For most people, somewhere between 4 and 10 sessions brings significant improvement. In severe or long-standing conditions it is helpful to have treatment every 4 to six weeks to maintain relief. These follow up sessions last 45 minutes or one hour. The cost is £29 or £35.
How is acupuncture regulated?
The British Acupuncture Council is a registering body for professional acupuncturists. Its aim is to ensure the health and safety of the public, which it does by setting and maintaining high standards of education, ethics, discipline and practice. Its members carry the letters MBAcC.