FAQs

Is acupuncture safe?

1

Yes. When carried out by a fully qualified, degree-level trained practitioner, acupuncture is one of the safest healthcare therapies available in the UK.

I adhere to the strict Safe Practice and Code of Professional Conduct set out by the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). I exclusively use sterile, single-use, pre-packaged disposable needles that are safely discarded immediately after your session.

Does acupuncture hurt?

2

Acupuncture needles are nothing like the needles used for injections or blood tests. The needles we use are incredibly fine - about the thickness of a single strand of hair, and are solid rather than hollow.

When a needle is inserted, most people feel either nothing at all or a very mild, momentary prick. Once the needles are in place, you may experience a gentle, dull ache, a slight tingling sensation, or a feeling of warmth and heaviness around the point. In Chinese Medicine, this pleasant sensation is known as De Qi, and it simply signals that your body is responding to the session. Most patients find the overall experience deeply relaxing, and many even fall asleep on the treatment couch.

How many sessions will it take?

3

Healing is a rhythm, not a race. Because everyone responds differently, the number of sessions depends on your individual goals and how long you have been experiencing your current pattern of imbalance. If you have been carrying a particular tension, fatigue, or imbalance for years, it will take more than a single hour to unravel it. We typically start with weekly sessions to build momentum, then space them out as your body learns to hold its own balance. We will map out a realistic timeline during your first visit.

Acupuncture is cumulative, meaning each treatment builds on the momentum of the last. One session invites a shift in how you feel, while repeated treatments help your body build a deeper memory of ease and equilibrium.

We will review your progress together at every step. We work entirely at your pace, and you are in charge of your treatment from start to finish.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

4

Have a light meal roughly two hours before you arrive so your body has the energy it needs for the treatment. Avoid drinking coffee immediately beforehand, as we do not want any obstacles in the way of your becoming calm, grounded and at ease.

Many commonly used acupuncture points are located on the lower arms (below the elbows) and lower legs (below the knees). Wearing loose, comfortable clothing that can easily be rolled up - or bringing a pair of shorts - makes accessing these areas simple. If I need to access points on your back, shoulders, or abdomen, clean towels and blankets are always provided to keep you covered, warm, and comfortable.

How will I feel afterward?

5

Most people leave the clinic feeling lighter, grounded, and deeply rested - similar to the feeling right after a long nap. Occasionally, you might feel a bit tender or tired as your body integrates the session and adjusts to a new sense of balance. We recommend planning a quiet evening and drinking plenty of warm or room-temperature water to help your system process the treatment.

Are there any side effects?

6

Serious side effects from acupuncture are exceptionally rare. Occasionally, a tiny bruise may appear where a needle was placed, or you might feel a brief light-headedness or pleasant drowsiness immediately after your session. Because acupuncture encourages deep relaxation, we generally recommend taking things easy after your appointment and staying hydrated.

Do you offer a concessionary or low-income rate?

7

Yes. I believe that holistic healthcare should be accessible to everyone, and I don't want financial strain to prevent you from getting treatment. I offer a reduced rate of £45 per session (for up to 5 sessions) for individuals who are unemployed, receiving benefits, or navigating financial hardship.

I open one new concessionary place each month on a first-come, first-served basis. If this month's space is already filled, I am very happy to add you to the waiting list for the following month. Please contact me directly to check availability for this month's spot.

No proof of income or employment is required - this rate operates on an honesty policy to ensure those who need help can access it comfortably.

If this rate is outside of your budget, please consider joining the community acupuncture group, priced at £35 per session or £30 per session if booked in blocks of 5 sessions.

Can I claim the cost of my sessions through private health insurance?

8

Many UK private health insurers and healthcare cash plans cover acupuncture when provided by a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). As every policy is slightly different, please check your level of cover directly with your provider before booking.

I am fully registered with Healthcode’s Private Practice Register (PPR) and am an approved, vetted provider for major UK private medical insurers: Aviva, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Alliance Health Group (Corporate).

My registration with the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is also widely accepted by everyday healthcare cash plans such as Simplyhealth, Medicash, Westfield Health, and Benenden.

  • How to claim:

    If you are claiming through a cash plan, or prefer to self-pay and claim back through private health insurance, I will issue a full itemised receipt after each appointment for you to upload to your insurer's portal.

    1. Check your policy first: Because individual policy terms and excess amounts vary, please contact your insurer before your first appointment to confirm that acupuncture is included in your cover and whether you require a GP or specialist referral.

    2. Request your authorisation code: Ask your insurer for a pre-authorisation or claim reference number, and let me know if you need my provider registration details.

    3. Claim your reimbursement: Following each session, you simply pay for your appointment as normal, and I will provide a fully compliant, itemised receipt containing all the clinical and provider codes you need to claim your reimbursement directly from your insurer.

  • How it works:

    • Before your first visit: Please contact your insurer to confirm your policy covers acupuncture, check if a GP referral is required, and obtain a pre-authorisation code along with the number of approved sessions.

    • Direct Billing (PMI): Provided you give me your membership number and pre-authorisation code prior to your appointment, I can usually submit invoices directly to Aviva / AXA Health / Vitality / WPA / Alliance Health. Please note that you remain responsible for paying any policy excess or shortfall not covered by your insurer.