Frequently asked Questions

The ethos of Acupuncture is centred on the prevention of disease — maintaining balance in the body and restoring it when disharmony occurs. At its heart is the principle that we treat the patient, not the condition.

Acupuncture is an evidence-based healthcare system, practised worldwide. It offers a holistic and individualised approach, supporting your whole body as well as the symptoms you may be experiencing. Single use, fine needles are placed at specific points which send signals to the brain to restore balance, remove blockages and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.

Research shows that acupuncture can:

• Stimulate the nervous system, releasing natural pain-relieving chemicals (endorphins).

• Improve blood flow and circulation, supporting healing the body and reducing inflammation.

• Influence hormone regulation, the reproductive system and digestion, which can affect fertility, mood, and sleep.

• Calm the stress response, helping both body and mind to relax.

Acupuncture treats the patient, not just the condition. This means the number of treatments you need will depend on your individual response, case history, and the complexity of your health concerns. There is no ‘one size fits all,’ but committing to regular weekly sessions is key to achieving the best results.

Because the effects of acupuncture are cumulative, the more consistently you come, the greater the benefit. Some people also find that extra sessions at the start help to build momentum and can cut down on the time taken.

For those seeking support with IVF, fertility, gynaecology, women’s or hormonal health, weekly treatments timed at key points in your cycle for a minimum of three months will generally be required — although this can vary from person to person depending on the individual case complexities. Please refer to my fertility acupuncture section for further information.

If you’re experiencing back, neck, or shoulder pain, combining massage with acupuncture can often be especially helpful. Massage works directly on the soft tissue release in the muscles to ease tension and improve movement. Combining it with acupuncture can target deeper patterns, reducing stress and inflammation in the body, and support longer-term healing. I find that much better and longer lasting results can be achieved when combining the two. Together, they complement each other — so it’s worth considering this combination if you’re suffering with stress or the pain keeps returning, feels chronic, or isn’t fully easing with massage alone.

Preparation is key: it takes around three months for eggs and sperm to develop, so working with an acupuncturist for at least three cycles before IVF makes such a difference. Addressing nutrition, lifestyle and having acupuncture will optimise hormonal health and improve the quality of both eggs and sperm. Looking at underlying health conditions that may be contributing to unexplained infertility is also key, so that you’re in the best hormonal health possible for treatment — and less likely to need repeated cycles.

Alongside preparation, acupuncture can ease the side effects of fertility medication and reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany IVF. For men, it may support sperm health, including count, motility, and quality. For women, it can help create optimal conditions for implantation and pregnancy.

If your next cycle has already started or is imminent, don’t worry — acupuncture can still help. We’ll make the most of the time available, supporting your reproductive health, managing side effects, and helping you stay grounded through the emotional ups and downs of treatment. My role is to support both your body and your emotional wellbeing throughout, so you feel calmer, stronger, and more prepared at every stage of your IVF journey.

Most clients have 7- 9 acupuncture sessions during their IVF cycle (excluding prep), timed to fit treatment stages and coupled scans and blood tests.

Acupuncture shouldn’t be painful, no more than a mosquito bite momentarily as the needles are inserted. That sensation may be followed by a dull, heavy, or tingling sensation which is a normal sign that the body is responding. Many people feel very relaxed as the lights are dimmed and ambient music plays softly in the background. You may become so relaxed that you even fall into an ‘Acu-nap’.

You’ll know it’s working not only through changes in your main symptoms, but also through improvements in sleep, energy, mood, and overall wellbeing. These are often the first signs that your body is coming back into balance.

There’s nothing complicated you need to do before acupuncture, but a little preparation can help you get the most from your treatment. Try to have a light meal or snack beforehand (rather than arriving on an empty stomach), wear loose, comfortable clothing, and stay well hydrated. It’s also best to avoid alcohol or heavy exercise just before and after your session.

As a registered British Acupuncture Council Member consultation and treatments may be covered by your respective healthcare provider. I work with PPP, AXA, WPA and AVIVA, but it is your responsibility to investigate if you are covered by their policy. Receipts can be provided upon request.

New Acupuncture patient consultation & treatment (75 - 90 mins) £130, follow up sessions are (45 mins) £85. Full fee payable at time of booking. Fertility and Women’s health packages are available, please email me for details.

Deep Tissue and Pregnancy Massage (60 mins) - £80, (90 mins) £120

Acupuncture & Massage Combination (60 mins) - £90, (90 mins) £135

Out-of-clinic hours treatments - For timed IVF embryo transfers or emergency appointments, an additional 35% of the treatment fee booked will be requested outside of the clinic’s regular opening hours to cover increased operating costs.

Cancellation policy - Please note that a minimum 48 hours notice is required for cancellation of all appointments. Any cancellations received less than 48hrs or missed appointments, are chargeable at full cost or deducted from a package allowance.