Create a healthier life with acupuncture.
Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, life force or “Qi” (pronounced "chee"), flows through the body in channels called meridians.
We use acupuncture because when Qi does not flow freely through your body, this can cause you to have poor health.
Acupuncture points stimulate the central nervous system, releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being because the flow of Qi is restored.
Patients I’ve worked with have seen incredible results and a huge reduction in symptoms.
Having acupuncture treatments with a well qualified and experienced practitioner could be the light at the end of the tunnel.
Acupuncture can be used to help various health conditions:
Back, neck, shoulders pain
Stress and anxiety
Respiratory issues (cough, asthma )
Tiredness and fatigue
Women’s health (PMS, menstrual issues, hormonal imbalance)
Fertility support (men and women)
Digestie problems
Migraine and headaches
Chinese Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment has been used in China for more than 3000 years. It involves the insertion of very fine sterilised & disposable needles into specific points on the body to “re-balance” the flow of the body’s energy. Any style or method of acupuncture can be used alongside herbal medicine, and its, and its effectiveness for a variety of symptoms is well documented.
Needles used for Chinese acupuncture are generally a bit thicker as compared to needles used for Japanese acupuncture. Patients often have a much more distinct feeling of Qi moving through specific points in their body with Chinese acupuncture because we sometimes rotate and shift the needle, increasing the depth of the needle which gives more recognisable sensations.
The goal of the treatment is to assist the body in reestablishing its innate harmony and flow of Qi.
Japanese Acupuncture
An effective, natural and safe procedure, this practice is less invasive when compared to traditional Chinese methods.
Needles are inserted shallowly or not inserted at all. Japanese acupuncture requires a refined sense of touch and it places a lot of emphasis on the use of palpation (touch) before needling. Pulse reading and abdominal palpation are the main diagnostic tools.
Depending on the health issue, I use various Japanese acupuncture styles: Dr. Manaka style, Kiiko Matsumoto style or (my favourite!) a pain-free acupuncture style called Toyohari.
The goal of this treatment is to help your organs rebalance and for your body to be soothed and relaxed.
Notes of Appreciation
Consultation Costs
In-Person Consultation - Chelsea Pharmacy Medical Clinic (61-63 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DH)
Acupuncture: £150 for one hour (first session and follow-ups).
Price includes any complementary therapies (cupping, moxibustion, gua sha massage, magnets, auricular acupuncture) and/or diagnostics for Chinese herbal medicine, Flower remedies or Tissue salts.
In-Person Consultation - East Putney Practice
Acupuncture
First Consultation: £110 for 90 minutes.
Follow-Up Sessions: £85 for one hour.
Price includes any complementary therapies required for a better result (cupping, moxibustion, gua sha massage, magnets, auricular acupuncture) and/or diagnostics for Chinese herbal medicine, Flower remedies or Tissue salts.
Painful conditions, which require more frequent treatments will be charged £65 per session (3 sessions per week).
Cosmetic Acupuncture: £150 for 90 minutes.
Price includes gentle facial massage, anti-ageing products, cupping or gua sha where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t know what treatment I should book for my condition?
You can always book a free 15-minute chat with me and we can decide on what would be the best option for you.
What should I do before treatment?
Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment, as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse, and you may need to lie on your stomach. You should also avoid alcohol, food or drink that colours your tongue such as coffee or strong tea. It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes so that the acupuncture points, especially those on your lower limbs, are easily accessible.
Are there any unpleasant side effects from acupuncture?
Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side effects. Occasionally there may be minor bruising at the needlepoint or a short-term flare-up of your symptoms. This can result from your body’s energy trying to clear and resettle the system.
Is it a good idea to inform my Doctor or my GP that I am having acupuncture treatments?
If you are currently receiving treatment from your doctor it is sensible to mention that you plan to have acupuncture. I would need to know about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment. The same applies to herbal medicine.
What will happen at my first consultation?
We will go through your complaints in detail. The physical diagnostic analysis would include having a look at your tongue, feeling your pulse and palpating your abdomen. I will assess your state of health and decide on what therapy suits you best.
How many sessions of acupuncture do I need?
It depends on the duration of your complaint. The less chronic the issue is, the faster it can be resolved. For example, I generally recommend a minimum of 8-10 sessions for chronic back pain. Even if the pain subsides after the first or second session, it is still worth having a few more sessions to strengthen the constitution and immunity.
How can acupuncture help me?
Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms, from clearly defined complaints to more general feelings of ill health and low energy. Take a look at the British Acupuncture Council research fact sheets to find out more about how acupuncture can help you.
Is acupuncture painful?
It doesn’t hurt. You can occasionally feel some gentle sensation around the point such as pulling or tingling. For more sensitive people, I offer Japanese Acupuncture (Toyohari) where needles are either shallowly inserted or not inserted at all.
Will acupuncture be good for me if I take medication?
We can perfectly work around and together with medication. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription. DO NOT stop taking your medication without professional guidance.
Can herbal medicine be taken along with allopathic medication?
Yes, it can be. The diagnostic method I use helps to understand what the body requires at this particular time. Herbal medicine can help to soothe the side effects of medications, not interfering with the action of it.
I don’t like having acupuncture. Can herbal medicine on its own help me with my complaints?
Yes, it can. Herbal medicine can help with many complaints. Migraines, menstrual problems, insomnia, anxiety, digestive issues and even painful conditions can be addressed with herbal medicine. Herbal medicine can help with as many health conditions as acupuncture can.
I have private medical insurance. Will my sessions be covered by my insurer?
It depends on your insurer. As the demand for complementary medicine increases more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for acupuncture. Please check your individual policy details.
Ready to transform your health?
Contact me to book a free 15-minute consultation and discuss your needs.