Surprisingly in the UK, acupuncture isn’t currently regulated however at Acupuncture by Natalie’s clinic all our acupuncturists are BSc degree level qualified and they are members of British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) . BAcC sets very high standards of professional practice and their members are required to meet and maintain these standards.

Symptoms: Fatigue, lethargy, brain fog, dizziness, vertigo, light-headedness, numbness and tingling, loose stools, constipation, acid reflux, migraines and headaches, aches and pains, pain in the lower and upper back, neck, insomnia, anxiety, depression, irregular periods, heavy and painful periods, cold symptoms, sports injuries, skin rash, wound/surgery healing, healing from broken bones, cravings, difficulty to lose weight etc

Conditions:

• Autoimmune disease (IBS, chronic fatigue, lupus, fibromyalgia etc)
• Chronic pain
• Mental health (anxiety, depression, PTSD, bi-polar)
• Woman’s health (PMS, menopause and perimenopause, heavy periods etc)
• Insomnia
• Addiction
• Covid long term side effects
• Parkinson’s disease
• Plantar fasciitis

and much more. click here for an A to Z list of conditions for which we have research evidence at present.

Evidence A-Z

Click here for a short summary of evidence based acupuncture https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scientific-evidence/

Scientific papers concluded that acupuncture is a safe procedure as long as treatment is delivered by a properly trained professional. We highly recommend that you ensure your acupuncturist is a member of a recognised professional organisation such as BAcC.

Occasionally patients may have a small bruise where needle was inserted, they may feel tired or dizzy immediately after treatment.

The most known ailments that people seek acupuncture treatments for are pain conditions such as migraines, headaches, pain in different areas of the body, osteoarthritis etc.

There is research evidence that confirms that acupuncture is effective in relieving these symptoms. For some ailments relieve is short term for others benefits have been shown to last long term.

In the recent years research evidence regarding pain management through acupuncture treatments became much stronger proving that it isn’t just a placebo.

For other health challenges there isn’t enough research evidence, however because acupuncture does not address only your symptoms and your acupuncturist is working with you to target the root cause of your health challenges, you may notice other benefits as well.

Many patients continue having regular acupuncture treatments for general wellbeing, maintenance of health and prevention of illness long after their symptoms have been resolved.

Electro-acupuncture involves attaching small electrodes to the acupuncture needles and applying a pulsating electrical current to stimulate the point and enhance the therapeutic effect of the treatment. The patient will feel a gentle vibration which is often very soothing. The patient has full control of the intensity of the electrical current during the treatment.

Even though electroacupuncture can be used into practically every acupuncture treatment, it works particularly well to treat neurological conditions like paralysis, persistent pain, spasms, and illnesses of the nervous system. To treat sports injuries, it is also frequently utilised in sports medicine.

Moxibustion is a traditional therapy that is commonly used in Chinese medicine to promote healing and alleviate pain. This therapy is based on the belief that blockages in the flow of energy, or “qi,” within the body can lead to mental and physical health problems. In moxibustion therapy, dried mugwort called “moxa” is placed either directly on the skin or above it near the acupuncture points or meridians on the body. This is burnt so that the heat can permeate the skin and stimulate the flow of qi and blood in the affected area.

Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, another traditional Chinese therapy. The two therapies are thought to complement each other, with acupuncture addressing blockages in the flow of qi along meridians, and moxibustion using heat to stimulate the flow of qi in the body.

There are different types of moxibustion, including indirect and direct methods. In indirect moxibustion, the moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture needle, and in direct moxibustion, the moxa is placed directly on the skin. Moxibustion has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, and gynaecological issues, among others.

Gua sha is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine. Gua sha means to “press-stroke” and is commonly called ‘coining’ or ‘spooning.’ It involves the scraping of lubricated skin with a specialised tool to increase microcirculation to the tissues and to create a therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect.

Modern research shows Gua sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single Gua sha treatment. This accounts for its effect on pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, wheeze, nausea and vomiting etc.

It is commonly used in combination with other traditional Chinese therapies, such as cupping and acupuncture.

The red marks often left on the skin by Gua sha usually only last a few days and are painless.

Infrared heat is a form of energy that heats the body more effectively and penetrates more deeply than other types of heat. Infrared light penetrates deep into the body all the way to the inner layers of the skin, muscles, nerves, and bones.

The infrared heat boosts local blood circulation, which brings more healing nutrients and pain-relieving components to the area, reduces inflammation, relaxes muscles and reduces muscle stiffness.

Infrared heat therapy is often used alongside acupuncture to enhance the therapeutic effect of the treatment.

It depends which treatment you are booking in for.

For initial acupuncture treatment allow 60-90 mins

Follow up 45 – 60mins

If Gua Sha, Cupping or Massage incorporated in treatment allow extra 15mins.

We spend 60 to 90 minutes during your initial session getting to know you thoroughly and learning about your main problem, general health, and lifestyle and will include acupuncture treatment. In order to develop a thorough understanding of how your body is operating as a whole, we will ask questions about your current symptoms, your medical history, your sleeping habits, appetite, digestion, and emotional well-being. Women will be asked about menstrual cycle and gynaecological history.

Following the conversation, we might check your tongue and assess your pulse on both wrists. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, taking your pulse is very different from doing so in Western Medicine because it is a crucial diagnostic tool that helps reveal information about your current state of health.

For muscular-skeletal issues, a physical examination may also be required, and it is standard procedure to palpate along acupuncture channels or look at the affected muscles in order to develop a treatment plan.

Once a treatment plan has been made and with consent, a treatment will be carried out in the first consultation.

On the day of your appointment, we recommend having a light snack before, wear loose comfortable clothing and if you are currently taking any medication, please bring a copy of prescription.

We never re-use our needles. Our clinic uses only disposable sterile needles opened during your session.

Typically patients do not experience pain. It is normal to feel a dull ache or a tingling sensation, however, it should not be painful. If the needles are painful or causing any discomfort they can be readjusted or removed. Acupuncture treatment is generally very relaxing and patients report feeling very relaxed after the needles are removed.

The frequency and duration of treatment are based on your condition and length of illness. At your first appointment, you will get an idea of length of treatment required. We will undertake regular reviews, the majority of cases will have some positive changes after 3-4 treatments, although it can be quicker.

Acupuncture points are inserted with extremely fine, sterilised, single-use needles during treatment. Patients report a tingling or a dull ache, when the needles are been inserted.

Needles are usually left in for 20-25 minutes whilst you rest and relax. The acupuncture points used are not always close to the part of the body where you experience the problem. For example, although you might suffer from migraines, needles may be inserted in your foot.

​Needles used are sterile and single use only.

Most credit and debit cards are accepted. We also accept cash and bank transfer. Payments must be received at the time of booking. Please refer to T&C’s for cancelation and refund policy.

Private acupuncture is covered by most health care insurance providers, however it depends on your individual plan. Please check with your provider first. If you are covered I will provide you with a receipt in which you can send the provider to claim back the cost/percentage of your treatment.

All prices related to our therapies are detailed on the Therapies page

If you are unable to keep an appointment, please contact us to give 24 hours notice of cancellation. Full payment is required for missed or cancelled appointments without 24 hours notice.