About treatment

I offer a calm, non-judgmental and safe space for my patients. Everyone is welcome.

The moment you come to me for treatment, I want you to know that we are embarking on this journey together, as a team. I therefore encourage you to embrace this as a two-way process, and accept this journey as an invitation to be open to change, an invitation to come into a healing state. And know that I am there for you 100%, every step of the way.

A warm image of light and sunshine that demonstrates how you will feel receiving acupuncture treatment

About your appointment

Before your appointment

You will receive an email confirming your appointment with relevant details, including an intake and consent form to complete at least 24 hours beforehand.
Please note that there is a 24-hour cancellation policy, so let me know timeously if you can't make it so that your slot may be filled. Any last-minute cancellations will unfortunately need to be charged the full amount unless it is an unavoidable emergency.

What to wear/bring

Loose fitting, comfy clothes.
Depending on the treatment, you may be expected to remove your clothing to your underwear. Some people like to bring along a pair of shorts for this reason. You will however be given a blanket to cover yourself.
Where possible, please wear a bra that unhooks rather than a sports bra, so that I may fully access your back when needed.
Keep make-up and perfume to a minimum.
Bring along your water bottle as it is good to stay hydrated.

Your appointment

Your first appointment will take around 1.5 hours and includes a personal and physical assessment, including an overview of your medical history, family history, medication, lifestyle, sleep etc in order to gain a full picture of what may be behind your symptoms. I will then run some diagnostic tests, including taking your pulse, temperature, looking at your tongue etc. This will be followed by your first treatment.
Subsequent treatments are around 45 minutes to an hour (but please give yourself extra time on the parking in case we run over, especially in the multibed clinic).
Appointments are carefully scheduled, so please arrive on time. Let me know if you are running late.
Relax and enjoy your treatment – take this time for yourself

Dos and Don'ts after treatment
to help your treatment last longer

Do drink water (especially after guasha or cupping treatment) to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins
Do take it easy - your body recovers better in a rest state, so give yourself permission to rest
Do avoid stress if you can – you don’t want to undo all that lovely acu zen
Do take some time in nature to ground yourself
Do dress warmly or have a soothing warm bath, and add Epsom Salts if you can – heat and warmth encourages the flow of Qi
Do try stay off screens and devices as long as you can – why not extend your state of post treatment calm?
Do be kind and gentle with yourself
Don’t partake in any heavy exercise – keep it gentle otherwise you disperse and redirect the Qi that we have carefully guided towards your healing
Don’t drink alcohol or eat any heavy meals
Don’t use ice packs or consume cold foods or drinks – ice and cold are counter-productive as they slow down and restrict the flow of Qi

What to expect after treatment

You should feel peaceful after treatment, but you may feel slightly tired - try give yourself time to rest.
You might need to urinate more than normal – this is part of the body’s way of elimination as it returns to a state of equilibrium.
While acupuncture is a safe treatment modality, some rare and minor side effects may be experienced in a small number of patients. This may include drowsiness; nausea; dizziness; bruising; a skin rash; a dull ache or minor local swelling; or tenderness or discomfort at the site of treatment.
Your symptoms may also temporarily get worse after treatment, particularly after your first treatment. This is considered normal and is often a “detox effect” and is a way for the body to release as it comes back into a healing state, however, please contact me if you have any concerns.

A woman enjoying life with her arms outstretched after receiving acupuncture treatment