Yes. Acupuncture is generally a very safe technique as long as conducted by a fully trained and qualified practitioner. All members of British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) have completed a thorough training of Traditional Acupuncture and appropriate Western Medical Science, and are required to follow the strict code of safe practice and a high standard of clinic hygiene level.

Acupuncture needles are as fine as hair that the insertion is barely felt. Depending on the acu-points, some manipulation of the needles might be conducted after the insertion, in order to search for a sensation called “deqi”, which is usually described as distension, tightness, dull ache, tingling, warm or cold.

If you are needle shy, alternative methods such as cupping, guasha, moxa, can be used without needles being involved. Please get in touch to discuss more.

Absolutely! Acupuncture is commonly used to relieve the discomfort during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant, please tell me before the treatment as some acu-points are contra-indicated in pregnancy.

Your first session will take about 70 minutes. During the session, your main complaint, general health, medical history will be assessed, and your tongue and pulse will be checked. Physical examinations can be involved as well. All the above is to help me to get down to the root cause of your main complaint and develop the most effective way to help you.

After the assessment, you will be asked to lie down and expose the parts of the body where the selected acu-points are. After the needles are in, simply relax and sink into the treatment - it is a good chance to bring the focus to the present and recentre yourself.

Apart from the needling, other auxiliary techniques such as moxibustion, electro-acupuncture may also be used when applicable. The treatment plan will be communicated with you beforehand.

** Loose fitting clothes **

It is best to wear loose fitting clothes with which your forearms and legs can be easily accessed (e.g. camisoles & shorts). This can reduce the need to undress.

** No empty stomach & no alcohol **

Having a light meal a few hours prior to the appointment is ideal (but no alcohol). Acupuncture is an energy work and you might feel faint if receiving the treatment with an empty stomach.

** Tongue coat **

Tongue coat is an important clue for Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis. Please do not take any food/ drink that can change the colour of your tongue and do not scrape it from at least 3 days ahead of the appointment.

It is advisable to drink plenty of water, refrain from vigorous exercise, and have proper rest after the treatment. Please avoid alcohol intake on the same day of your treatment as it can negate the effect of acupuncture. It is ideal to keep the treated body area covered especially after Guasha treatment. If you can, avoid having showers within 4 hours after the treatment.

You might also find this Information Sheet (hyperlink) useful to note on what's normal following the treatment. If anything is unanswered, please feel free to contact me.

Following the British Acupuncture Council and Government guidelines everything is being done to ensure your safety as much as possible. These include,

All surfaces the patient may have come into contact with are cleaned before and between appointments. All common areas are cleaned frequently with regularity.

Ventilation in between appointments.

Work dedicated clothes and shoes.

Part of the consultation will be conducted remotely (by phone/ video chat/ questionnaires) prior to the appointment to minimise the amount of time spent in close contact.

** Patient’s responsibility **

You will be provided a fresh mask and hand sanitiser upon arrival. You will need to keep the mask on throughout the treatment.

If you or someone you live with develops symptoms of COVID-19 by the time of the appointment, please contact me before attending the clinic.

Sorry, there is no waiting area in the clinic and no visitors are allowed, with the exception of the guardian/ parent of a minor. If you have the need of bringing a chaperone, please get in touch to discuss. Visitors may wait in the car park.