Treatments & Costs
What to Expect
How many treatments will I need?
This varies from one person to another. It depends largely on:
- What your symptoms are
- How long you’ve had them
- How you personally respond to acupuncture
Typically, a block of five to six treatments is needed initially (with short-lived conditions you might only need a couple of sessions, while more severe and chronic conditions may need longer). These initial treatments are spaced out weekly for optimal effect.
The greatest wealth is health.
Virgil
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
World Health Organization, 1948
Health and well-being can be achieved only by remaining centred in spirit, guarding against the squandering of energy, promoting the constant flow of qi and blood, maintaining harmonious balance of yin and yang, adapting to the changing seasonal and yearly macrocosmic influences, and nourishing one’s self preventively. This is the way to a long and happy life.
Nei Jing
What happens once I feel an improvement?
Once an improvement has been noted, the time between treatments is increasingly spaced out. Thereafter, patients may return:
- For support with other health issues
- As a monthly ‘tune-up’, much like taking a tonic to counteract life’s stressors or
- Four to five times a year, as part of their health maintenance plan. For example, many people time their treatments around the change of seasons to boost their immunity and ensure continued good health.
How long does each treatment last?
The first session last two hours, during which time a detailed case history is taken. I’ll ask you about your symptoms, medical history, medication, lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, emotional state and of course why you’ve sought acupuncture. This helps me build a clear picture of your individual needs and set of circumstances so your treatments (and lifestyle advice) can be tailored accordingly. This is followed by an initial treatment.
Subsequent treatments last from 45 minutes to an hour.
What happens during a typical treatment?
Initially, we’ll sit and chat about any changes you might have noticed since your last treatment. It’s also a chance to catch up on anything else significant that may have a bearing on your well-being. This may include an event that has taken place or how well any lifestyle advice has been integrated.
You’ll be asked to undress to your underwear, and gowns and towels are available for your modesty. You’ll then lie down on the couch. I’ll take your pulses on both wrists and possibly look at your tongue before deciding on treatment points for that session.
Do the needles hurt?
Some people are nervous about the needles, and their concern may even prevent them seeking acupuncture (I was one of those people, long ago)! Rest assured, the needles used are very, very fine. Only sterilised needles are used and these are disposed of after each treatment. When the needles make contact with the Qi (pronounced chee) most people feel a momentary sensation, like a dull ache or tingling. Some people don’t feel any sensation at all while others say they enjoy it because of how it makes them feel.
It’s quite hard to describe really, but every point feels different. Sometimes a point done on my leg will be felt in a completely different part of my body, like my head – you can almost feel the energy moving. Then there are times when needling a point will bring this feeling of complete release, like a blocked-up river can flow again – heaven!
During the treatment, some points produced a very distinct reaction that I could certainly feel – it’s hard to explain but it was almost like a gentle ‘explosion’ (not at all painful) and then a noticeable draining of tension around that area. Other points reacted less intensely but the overall feeling afterwards was one of calmness, a pleasant tiredness and a vastly improved sense of well-being.
Costs
I offer a free 10-minute consultation, where you’re welcome to talk about your specific needs without any obligation, in a confidential environment.
The initial consultation of one-and-a-half hours (including a full case history and treatment) is £85.
Subsequent treatments (lasting 50-60 mins) are £55.
I am a full member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists. All consultations and discussions are bound by a code of conduct where confidentiality, ethics and safe practice of the highest standards are strictly upheld.
What patients say
I love my acupuncture. It is an hour of time that is totally dedicated to me and not a quick two minutes with the GP. I always feel deeply relaxed and calm after a session, and very much more in tune with myself.
Pip has a calm and gentle manner. She has a great empathy and is easy to talk to. I always get great results from her treatments.
I had never tried acupuncture before and always expected that the needles would hurt a bit. However, there was no pain or discomfort during the treatment and the overwhelming feeling was one of relaxation.
I found Pip’s touch extremely light.