Acupuncture works to help maintain your body’s physical and emotional equilibrium. It involves the insertion of very fine, single-use needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to regulate the flow of qi and strengthen qi, our body’s vital energy. Strong and vital energy is dependent on how well we fight off infection, take sufficient strength from our food and whether we have enough energy to participate in a happy and well-rounded lifestyle.

The effect of Five Element Acupuncture is to do with more than just relieve physical symptoms. As treatments tend to balance the whole system, many people find it also leads to increased vitality, a great resilience to fight off infections, improved sleep and digestion, as well as an overall sense of wellbeing. The most comprehensive research and information about the efficacy of acupuncture is to be found on the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) website. If you wish to discuss a specific condition or find out more about whether acupuncture is suitable for you, please get in touch.

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments on offer in the UK. All BAcC members have completed a first-degree level training or equivalent in traditional acupuncture, including substantial elements of Western anatomy, physiology and pathology.

All treatments are carried out in accordance with exemplary professional standards developed by the BAcC and detailed in the BAcC Codes of Safe Practice and Professional Conduct. Treatment rooms and equipment conform to standards laid down in the BAcC Code of Safe Practice and have also been approved by local authority environmental health officers. Registered BAcC members have full medical malpractice and public/product liability insurance cover. Practitioners record all relevant details of a patient’s health condition and medical history before treatment commences.

Although acupuncture does not hurt, there is some sensation associated with it. The needles are so fine that there is usually little or no discomfort upon insertion. Once the acupuncture point is arrived at, most people experience what they describe as a tingling sensation or a dull ache. This often leaves people feeling very relaxed and at ease for the duration of treatment.

Loose comfortable clothing and comfortable undergarments. This will help you to be relaxed during the treatment and allows easier access to many of the acupuncture points.

A diagnosis is based upon a full case history and so your first consultation and treatment will last up to 90 minutes.

You will be asked about your current symptoms, treatment you have already received, details of your medical history, diet, digestion, sleeping patterns, emotional state and what you would like to achieve from treatment.

Subsequent treatments are up to an hour and build on your initial treatment offering you continued support as your health and energy begin to shift. Each follow-up includes a brief check-in with how you’ve been feeling, any changes and a treatment designed to address current symptoms and deeper imbalances.

During treatment needles are inserted either for a second or two or left in place for up to 20 minutes depending on the desired effect.

Any side effects that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. Occasionally a small bruising or mild pain may appear at the area of insertion. It is common to feel tired afterwards and this should be considered when driving or using heavy machinery post-treatment.

It is best to stay hydrated with water and refrain from vigorous activity and alcohol for several hours post-treatment.

After having acupuncture for the first time, it is quite common to feel light-headed directly after treatment. This is a perfectly normal treatment reaction and transitory and will resolve by itself after a brief time.

The initial consultation with treatment is 90 minutes: 295 GBP. Follow-up appointments are up to 60 minutes: 195 GBP.

Response to treatment can differ considerably from person to person, as treatment is aimed at the root of the condition and not just addressing the main symptoms.

Most individuals experience significant changes after just a few treatments, with many experiencing these changes almost immediately, especially from acute conditions.

Long-term or more complex conditions may require more treatment over a longer period and the response to treatment is usually cumulative.

As a guideline, four to six weekly or fortnightly treatments are advised and progress is regularly reviewed. As the feeling of wellbeing is enhanced and symptoms improve, expect the gaps between treatments to extend until they reach an ideal end goal of five times per year for seasonal tune-ups and maintenance.

Yes, acupuncture is non-invasive and often complements any western medicine treatment you are receiving.

Each insurance company and policy is different. The BAcC lists all private health insurers that offer some form of insurance cover for acupuncture treatment. Please contact your own provider for further information.

Wimpole Street: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. Nearest Tube: Bond Street.

Harrods Wellness Clinic 4th Floor: Tuesday. Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge.

Six Senses London: Friday. Nearest Tube: Queensway/Bayswater.

Contact me directly for availability or make your reservation by emailing the Harrods Wellness Clinic and/or the spa at Six Senses London. You may be required to pay a deposit or the full fee to secure your booking.

A strict cancellation policy applies under all circumstances. Please provide 48 hours’ notice when cancelling or rescheduling your appointment for all locations – Wimpole Street, Harrods Wellness Clinic and Six Senses London. The full appointment fee will be charged for appointments cancelled less than 48 hours in advance and for no-shows.