Frequently Asked Questions
ACUPUNCTURE
What Happens During an Acupuncture Treatment?
Consultation - your first session begins with a relaxed conversation about your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. This helps me understand the root of your concerns and create a personalised treatment plan.
Pulse & Tongue Diagnosis - you then get to lie down while I have a quick look at your tongue and feel your pulse. These are Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic techniques which help me build a fuller picture of your overall health.
Gentle Needle Insertion - I then place ultra-fine, sterile needles at specific points on your body. This process is usually painless - you may feel sensations of warmth, heaviness, tingling or a dull ache around the needle.
Time to Relax - you then lie comfortably for 20-40 minutes while the needles do their work. Many people fall into a deep state of relaxation or even drift off to sleep.
Treatment Plan - at the end of your session, we’ll talk through your personalised treatment plan and discuss any supportive exercises, lifestyle guidance, or supplement recommendations that may benefit you.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments varies from person to person and depends on the nature of your condition, how long you’ve had it, and your overall health. Some people feel noticeable improvement after just one or two sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of weekly treatments.
For best results, this is what I usually recommend as an initial treatment plan for the following conditions -
Acute conditions (recent pain, minor injuries, stress flare-ups, etc.): 3 - 6 weekly treatments.
Chronic conditions (chronic pain, CFS, digestive issues, etc.): 6 - 12 weekly treatments.
Women's health concerns (PMS, period pain, PCOS, endometriosis, etc.): 6 - 12 weekly treatments.
What should I wear?
It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows me to access commonly treated areas such as your arms, legs, abdomen, and back. If treatment is required in areas that aren’t easily accessible with clothing on (such as the hips, glutes, or mid-back), I may ask you to remove or adjust certain items of clothing. If this is needed, I will always ensure your comfort and privacy with appropriate draping.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Make sure you've eaten something, avoid alcohol consumption immediately beforehand, and wear comfortable clothing.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine (about the width of a human hair) so most people feel very little upon insertion. As the needle is adjusted, you may notice sensations such as warmth, tingling, heaviness, or a mild dull ache. If anything feels uncomfortable at any point, I can adjust or remove the needle right away.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. When performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is generally considered very safe. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as slight soreness or bruising.
Are the needles sterile?
Absolutely. I use sterile, single-use, FDA-regulated needles that are safely disposed of after each treatment.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture is generally considered safe at all stages of pregnancy. It can be very helpful for easing discomfort associated with pregnancy and for supporting preparation for labour. If your pregnancy is high-risk, it’s best to check with your health-care provider before booking. If you are pregnant, please let me know during your consultation so I can tailor the treatment appropriately.
SHIATSU
What happens during a shiatsu treatment?
Consultation - your first session begins with a relaxed conversation about your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. This helps me understand the root of your concerns and create a personalised treatment plan.
Pulse & Tongue Diagnosis - after your consultation, I take a quick look at your tongue and feel your pulse. These are Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic techniques which help me build a fuller picture of your overall health.
Treament - then you get to lie down on a comfortable treatment table and enjoy the deeply relaxing experience that is shiatsu. Depending on your individual health concerns, your session may include a combination of acupressure, mobilisation, stretching, deep tissue techniques, and abdominal massage. I’ll tailor the treatment to your specific needs and focus on the areas that require the most attention.
Other Techniques - if you've chosen to have shiatsu and acupuncture in combination, I will finish the treatment by placing a few needles and leaving them to work for 15 minutes or so. Depending on your requirements, I may also apply moxibustion or gua sha at this stage.
Treatment Plan - at the end of your session, we’ll talk through your personalised treatment plan and discuss any supportive exercises, lifestyle guidance, or supplement recommendations that may benefit you.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies from person to person and depends on the nature of your condition, how long you’ve had it, and your overall health. Some people feel noticeable improvement after just one or two sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of weekly treatments.
For best results, this is what I usually recommend as an initial treatment plan for the following conditions -
Acute conditions (recent pain, minor injuries, stress flare-ups, etc.): 3 - 6 weekly treatments.
Chronic conditions (chronic pain, CFS, digestive issues, etc.): 6 - 12 weekly treatments.
Women's health concerns (PMS, period pain, PCOS, endometriosis, etc.): 6 - 12 weekly treatments.
What should I wear?
Shiatsu is performed fully clothed, so it’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing (including socks) that allows for freedom of movement.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Avoid heavy meals right beforehand, stay hydrated before and after, and wear comfortable clothing.
Does shiatsu hurt?
Shiatsu is generally gentle and relaxing. You may feel firm pressure or stretching, and there may be certain acupressure points that may feel slightly sore or achey, but it shouldn't be painful. I will always check in with you and adjust the pressure to your level of comfort.
Is shiatsu safe during pregnancy?
Yes, shiatsu is generally considered safe at all stages of pregnancy. It can be very helpful for easing discomfort associated with pregnancy and for supporting preparation for labour. If your pregnancy is high-risk, it’s best to check with your doctor before booking. If you are pregnant, please let me know during your consultation so I can tailor the treatment appropriately.
How is shiatsu different from other types of massage?
Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure with thumbs, palms, and sometimes elbows or knees, rather than gliding strokes. It also includes stretching, mobilisation, and gentle manipulation. Sessions are conducted fully clothed and typically without the use of oils.
Can I have shiatsu if I have a medical condition?
In most cases, yes—but please mention any health conditions during your consultation so the treatment can be adapted. If you have a complex or serious condition, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider first.
COMMUNITY CLINIC
What is a multi-bed acupuncture clinic?
A multi-bed clinic is a shared treatment space where several people receive acupuncture at the same time. Each client has their own treatment couch and personal space, while the practitioners move between patients.
Why choose a multi-bed clinic?
This setup allows us to offer treatments at a lower cost while still maintaining high-quality professional care. Many people also enjoy the calm, community atmosphere.
Is there enough privacy?
Yes. Although the space is shared, there are screens between treatment couches to provide visual privacy and consultations are conducted quietly to protect your personal information.
What if I need treatment in a private area (e.g. hips or glutes)?
If your treatment involves an area that needs extra privacy - like hips or glutes - we will put up extra screens around your treatment space and use appropriate draping to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible.
How long is a session?
Appointments typically last around 45–60 minutes. Needle-retention time varies depending on the treatment.
Is the treatment the same quality as I would get in a private room?
Yes, you receive a full acupuncture treatment tailored to you. The main difference is the shared setting, which helps keep costs down.
Who is the clinic suitable for?
Multibed clinics suit most people, especially those looking for affordable ongoing treatment. If you require more in-depth discussion, complex case management, or prefer full privacy, a one-to-one appointment may be more appropriate.
Is it safe?
Yes. Treatments are carried out by a trained and qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Hygiene standards are the same as in any acupuncture setting.
Can I attend if I'm pregnant?
Yes, acupuncture is generally considered safe at all stages of pregnancy. It can be very helpful for easing discomfort associated with pregnancy and for supporting preparation for labour. If your pregnancy is high-risk, it’s best to check with your health-care provider before booking. If you are pregnant, please let us know during your consultation so we can tailor the treatment appropriately.
How do bookings and payment work?
We operate a sliding-scale payment model, allowing you to choose what you pay based on your income. Full details are available on our bookings page. All sessions must be booked and paid for in advance.