FAQs

I understand you might have questions about acupuncture, herbal medicine, and how I can help you on your journey to better health. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions I get asked.

My goal is to help you feel informed and confident as you consider my services for your health and wellness needs. If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for here, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly below!

Can Acupuncture help me?

Acupuncture can help with so many conditions and concerns. From headaches to gout in the feet. From erectile dysfunction to a stiff neck. Chronic and acute conditions. Preventative treatments and treatments for degenerative conditions. It is almost endless, so it’s best to speak with your practitioner about how it can help you specifically.
How does it work?

There is a lot of evidence supporting the multitude of different ways acupuncture works. Ask your practitioner about how it will influence your body depending on your conditions/symptoms. Some of the basic ways it has been proven to work are: reducing histamine levels to reduce inflammation[1], boosting nerve growth hormone to manage nervous system conditions[2], resetting your body into a rest and digest state (PSNS) to reduce stress levels, aid digestion and improve sleep[3].
Does it hurt?

In general, acupuncture is a painless procedure and most people end up falling asleep during their treatments. It is common to feel more sensitive some times than others though and some factors include the position of the menstrual cycle, how well you slept last night and your body temperature; these can all have an impact on your response to the needles. Rarely and in worst case, if the needle placement is uncomfortable, it can either be adjusted or removed, depending on the sensation you experience. So, rule of thumb is no, but it is OK if you feel ‘something’.

For reference, if you have ever given blood or had an injection, you can fit FORTY acupuncture needles INSIDE of that hypodermic needle’s opening! Honestly, they’re tiny – so good luck finding one in a haystack!
Is it safe?

When performed by a trained, licensed acupuncturist then yes, it is very safe. Ensure your acupuncturist has completed a university degree in acupuncture specifically for a minimum of 3 years (3,000 hours practical experience) and belongs to a registered body. There is a small risk of bruising but the only other side effects may be increased tiredness or energy levels (depending o your treatment) and reduced blood pressure. It is common to feel slightly light headed when you first stand immediately after treatment, due to the lowered blood pressure, but this is relieved in a few moments and with a sip of water. Laura studied acupuncture at university for four years, is doing an additional three years in Chinese Herbal Medicine, has been practicing since 2017 and has successfully treated hundreds of (if not over a thousand) people.
I’m on medication, can I still have acupuncture?

Absolutely! You may find that the acupuncture relieves the side effects of your medication and can support the effects of the medication. Over the counter drugs may not be needed as often as the effects of the acupuncture take strength, but prescription medication is always to be taken as advised by your GP. If you’re taking blood thinners, you can still have acupuncture treatments but you will be at a much greater risk of bruising, so this is something to be aware of. Herbal Medicine can support or have interactions with your pharmaceutical medicines, so it is very important to make your practitioner aware of your prescription drugs.
What if I’m afraid of needles?

I’ve worked with plenty of people with needle-phobia. I completely understand that (unless you’re an acupuncturist) it’s not an everyday situation to have someone inserting needles into you. I am happy to answer any questions you wish to ask, or to “just get on with it” and insert them as quickly as possible. Breathing techniques can be applied and distraction techniques. But with some patience and trust built, I have every faith that you’ll be able to overcome it and relax into your treatment. There have been one or two I thought were impossible, but their results were so worth their initial fears and made it all worthwhile.
What do I need to do to prepare for a treatment?

Please ensure you fill out your consultation form as accurately and honestly as you can. There are questions that may seem irrelevant but please answer every question (exception: menstrual section if you have never had a menstrual cycle), as these answers will allow your practitioner to understand the way your body works and is interacting with itself and therefore, provide the best treatment plan suited to you.

Stay hydrated and don’t arrive hungry. It’s common to feel slightly lightheaded after your treatment for a few moments, but this can be eased by being hydrated and not feeling hungry.

Dress baggy. It’s not a fashion show so make sure you’re comfortable when you arrive. Acupuncture points are all over your body so you may be asked to expose, your back, foot, leg, elbow etc for the treatment, so baggy clothes are much easier to work with. Your consent and comfort is my priority, so no intimate areas will ever require exposing.
Is acupuncture covered by my insurance?
The following healthcare insurance companies are accepted by the AAC allowing patients to claim their costs for treatments –

April International – https://uk.april-international.com/en

Beneden Health – 0800 414 8071 ( Mon – Fri 8:45am to 5:30 pm), www.benenden.org.uk

BHSF – 0800 622 552 helpdesk@bhsf.co.uk ( Mon – Fri 8:45am to 5:30 pm), www.benenden.org.uk

CS Healthcare – 0800 917 4325 (Mon-Fri 9am to 5 pm), www.cshealthcare.co.uk

Equips ME – 020 3965 6410, https://www.equipsme.com/

The Exeter – 0300 123 3201, www.the-exeter.com

Freedom Health Care – 0800 470 1765, freedomhealthinsurance.co.uk

General & Medical Healthcare – 0800 980 4601, www.generalandmedical.com

Healix Health Services – tel: 0208 763 3287, email at https://healixhealthservices.co.uk/contact-us

Healthsheild – https://www.healthshield.co.uk

HSF – 0800 917 2208, email at enquiries@hsf.eu.com, www.hsf.co.uk

Medicash – 0800 011 2222, https://www.medicash.org/

Orchard Healthcare – https://orchardhealthcare.co.uk/

Simply Health – 0370 908 3481, customer.services@simplyhealth.co.uk, https://www.simplyhealth.co.uk/

Sovereign Health – 01274 841130

UK HealthCare – 01204 522775

Vitality – https://www.vitality.co.uk/

Westfield – 0114 250 2000, https://www.westfieldhealth.com/

WHA Healthcare – https://www.whahealthcare.co.uk/

WPA – https://www.wpa.org.uk

More insurance companies are adding acupuncture to their list of benefits – this list may not be comprehensive.

If you intent to use you Health Insurance to fund your acupuncture treatments, please contact them first to confirm your covered.

Insurance letters are sent upon request.

Payment of your treatment is required prior or during your appointment time.
Where are you based?
What are your opening hours?
How do I book?

Click ‘Book Online’ at the top of the page and it will show available appointment times.

If you need any assistance, please email LauraTheAcupuncturist@gmail.com

Once you have chosen your appointment time, you’ll be sent a confirmation email with a section on ‘what to expect’ explaining to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, ensure you’re hydrated, etc.

You’ll also receive a consultation form to complete before your appointment time.

Cancellation policy:

Please note that a minimum of 48 hours notice (2 days) is required for appointment changes.

Appointments cancelled or rescheduled within these 48 hours are required to be paid in full.
Can I give blood if I have acupuncture?
What support can I get between treatments?

I will respond as soon as possible for urgent inquiries between appointments; email is the fastest communication method. I encourage you to refer to your aftercare or herb-specific emails first, as they often contain answers to common questions. For all other queries, please note them down to discuss at your next appointment, or we can arrange a 15-minute update call for a fee of £20. Thank you for your understanding.
How long is a session?

We offer an initial consultation with acupuncture treatment that lasts 90 minutes. A follow-up session then lasts 60 minutes. We also offer acupuncture with herbal medicine treatments, at 75 minutes with the initial consultation and a follow-up treatment of one hour.
Are there any side effects?

Acupuncture comes with virtually no risk of any side effects. Rarely bruising may occur at the site of needle insertion. Every care is taken to avoid your discomfort during the insertion of the needles and your practitioner will check in with you regularly to ensure you are comfortable throughout your treatment. We will always provide an in-depth consultation to advise you on the process and ensure you have a clear understanding.
How many sessions of acupuncture will I need?
Can acupuncture improve fertility?

Research shows that acupuncture and herbal medicine are associated with greater odds of natural conception, live birth and IVF outcomes. Laura is experienced at working with couples on their fertility journeys and is constantly undertaking advanced courses to improve her knowledge and remain up to date with the latest research. Laura is also a researcher and conducts trials and studies on acupuncture and herbal medicine’s influences on fertility.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458185/#:~:text=Of%201069%20non%2Ddonor%20cycles,%25%20CI%201.04%20to%202.52)
How quickly does acupuncture work for fertility?

Due to the life cycle of your egg and sperm, regular treatments are required for 12 weeks (weekly acupuncture and/or continuous herbal medicine). Evidence shows this time is enough to show improvements in your egg and sperm quality. Following this initial 12-week programme, this would be the time to return to trying to conceive naturally or begin your IVF cycle, while continuing with treatment at a maintenance dose of herbal medicine or once per fortnight acupuncture treatments. From experience, it may take between 6-12 cycles from this post-12-week point to conceive naturally or evidence shows a significantly increased chance of a positive IVF outcome and live birth. We will go through any test results you have and your medical history and discuss what options are best for you on your journey.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458185/#:~:text=Of%201069%20non%2Ddonor%20cycles,%25%20CI%201.04%20to%202.52)
Where does acupuncture come from?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine, also referred to as TCM. The oldest written evidence we have points to an origin around 100 BC, at the time of the publication of the Huangdi Neijing, This is an ancient medical text from which much of the foundational doctrine of TCM is drawn. However, there is archaeological evidence of sharpened stones and bones dating back about 5,000 years. Acupuncture has been practiced in Europe for over 300 years and herbal medicine dates back about as far as mankind.
Where can I leave a review?
Do you use animal products?
Are the herbs safe?

The herbal pharmacies I work with only issue Herb-Mark quality ingredients and are recommended by the RCHM and EHTPA.

Herbal prescriptions include a complex assortment of different herbs and each individual will have different herbs/proportions. Due to this fact, special care is taken in selecting each herb to ensure there will be no complications with any pharmaceutical medications you may be taking and if necessary, that it will not cause risk to early pregnancy in menstruating women.
What sort of testing can you recommend?

I work with several diagnostic laboratories, including Forth, Genova and Mojo. Testing can be arranged for (and not limited to) gut health, nutrition, hormonal health, immune function, speciality testing, and semen analyses.

Blood withdrawals can be arranged in the clinic, but most testing kits can be sent directly to your home address. Results can be discussed, and a treatment plan can be created during a 60-minute consultation.

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