Treatments

Core Treatment

Acupuncture

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these points are understood to be part of the body's energy pathways (or channels); in modern terms, acupuncture influences the nervous system, shaping how the brain processes pain, stress and other signals.

By stimulating these points, acupuncture can "interrupt" unhelpful patterns in the body — such as hormone regulation, pain responses or stress pathways — and create a useful nudge towards recovery.

In this way, treatment can act as a conduit for change: supporting the body's natural ability to heal, rebalance and settle.

Better together with Herbal Medicine

Many patients find that combining acupuncture with a personalised herbal prescription deepens and extends the therapeutic benefits — allowing the body to continue healing between sessions.

Book Acupuncture

Integrated Service

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the world's most sophisticated systems of natural medicine, with a continuous clinical history spanning over 2,500 years. At Balance Acupuncture, it is offered as both a standalone treatment and in combination with acupuncture.

Each prescription is built around your individual pattern of health — not just your presenting symptoms. Using carefully selected combinations of plant roots, leaves, flowers, bark and seeds, your personalised formula works to address the root cause of your condition as well as its surface manifestations.

I am a qualified Chinese herbal medicine prescriber and work only with rigorously sourced, quality-tested herbs. Your formula is regularly reviewed and adjusted as your health evolves.

Learn More About Herbal Medicine Book a Herbal Consultation

Guasha treatment with acupuncture needles in place at Balance Acupuncture

Complementary Modality

Cupping & Guasha

Cupping involves placing warmed glass or silicone cups on the skin to create a gentle suction. This draws fresh blood and Qi to the surface, relieving muscular tension, dispersing stagnation and promoting circulation. It is particularly effective for chronic muscle pain, respiratory conditions and general tension.

Guasha uses smooth-edged tools to apply controlled pressure along the meridians, releasing fascial tension and encouraging the movement of stagnant Qi and blood. Patients often describe an immediate sense of lightness and release.

Both techniques may be incorporated into your regular acupuncture sessions when clinically appropriate.

Warming Therapy

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort (moxa) near or on specific acupuncture points to warm the meridians, invigorate the flow of Qi and dispel cold and dampness. The gentle radiant heat penetrates deeply, nourishing and tonifying in a way that needles alone cannot.

It is particularly beneficial for cold-type conditions, fatigue, digestive weakness, menstrual irregularities and patients who feel consistently cold or depleted.

Moxibustion is a deeply comforting therapy, often used alongside acupuncture when a warming, nourishing quality is needed in treatment.

Your appointment

What to expect

Every visit to Balance Acupuncture follows the same attentive, unhurried approach. Here is how a typical session unfolds.

Your consultation

Your first appointment is in-depth. We discuss your main health concern alongside a wide range of questions about your current and historical health, lifestyle and wellbeing.

Your treatment

Following your consultation, fine acupuncture needles are placed with care at your specific prescription of points. Many people find the experience deeply relaxing — some drift off to sleep.

Your prescription

Where appropriate, I will prepare a personalised herbal formula to support your treatment between sessions. This prescription evolves as your health improves.

Session length

Appointments last between 40 and 50 minutes. Please wear loose clothing and ensure you have eaten something before your visit.

Your treatment plan

After your initial appointment, I will outline an estimated treatment plan. For chronic conditions, weekly sessions are typically recommended for a period of time to achieve lasting results.

Needles & sensation

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine — as thin as 0.15mm. Most people feel very little. Any sensation is typically a mild ache or tingling. Once in place, the needles are comfortable and you rest for around 20 minutes.

Evidence Base

What does the research say?

There is a growing and credible body of research evidence demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine across a range of conditions.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date A–Z review of the evidence. I stay abreast of current research to ensure my treatments reflect the best available clinical knowledge.

View the BAcC Research Database

Insurance

Private health insurance

Balance Acupuncture accepts private health care claims from a number of private health insurers. Some providers allow self-referral; others may require a referral letter from your GP or a consultant.

Receipts are issued after each treatment, together with our unique BAcC registration number for insurance purposes. Please contact us to discuss your cover before booking.

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