First Visit and consultation:
During your first visit, you'll be asked to complete a consultation form that includes your basic details along with some medical and lifestyle information.
You’ll then sit down with Fiona to discuss your main concern(s), followed by a full Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) systems review. This may include questions about your sleep, digestion, exercise, mental health, and more.
As part of the TCM diagnostic process, Fiona may also look at your tongue and feel your pulse.
Once the treatment plan is explained, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions or request a demonstration of the acupuncture process.
You'll then be asked to position yourself on the massage bed. Fiona will let you know if any garments need to be removed, and a sheet will be provided to keep you covered and comfortable.
The needles are inserted slowly and gently, with Fiona checking in to ensure you're comfortable throughout. If at any point you feel uneasy, you're welcome to ask for a pause or to have any needles removed.
Once the needles are in place, you’ll be left to relax for around 10–30 minutes to allow the treatment to take effect and support the flow of Qi (energy).
After this time, Fiona will return to remove the needles. You’ll be given time and privacy to re-dress, followed by some take-home advice and a suggested treatment plan tailored to your needs.
After Acupuncture Treatment:
After the treatment, it’s common to feel a sense of calm or even a little sleepy. Many clients say they feel lighter or more relaxed, both mentally and physically. This is your body’s natural response to the release of endorphins and the shift in energy flow that acupuncture helps create. As your body adjusts, you might experience mild side effects like slight soreness at the needle sites, fatigue, an emotional surge or mild anxiety - these are normal responses that will go away within a few hours or overnight and it is also normal to feel nothing unusual, as it can take a few sessions before your nervous system relaxes enough to allow the needles to work. Drinking water and avoiding strenuous activity for the rest of the day can help you recover smoothly.
How many treatments will you need:
The million dollar question! The number of treatments you’ll need depends on the condition being treated and how your body responds. Acute issues like a recent injury or a tension headache may improve after just a few visits. Chronic conditions such as long-term back pain, anxiety, or hormonal imbalances may require more consistent care over time.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, you do not need to "believe" in acupuncture for it to work, it is a system of medicine, but an open mind is always helpful. I usually ask clients to try 3-4 sessions and then to assess whether they are noticing any improvements. Some people might notice better sleep, improved digestion, more energy, or feel happier and less stressed before their main complaint is resolved.
Acupuncture is not a cure, I will not promise to heal you.
Acupuncture helps activate the body’s natural healing response by stimulating specific points along the body’s energy pathways. It improves circulation, reduces stress, balances the nervous system, and encourages the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals. Together, these effects help your body heal itself, naturally and gently.