FAQs

Acupuncture works by gently stimulating specific points on the body using ultra-fine, sterile needles. This stimulation activates responses in the nerves, muscles and connective tissues, influencing how the brain and nervous system process pain and regulate bodily functions.

Research suggests that acupuncture can encourage the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, including endorphins, and influence local blood flow. It can also help regulate the body's stress response and inflammatory processes.

By working with the body's own natural regulatory mechanisms, acupuncture helps relieve pain, encourage relaxation and support physical and emotional wellbeing.

Acupuncture is increasingly recognised within modern healthcare. The World Health Organization recommends acupuncture for chronic lower back pain, while the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends acupuncture for certain persistent pain conditions, chronic tension-type headaches and migraine prevention.

This is one of the most common questions people ask, particularly if they haven't experienced acupuncture before.

Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine and quite different from the needles used for injections. Most people are surprised by how little they feel when the needles are inserted.

You may occasionally feel a brief pinprick, followed by a gentle tingling, warmth, heaviness or dull ache around the needle. These feelings are usually mild and short-lived, and many people find the treatment deeply relaxing.

Your comfort is always a priority. If anything feels uncomfortable, Alice can adjust or remove the needle. It is never supposed to be painful.

If you're nervous about needles, Alice is always happy to talk through any concerns, and there are also gentle, non-needle treatments available.

Appointments are relaxed, unhurried and personalised to your needs.

Your first session lasts approximately 75 minutes, giving us plenty of time to explore your medical history, lifestyle and current health concerns. Alongside conversation, Alice uses traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic techniques, including feeling your pulse and gently examining your abdomen, to build a picture of your overall health and develop an individual treatment plan.

Treatments typically involve just four to eight very fine needles, carefully selected according to your needs. These are usually left in place for 20–30 minutes, giving you time to rest and relax.

Alice is trained in a range of complementary techniques, including massage, manual lymphatic drainage, moxibustion and gua sha, which may be incorporated into your treatment where appropriate.

You will always know what to expect. Alice will explain each stage of your treatment, talk you through any techniques recommended and check that you are happy to proceed. You can ask questions at any point about the philosophy of Chinese medicine or just to understand why a particular approach has been chosen.

Your comfort is a priority. Whether you'd prefer an extra blanket, a different position, fewer needles or a gentler treatment, please just say. You are always welcome to pause or stop at any point. Feeling safe, heard and at ease is a large part of what allows the body to heal. Acupuncture is a collaborative process, and your treatment should always feel right for you.

Follow-up appointments last approximately one hour, building on previous sessions and adapting your treatment as your needs change.

This really depends on what we're working on. Recent injuries or acute conditions are likely to improve quickly, while longstanding or more complex conditions often need a little more time.

As a general guide, Alice usually recommends starting with 3–4 weekly treatments, allowing time to see how your body responds. Progress is then reviewed together, and a plan agreed for any further treatment. As symptoms improve, appointments can often be spaced further apart.

There is never any expectation to commit to a long course of treatment. The aim is always to find an approach that feels right for you and your individual needs.

Alice welcomes young people aged 12 and upwards, offering a calm, welcoming space where they can feel comfortable and at ease. She has a particular interest in supporting teenagers experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood and difficulties with sleep.

Acupuncture, when carried out by a properly trained practitioner, is safe for children and teenagers. Alice uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles and always adapts treatment to suit each young person's age, needs and comfort levels.

Importantly, treatment doesn't have to involve needles at all. Alice also offers gentle, non-needle therapies including acupressure, massage, gua sha and cupping, as well as a deeply relaxing facial and head massage. These can be lovely ways to encourage relaxation and help young people unwind.

Parents and carers are warmly welcome to stay throughout the appointment. Alternatively, where appropriate and depending on the young person's age and individual circumstances, there is a comfortable space at The Farmhouse Retreat to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while they wait.

Most importantly, young people are always involved in decisions about their treatment. Everything is explained beforehand, nothing is rushed, and there is never any pressure to try something they don't feel comfortable with.

You don't need to know exactly what's wrong, or have the words to explain how you're feeling. We can simply start from where you are.

• A fresher, more radiant complexion
• Reduced facial puffiness and an improvement in facial definition
• Relief from tension in the jaw, face, neck and shoulders
• Improved local circulation and a feeling of deep relaxation

Your treatment begins with a brief consultation to understand your skin, areas of tension and what you would most like to achieve.

Using a combination of specialist manual techniques, Alice works across the face, neck, shoulders and scalp, paying particular attention to areas of restriction or tension. Gentle gua sha and facial cupping are also incorporated to complement the hands-on treatment.

No needles are involved, and treatments are adapted to your comfort and individual needs.