Most people are surprised by how little acupuncture actually hurts. The needles are extremely fine—much thinner than those used for injections—and are inserted gently. You might feel a brief pinprick as the needle goes in, but this usually passes very quickly. After that, it’s more common to notice sensations like a dull ache, tingling, warmth, or a light heaviness around the point. These sensations are generally mild and often described as unusual rather than painful. Many people find the treatment deeply relaxing and some even fall asleep during the session. If anything ever feels uncomfortable, the needles can be adjusted or removed immediately. The treatment is always adapted to your comfort level, so you remain in control throughout.

A one-to-one acupuncture session lasts around one hour and costs £80. This includes time to discuss how you've been since your last visit, your treatment, and any advice to support your ongoing health. If a private appointment isn't the right fit for your budget, I also run a Community Acupuncture Clinic every Friday. This takes place in a calm, shared treatment space with two treatment beds, where I treat two patients at the same time. You still receive an individual treatment tailored to your needs, just in a community setting. The community clinic operates on a sliding scale, so you can choose the price that best reflects your circumstances: £30 – for those who need a lower-cost option £45 – the standard community rate £60 – for those who are able to pay a little more to help support affordable access for others My aim is to make acupuncture as accessible as possible, so you can choose the option that works best for both your health and your budget.

In your first appointment we discuss your health in detail. We'll talk about the reason you've come for acupuncture, your medical history, any medications you're taking, your lifestyle, sleep, digestion, stress levels and any other symptoms that may be affecting your wellbeing. This helps me build a complete picture of your health rather than focusing on just one symptom. I'll also carry out a traditional Chinese medicine assessment, which will include looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse. These are important diagnostic tools that help guide your treatment. Once we've discussed everything, I'll explain my findings, answer any questions you may have, and you'll receive your first acupuncture treatment during the same appointment. My aim is to make sure you feel comfortable, informed and relaxed throughout your visit.

There's very little you need to do before your first appointment, but a few simple steps can help you get the most from your treatment. Try to eat a light meal or snack beforehand, as it's best not to have acupuncture on an empty stomach. Wear loose, comfortable clothing so it's easy to access areas such as your arms, legs or back if needed. If you take any medications or have recent test results or clinic letters that are relevant to your condition, it's helpful to bring them with you. You should also let me know if you've had any changes to your health, are pregnant, or have recently started any new medication. It's a good idea to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in and complete any paperwork without feeling rushed. Most importantly, come with any questions you may have. I'll explain everything before we begin, so you'll know exactly what to expect and can feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

The number of sessions depends on few factors including the severity of the condition or symptoms, age of the patient and the patient's general health. Some patients can begin to feel improvements straight away, for others the cumulative effects of treatment can take a few sessions to significantly improve the patient's symptoms or conditions. A typical course of treatments might include 6 to 12 visits at weekly intervals.

A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can take a real toll on both your body and your emotional wellbeing. While acupuncture is not a treatment for cancer itself, many people choose to have it alongside their medical care to help manage some of the side effects of treatment and improve their quality of life. Depending on your individual needs, acupuncture may help with symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, pain, hot flushes, dry mouth, peripheral neuropathy, anxiety, stress and difficulty sleeping. Many people also find that regular treatments help them feel more balanced and better able to cope during what can be a very challenging time. Your treatment is always tailored to you, taking into account where you are in your cancer journey, the treatment you are receiving, and how you are feeling on the day. Acupuncture is designed to work alongside your hospital care, not replace it. If you're currently undergoing cancer treatment or recovering afterwards, it's important to let your acupuncturist know about your diagnosis, medications and treatment plan so your care can be adapted safely and appropriately.

In most cases, yes. When provided by a qualified acupuncturist who understands cancer care, acupuncture is generally considered safe for people during and after cancer treatment. Before your first appointment, we'll talk through your diagnosis, the treatment you're receiving, any medications you're taking, and how you're feeling. This allows your treatment to be adapted to your individual needs. There are times when acupuncture may need to be modified or postponed, for example if your immune system is severely suppressed, your platelet count is very low, or there are concerns about infection or swelling in certain areas. Your safety always comes first. Acupuncture is intended to complement the care you're receiving from your oncology team, not replace it. If there's ever any doubt, I'll encourage you to speak with your consultant or specialist nurse so we can make sure your treatment is appropriate.

At the start of each session, we'll have a brief chat about how you've been since your last appointment and whether anything has changed with your health or symptoms. Your treatment will then be tailored to how you're feeling on the day. Very fine, sterile, single-use needles are gently inserted into carefully chosen acupuncture points. Most people feel very little as the needles are placed. You may notice a mild tingling, warmth, heaviness or a dull ache, which is completely normal and usually only lasts a few moments. Once the needles are in place, you'll have time to relax while they remain in position for around 30 to 40 minutes. Many people find this part of the treatment deeply calming, and some even drift off to sleep. After the needles are removed, we'll discuss how you felt during the treatment and any aftercare advice that may help you get the most benefit from your session.

Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies and children. However, in my clinic, I see all above 16 years of age.

What is community acupuncture?Community acupuncture is a way of offering the same professional treatment you'd get in a private clinic, but in a shared setting rather than a one-to-one room — which keeps the cost much lower without any compromise on quality of care.How does the multi-bed setting work?Our Friday clinic runs in a big studio at Hatfield House with two treatment beds. Because there are two of you being seen around the same time, you might be having your consultation while the person on the other bed already has their needles in and is resting quietly — or vice versa. Everyone still gets a proper one-to-one consultation and individually tailored treatment; you're just sharing the space and the time slot rather than having the room to yourself.Isn't that less private than a normal session?It's a bit more open than a closed treatment room, yes — consultations are kept low-key and confidential in tone, and most people find the shared atmosphere reassuring rather than awkward. Many patients actually enjoy the sense of togetherness: resting alongside someone else going through their own healing process, in a calm, relaxed room, is part of what makes community acupuncture feel different from a typical clinical visit.Why is it cheaper than a private session?Because we're treating two people in the same space and time, rather than one person in a private room (which is £80 an hour), we can pass the savings directly on to you. It's the same practitioner, the same quality treatment, the same needles and technique — just a more efficient use of time and space.How much does it cost?We use a pay-what-you-can sliding scale, so you choose what genuinely fits your budget:£30 — if money is tight£45 — if you're managing comfortably£60 — if you're able to contribute a little more and help support access for othersThere's no difference in the treatment you receive at any price point — you're simply choosing what feels fair for your circumstances.When and where is it?Every Friday at Hatfield House, Church Lane (off Great North Road), Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5HX. It's currently the only community acupuncture clinic in Hertfordshire.