Clinic Information

This practice abides by both the British Acupuncture Council Code of Safe Practice and the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine Code of Ethics, complies with all relevant health, safety and hygiene legislation, is comprehensively insured, and is certificated by Bedford Borough Council.

What to expect during a treatment

During your first consultation detailed questions will be asked about your current condition, including any medication or other treatments you are receiving. You will also be asked about your sleeping patterns, diet, emotional state and other questions relating to your lifestyle. Your pulse will be taken at both wrists and your tongue inspected. All of this information gives a picture of where imbalances may be occuring in the body and is used to formulate a diagnosis on which your treatment will be based. This will be discussed with you in detail.

Dependent upon your condition, weekly treatments are generally recommended initially, becoming less frequent as you improve. However, in an acute or recent condition, more frequent treatments may be recommended.

For the acupuncture treatment you will be asked to lie on a couch, only exposing the areas necessary for needling. Most people find the insertion of the needles virtually painless: very fine (little more than the width of a human hair) single-use, pre-sterilised needles are used to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body. These needles generally induce any one of a variety of localised sensations once in place – tingling, warmth, numbness or heaviness are common. The needles are generally left in situ for up to 20 minutes, during which time you will be encouraged to relax. Acupuncture can be calming to the point that some people may feel a little tired or sleepy, so please be careful if you are planning to drive straight after your treatment.

It is recognised that aversion to needles is not uncommon: rather than allow patients to miss out on therapeutic benefits, acupressure – the use of fingertips to stimulate acupoints – can be used instead.

If Chinese herbs are prescribed, only those produced by Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant companies are used, ensuring pharmaceutical integrity and absence of contaminants.

Prior to a treatment, it is recommended that you:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing (separates are often easier)
• Avoid eating a large meal, but do make sure you have eaten
• Avoid foods/drinks that may discolour the tongue
• Avoid alcohol/caffeine
• Avoid the use of heavily scented deodorants/perfumes and heavy cosmetics
• Avoid strenuous activity

After your treatment, it would be best for you to:

• Avoid the eating of a heavy meal for at least 2-3 hours
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid strenuous activity

Appointment availability

Tuesday 9am - 12.15pm then 2 - 5.30pm (last appointment time 4.30 - 5.30pm)

Wednesday and Thursday 9am - 12.15pm then 2 - 6.30pm (last appointment time 5.30 - 6.30pm)

Weekends by special arrangement - IVF treatment only.

How to get there

The clinic is located at 2 & 4 Hall End Road, Wootton, Bedfordshire, at the end of a terrace of four cottages on the junction with Keeley Lane. Access can be through Wootton itself, from the A421 Southern By-pass, or via Kempston Rural and Keeley Green, from the A428 Western By-pass.

Parking is on-road and you will be advised where to park prior to your initial appointment. As it is a residential area, please be respectful of entrances and driveways to neighbours' premises and of obstructing footpaths. Other than the usual caveats on parking at or near junctions, there are no legal restrictions.

Consultation fees and payment

An initial appointment is £100.

Follow-up appointment of 55 minutes is £50

Breech/posterior presentation moxa treatment £65 (first treatment with teaching and instruction leaflet, plus sticks to take home).

Induction treatment/acupressure in labour instruction (with partner) £65.

Thermo auricular candling £40 or an additional £10 when combined with another treatment.

The costs of herbal prescriptions and/or supplements, for which a deposit may be requested, are additional to these fees.

Payment is by cheque or cash and required at the time of the appointment.

Appointment Cancellation

If you are unable to keep an appointment, 24 hours notice is required, otherwise we reserve the right to charge the full fee.