Question 1

What conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

I specialise in women's health and fertility acupuncture, supporting women through every stage of hormonal health. From my clinic in Bournemouth, I regularly work with women experiencing irregular or painful periods, PMS and PMDD, PCOS, endometriosis, low progesterone, secondary infertility, recurrent miscarriage, IVF preparation, perimenopause and menopause symptoms, fatigue and stress-related hormone disruption.
Traditional Chinese medicine looks at the body as a whole system rather than isolated symptoms, so many clients notice improvements in sleep, digestion, mood and energy alongside their main reason for coming.

Question 2

Is acupuncture safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes when carried out by a fully trained practitioner, acupuncture is very safe.
I am degree-level trained in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, with ongoing professional development in fertility and women’s health. I use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene and safety procedures at all times.
Whether you are coming for fertility acupuncture, hormone balance or stress management, safety and professionalism are built into every session.

Question 3

Is acupuncture painful?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine - much thinner than those used for injections or blood tests. Most people feel very little, although you may notice a brief tingling, warmth or dull ache that passes quickly.
Many clients are surprised by how relaxed they feel during treatment and it’s very common to drift off to sleep, especially if your nervous system has been stuck in a stressed, wired-but-tired state.

Question 4

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your symptoms, goals and how long things have been going on.
For hormone balance, cycle regulation or perimenopause symptoms, I usually recommend starting with weekly acupuncture sessions so we can build momentum and properly influence the system. For fertility support, particularly egg quality or sperm health, three months is ideal as this reflects the maturation timeline of both eggs and sperm.
After your first appointment, I’ll give you a personalised recommendation which we review as your body responds.

Question 5

Do you treat stress and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Very often, stress sits right at the centre of hormone and fertility issues.
Chronic stress can affect ovulation, progesterone, sleep, cycle regularity and sperm health. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, which is why many clients notice improvements in both emotional wellbeing and physical symptoms.
It can be particularly helpful during perimenopause, fertility treatment or periods of prolonged stress and burnout.

Question 6

Can acupuncture help with IVF?

Accepted Answer

Yes - acupuncture works alongside Western medical treatment.
Fertility acupuncture may help improve blood flow, regulate stress hormones and create a healthier environment for implantation during IVF or ICSI treatment. I align treatments with your stimulation and transfer timeline so everything works together as smoothly as possible.
Where needed, I also work with male fertility in the months leading up to treatment.

Question 7

How can acupuncture support natural conception?

Accepted Answer

When supporting natural conception, the aim is to create the healthiest possible environment for ovulation, fertilisation and implantation.
That may include regulating your cycle, improving egg quality, supporting progesterone, calming the stress response and reviewing lifestyle factors that may be influencing fertility. Where appropriate, I can also guide you on fertility testing so we’re working from evidence rather than guesswork.
I also support male partners when needed, particularly around sperm quality, stress and overall health.

Question 8

Do you treat hormonal imbalances such as PMOS and endometriosis? Yes.

Accepted Answer

Yes.
With PMOS, treatment often focuses on cycle regulation, ovulation support and reducing inflammation. With endometriosis, we usually focus on pain management, inflammation and fertility support where relevant.
These conditions often benefit from a structured, long-term approach alongside appropriate medical care. My role is to help the body function more efficiently and reduce the impact symptoms are having on daily life.

Question 9

Can acupuncture help with perimenopause and menopause symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.
Perimenopause and menopause can affect sleep, mood, anxiety levels, energy, concentration and cycle regularity. Many women also experience hot flushes, joint aches, brain fog and increased stress sensitivity.
Acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system, improve sleep, reduce hot flushes and steady mood fluctuations. We also look at lifestyle, stress load and overall hormone health so you feel informed, supported and listened to.

Question 10

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes - when provided by a practitioner trained in pregnancy care.
Pregnancy acupuncture can help ease symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, anxiety and back pain, and from 37 weeks labour preparation treatments may also be appropriate.
Every stage of treatment is approached carefully and tailored to your individual health history and pregnancy.

Question 11

Do you treat men as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
While my main focus is women’s health and fertility acupuncture, I also support men, particularly around sperm quality, stress, sleep and overall vitality before conception or IVF.
Supporting both partners often creates a more balanced and realistic fertility plan.

Question 12

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

My acupuncture clinic is based in Dorset, serving clients across Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding areas.
The space is calm, private and intentionally designed to feel reassuring rather than clinical. I also offer online fertility and hormone support for women who are unable to attend in person.

Question 13

What can I expect from my first acupuncture appointment?

Accepted Answer

Before your appointment, you’ll complete a detailed health questionnaire so I can begin building a full picture of your health, hormones, cycle and symptoms.
During the session, we’ll explore your symptoms, cycle history, sleep, stress levels and goals in depth so I can understand what’s happening beneath the surface rather than focusing on symptoms alone. I’ll also take your pulse and look at your tongue as part of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis.
You’ll then receive your first acupuncture treatment, followed by a written summary with recommendations and clear next steps.
I recommend eating a light meal beforehand and arriving well hydrated so your body responds comfortably to treatment.

Question 14

Can I use private medical insurance for acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Some private medical insurance policies do cover acupuncture, although cover varies between providers and policies.
I am a registered member of the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (AAC), which many insurers recognise. Before booking, I recommend checking directly with your insurer to confirm:
Whether acupuncture is included in your policy
Whether a GP or consultant referral is required
How many sessions are covered
Whether there is a reimbursement limit
What information they require on receipts

Payment is made directly to me at the time of your appointment and you can then submit your receipt for reimbursement where applicable.

Question 15

Do you offer online support for fertility and women’s health?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside in-clinic acupuncture treatments, I offer online support for fertility, hormone health, perimenopause and women’s wellbeing for clients who prefer guidance from home or who do not live locally to Dorset.
These sessions provide personalised, evidence-informed support around fertility preparation, IVF, hormone symptoms, stress, sleep, cycle health and lifestyle factors, so you can stop second-guessing every symptom, supplement and decision.
As part of this support, I may also guide you through simple acupressure techniques you can use at home to help regulate the nervous system, improve hormone balance and feel more connected to your body between sessions.
Online support can work alongside acupuncture treatment or as a standalone option depending on your circumstances.

Question 16

What is acupressure?

Accepted Answer

Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture but uses gentle pressure instead of needles.
Pressure is applied to specific acupuncture points to improve circulation, calm the nervous system and encourage balance within the body. It can be particularly helpful for stress regulation, sleep, hormone health and fertility.
Many women find acupressure useful between acupuncture sessions because it gives them practical tools they can use consistently at home.