Frequently Asked Questions

Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions, and some because they simply feel generally unwell. Others choose acupuncture to enhance their feeling of well-being. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages, including babies and children. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine.

Acupuncture works by inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these points lie on channels of energy called meridians. The insertion of needles stimulates the flow of energy (Qi) and restores balance.

From a Western scientific perspective, acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body's homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture can help with a very wide range of conditions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised acupuncture as effective for over 40 conditions. The British Acupuncture Council has compiled research documents into the effective treatment of many health conditions.

See the full Conditions Treated page for more information.

Yes. When practised by a qualified and registered acupuncturist, acupuncture is very safe. Mary is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), which requires its members to adhere to strict codes of safe practice, professional conduct, and continuing professional development.

Only sterile, single-use disposable needles are used. These are never reused.

Some people may experience minor bruising or slight bleeding at the needle site. Occasionally people feel a little light-headed after treatment. These effects are temporary.

Yes. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of acupuncture for a range of conditions. Research has been published in peer-reviewed journals including the British Medical Journal and The Lancet.

The British Acupuncture Council provides access to a comprehensive library of research on their website. The World Health Organisation has also published research on acupuncture's effectiveness for a wide range of conditions.

Your first appointment will last up to 1 hour 15 minutes. Mary will take a full medical history, asking detailed questions about your health, lifestyle, diet, and emotional well-being. This helps build a complete picture so treatment can be tailored specifically to you.

You will then receive your first acupuncture treatment. Most people find the needles cause minimal discomfort - many describe a slight tingling or a dull ache when the needle reaches the right depth, which is often a sign the energy is being activated.

Many people feel very relaxed after treatment. Some even fall asleep during the session.

The number of treatments needed varies from person to person and depends on the nature and duration of your condition. Acute conditions may require fewer sessions, while chronic or long-standing problems may need a longer course of treatment.

As a general guide, you might expect to have 4–6 sessions to assess how well you're responding. Mary will discuss your progress with you and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.

It is generally advisable to let your GP know if you are receiving acupuncture, particularly if you are taking prescribed medication. Acupuncture works very well alongside conventional medicine, and some GPs actively encourage patients to try it.

Please do not stop taking prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor.

The clinic is at 30 Cedar Road, Watford, WD19 4QW. There is on-street parking available nearby. See the Location page for directions and transport links.

You can book by phone or WhatsApp on 07599 412571, or by using the contact form on the website. Mary will usually respond within one working day.

Mary is happy to have a brief phone or WhatsApp conversation before your first appointment if you have questions about whether acupuncture is right for you. This is not a full consultation, but it gives you the chance to ask questions and get a feel for whether you'd like to proceed.

Acupuncture is widely used alongside assisted conception treatment. It may help by improving blood flow to the uterus, supporting hormone regulation, and reducing the stress and anxiety that often accompany IVF and IUI cycles. Mary is a member of the Acupuncture Fertility Network and has extensive experience supporting women through assisted conception. She will work alongside your fertility clinic, not instead of it.

Ideally, it helps to begin treatment at least two to three months before trying to conceive or starting an IVF cycle. This gives time to regulate the cycle, support egg quality, and prepare the body. However, acupuncture can be introduced at any stage - including during a cycle already in progress - and many women find it beneficial even when starting late.

This depends on your individual circumstances. As a general guide, weekly sessions in the months leading up to conception or embryo transfer are common, with adjustments depending on your cycle and how you respond. Mary will discuss a realistic treatment plan with you at your first appointment.

Yes. Sperm health - including count, motility, and morphology - can be influenced by acupuncture, and some research suggests improvements after a course of treatment. Since sperm takes around three months to mature, starting early gives the best results. Many couples find it helpful to be treated together.

Yes. Gentle acupuncture during the two-week wait is considered safe and is often used to support implantation, reduce anxiety, and encourage rest. Mary uses points specifically suited to this phase of the cycle and will avoid any points that are contraindicated in early pregnancy.

Yes, when carried out by a qualified practitioner with experience in obstetric acupuncture. Mary has over 35 years of experience treating women throughout pregnancy. Certain acupuncture points are avoided during pregnancy, and Mary follows the BAcC guidelines on safe practice throughout.

Acupuncture can help with a wide range of pregnancy-related conditions, including nausea and morning sickness, back and pelvic pain, sciatica, fatigue, heartburn, oedema, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. Many women find it a safe alternative to medication during pregnancy.

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning a dried herb called mugwort (moxa) near specific acupuncture points - in particular, a point on the little toe. It is most commonly used from around 34–36 weeks to encourage a breech baby to turn to the head-down position. Some studies suggest it can be effective, particularly when used early enough. Mary will advise whether it is suitable in your situation.

Yes, though some women prefer to wait until after 12 weeks. Acupuncture can be particularly helpful in early pregnancy for nausea, fatigue, and anxiety. Mary uses a gentle approach in the first trimester and will discuss what is appropriate for you.

Acupuncture can be given right up to your due date. In the final weeks, treatment is often used for preparation for labour - helping the body relax, supporting cervical ripening, and reducing anxiety ahead of birth.

Cosmetic acupuncture works by stimulating the skin's natural healing response rather than introducing foreign substances or paralyzing muscles. Fine needles create micro-traumas that encourage collagen and elastin production, improve circulation to the face, and gradually reduce the appearance of fine lines. Results are subtler and build over a course of treatment - it is a natural approach rather than a quick fix.

A course of 10 sessions, usually taken once or twice a week, is typically recommended for noticeable results. Many people see gradual improvement from around session 4 or 5. Following the initial course, monthly maintenance treatments help sustain the effects.

With monthly maintenance, results can last indefinitely. Without follow-up treatment, most people find the effects begin to fade after three to six months. Lifestyle factors - such as diet, hydration, sleep, and sun exposure - also influence how long the results last.