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Before your first visit
Questions, answered.
Everything people usually ask before their first appointment. If your question isn’t here, call or message Andrea.
Know what to expect
Nothing to prepare except your questions.
Come as you are. Andrea will take time to understand what brought you in and answer any questions before treatment begins.
Before you book
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. You can book directly online, or call or message Andrea first if you’d like to talk it through.
Can I talk to Andrea before booking?
Yes. Call 07702 928139 or send a WhatsApp message. Andrea usually replies within one to two working days.
Will my health insurance cover treatment?
Some private health policies reimburse acupuncture. You pay at your appointment and claim from your insurer afterwards, so check your policy first.
How long is the first appointment?
An initial acupuncture consultation and treatment lasts 60 to 75 minutes. An initial herbal consultation lasts around 60 minutes.
What should I wear and eat?
Loose, comfortable clothing, and a light meal beforehand rather than coming hungry.
Acupuncture
Nervous about needles?
Most patients find the treatment to be gentle and deeply relaxing. Andrea goes at your pace, and laser acupuncture is available if needles aren’t right for you.
Are the needles single-use?
Yes. Every needle is sterile, single-use and safely disposed of after treatment.
Not sure how many appointments you’ll need?
Andrea will talk this through with you after your first consultation, and review it with you as you go.
Can I have acupuncture when I’m pregnant?
Yes. Let Andrea know how many weeks pregnant you are when you book, and keep your midwife informed.
Chinese herbal medicine
Can herbal medicine be used on its own?
Yes. It can be prescribed separately from acupuncture, in clinic or online.
Can I take herbs with my medication or HRT?
Often, yes. Andrea reviews everything you take before prescribing, and will advise on timing if you’re starting HRT.
What form do the herbs come in?
Usually whole raw herbs portioned for you to cook at home, with clear instructions. Powdered herbs may be offered when suitable.
How much do herbs cost?
Herbs are priced individually by formula and charged in addition to the consultation. Andrea tells you the cost before your prescription is made up.
Visiting the clinic
Where is the clinic?
3 Wright Road, Upper Rissington, Cheltenham GL54 2NP, on the Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire border.
Is there parking?
Yes, off-road parking is available.
When are appointments available?
Monday 8am to 8pm, Tuesday 8am to 7pm, Wednesday 8am to 6pm and Thursday 8am to 8pm. The clinic is closed Friday to Sunday.
What if I need to cancel?
Please give as much notice as you can. Cancellations within 24 hours are charged £35.
How can I pay?
Card, cash, cheque or bank transfer.
Before your first visit
Read more first
Your first visitYour first acupuncture appointment: what to expectThe consultation, the needles, how it feels, how many sessions and what it costs.
Patient guideAcupuncture in the Cotswolds: a patient’s guideWhat acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine involve, what UK regulators accept about the evidence, safety, cost and how to choose a practitioner.
Herbal medicineSeeing a Chinese herbalist in the CotswoldsConsultations, regulation, safety checks, cost and online appointments.Start with the whole picture.
Your first appointment gives Andrea time to understand what has been going on, your wider health history and what matters to you.