SILVERWOOD ACUPUNCTURE

IMPROVE YOUR WELLBEING, RESTORE YOUR HEALTH

Welcome to Silverwood Acupuncture. I’m Sophie. I'm an acupuncturist based in London and I work with teams of experienced practitioners in private clinics  in Clapham (SW4) and Chancery Lane (EC1N).

My patients present with a wide range of conditions such as back pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines, insomnia, stress, chronic fatigue syndromes, fertility and gynaecological issues.

Whether or not you’re trying to conceive, if hormonal imbalances and menstrual cycle issues are impacting your health and wellbeing, if you’re feeling frustrated by your symptoms and overwhelmed about what to do next to manage them and potentially improve your fertility, then you’re in the right place.

I can help you achieve peace and calm, whether mentally and physically,  by listening to your specific complaints, helping you understand the root of your symptoms, advising you on further tests and investigations if necessary, and of course giving you acupuncture treatments tailored to your needs. Over the years I have developed special interests and focussed my further training on women’s health, female and male fertility, pain conditions, stress and anxiety.

With the use of needles, massage, cupping or moxibustion, and personalised lifestyle advice based on Chinese medicine principles, I can help you quieten your nervous system, reconnect with your calmer and energetic self and give you the tools to maintain it and thrive.  I create a supportive, calm and friendly environment to help you improve your general wellbeing and restore optimal physical and emotional balance naturally.

WHAT I SUPPORT

Acupuncture aims to restore, balance and promote physical and emotional harmony through the insertion of thin needles in specific points of the body. Along with exercise and nutrition, acupuncture works with the body’s innate ability to heal and regenerate itself. This is why the support we can provide is not limited to the 6 areas highlighted above.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) lists an A-Z of the evidence base for acupuncture and how it can be beneficial for a variety of conditions. You can visit the BAcC to find out more

To find out more contact me for a free phone consultation

07809 828402

sophie@silverwoodacupuncture.co.uk

FAQ’s

 1. WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a form of therapy that involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to regulate the body’s functions and promote healing. It belongs to Chinese medicine, a continuous and evolving medical system developed in Asia over 3000 years. Chinese medicine sees the body as an energetic system in dynamic balance: in health, the energy flows freely to animate the body but this balance can become disturbed by daily stresses, lifestyle, dietary choices, or other environmental reasons. This imbalance gives rise to physical and emotional symptoms including pain, illnesses, or simply the feeling of being unwell.

2. WHO HAS ACUPUNCTURE?

While some people turn to acupuncture for help with specific conditions or to relieve specific pains, others come for treatment as a preventative measure to maintain good health, or improve their general sense of wellbeing.
Acupuncture both addresses the manifestation and the root cause of your symptoms: while I will focus on addressing your primary complaint, you might notice that other problems resolve during the course of your treatment. NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recommends acupuncture for chronic lower back pain, tension headache and migraine, post operative pain and nausea. For further information, fact sheets and research on what other conditions acupuncture can treat effectively please consult the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).

Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly. However, in my practice I only see patients aged 16+.

3. DOES IT HURT?

It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as I insert and adjust the needle. However, acupuncture needles are so fine that many people don’t feel them being inserted. If you do feel any discomfort please let me know. I can adjust or remove that particular needle so that you feel comfortable. While the needles are in place, many people feel relaxed and even fall asleep.

4. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

When performed by a trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is considered safe. The needles are single-use, sterile and disposable, reducing the risk of infection. In rare cases, some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness, bruising, mild tiredness or slight nausea. Any side effects that do occur are usually mild and self-correcting. To help me ensure that there are no unwanted side effects, please let me know whether you are taking any medication, such as anticoagulants. Also let me know if you feel hot or the room is stuffy, or you are hungry or thirsty.

After you have acupuncture for the first time, it is common to feel a little tired or light-headed directly after treatment. This is a normal treatment reaction and you shouldn’t worry about it. Stay hydrated and refrain from vigorous activity and alcohol for several hours post-treatment.

5. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

At your first visit, we start with a full case history that will allow me to diagnose you - according to Chinese Medicine patterns. I ask you about your current symptoms, treatment you have already received, details of your medical history, diet, digestion, sleeping patterns, emotional state and what you would like to achieve from treatment. This is why your first consultation and treatment last a bit longer, between 75 and 90 minutes. 

Subsequent treatments are up to an hour and are all uniquely tailored to you and your response to previous treatment. 

During treatment needles are inserted and usually left in place for up to 20-30 minutes depending on the desired effect.

6. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Wear comfortable clothes. Most acupuncture points are on the lower legs or forearms but there are keys points on the lower abdomen and back that I might want to needle too. Granny pants and hairy legs are 100% allowed.

7. HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Response to treatment can differ considerably from person to person.

Most people experience significant changes after just a few treatments, with many experiencing these changes almost immediately, especially from acute conditions. Long-term or more complex conditions will probably require more treatment over a longer period.

As a guideline, I advise to start with four to six treatments and we review your progress at each treatment.

8. HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD I COME?

Initially, I like to see people on a weekly basis. The response to treatment is usually cumulative. As your sense of wellbeing and your symptoms improve, expect the time between treatments to extend. It’s possible to come back afterwards for seasonal tune-ups and maintenance. 

9. WILL MY PRIVATE INSURANCE COVER MY TREATMENTS

A number of major insurers cover acupuncture treatments by practitioners registered with the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). Most policies require a referral from a GP or consultant. It is worth checking with your insurer for details.

I am currently registered with Vitality and Aviva that will cover part of my fees.

To find out more contact me for a free phone consultation

07809 828402

sophie@silverwoodacupuncture.co.uk

ABOUT

I’m a fully qualified acupuncturist and graduated from the University of Westminster with a BSc Honours in Chinese Medicine Acupuncture. Along with the theory and clinical practice of Chinese Medicine, a significant part of my training included Western medical science.

Since graduating I have gained considerable clinical experience in a variety of environments. I took part in the Graduate Program at the polyclinic of the University of Westminster for two years, I practiced for 4 years in corporate environments to support companies’ health and wellbeing programs and I am now part of a team of experienced practitioners in private clinics  in Clapham (SW4) and Marylebone (W1H). I work with patients with a wide range of conditions such as back pain, sciatica, headaches, migraines, insomnia, stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, fertility and gynaecological issues. I have special interests in pain conditions, stress and anxiety and women’s health.  

My practice engages with each individual case, looking at all aspects of your health and lifestyle in order to tailor your unique and personalised treatment. I draw on a variety of techniques including needling with cupping and moxibustion, tuina massage, and auriculotherapy. I offer dietary and lifestyle advice all based on traditional Chinese Medicine theories to support and complement your treatment and I aim at creating a supportive, calm and friendly environment.

I have been living in London since 1997, but I’m originally from France. If you’re French or francophone, and feel more comfortable having your consultation in your native language, then ‘nous pouvons parler français’!

As a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), I am governed by their codes of conduct and safe practice, and I am committed to continuous professional development (CPD). I completed work experience at the NHS Gateway clinic in London where I provided treatment for patients with chronic pain and a variety of musculoskeletal problems. I completed a Qi Gong Tuina Massage for Internal and Musculoskeletal conditions course at the University of Westminster. I also attended further training in facial massage and facial acupuncture, completed an auriculotherapy course led by Jim Chalmers and attended further training on Chinese Medicine Foundation for Bodywork with the yuji clinic. I am also a Fertility Support trained acupuncturist.

I am a member of Baby&Me - London (http://babyandme-london.co.uk), a bilingual French English perinatal network of practitioners in London. We are a network of midwives, psychologist, osteopaths, homeopath, acupuncturist, sophrologist, nutritionist and maternity nurse. Our focus is to look after young mothers and babies from conception, throughout pregnancy, after childbirth, and during infancy, as well as couples and all the family for a holistic, personalized and multidisciplinary support.

I love seeing the positive changes that acupuncture brings to my clients and the role it plays in restoring optimal physical and emotional balance, and general wellbeing.

To find out more contact me for a free phone consultation

07809 828402

sophie@silverwoodacupuncture.co.uk

TREATMENT & FEES

TREATMENT

What to expect

Each individual case is absolutely unique. This is why I look at all aspects of your health and lifestyle in order to tailor your unique and personalised treatment. In my practice, I draw on a variety of techniques including needling, cupping, moxibustion, tuina massage, and auriculo-therapy. I offer dietary and lifestyle advice all based on traditional Chinese Medicine theories to support and complement your treatment.

I aim at creating a supportive, calm and friendly environment to help you improve your general wellbeing and feel your best.

The initial consultation and treatment

·      This 90min session begins with an in-depth consultation to identify the areas for which you seek treatment. We will discuss your medical history and explore all aspect of your health and lifestyle.

·      The initial discussion will inform the treatment that you receive for this first session

·      We’ll discuss and agree on a treatment program best suited to your need – please note that this can be reviewed at any time during the program

·      I’ll give you personalised advice to support your progress between treatments – this includes breathing, movement and exercise, self-acupressure

Follow-up treatments:

Acupuncture is a medicine with powerful cumulative effects. It’s important to take a consistent approach to achieve the best results. As such, treatments are typically booked as a six-session programme.

• A follow-up treatment is 45-60min long

• It comprises a review and evaluation of your progress

• A custom acupuncture treatment that takes into account your progress in the context of your treatment program and objectives

A patient centered approach

At each step of the consultations and treatments, patient safety and wellbeing are paramount. Chinese Medicine takes a person-centred approach in all aspects of the session. I always consult my patient and proceed with their full consent prior to and during treatment.

 I use single-use disposable needles, which I then disposed of according to current legislation. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, and you should only feel a slight sting on insertion. Once the needle is inserted, you might feel sensations of tingling, heaviness, pressure, warmth or coolness. None of these sensations are painful. I leave you to relax for up to 30 minutes before I take the needles out. This is your time to switch off and relax.

I recommend avoiding alcohol, coffee or eating a heavy meal before a treatment, however it’s best not to come on an empty stomach. Wear comfortable clothes and try to create some space in your schedule immediately following your appointment.

I love seeing the positive changes that acupuncture brings to my patients and the role it plays in restoring optimal physical and emotional balance.

FEES

Initial consultation and treatment for Acupuncture (75-90 minutes includes initial treatment)

• £90 - Make Me Feel in Clapham (SW4) and The Treatment Rooms in Balham (SW12)

• £99 - 2Me Clinic in Marylebone (W1H)

Follow up appointments for Acupuncture (45-60 minutes)

• £70 - Make Me Feel in Clapham (SW4), The Treatment Rooms in Balham (SW12),

• £79- 2Me Clinic in Marylebone (W1H)

Pre-paid course of 5 follow-up treatments are eligible for 10% savings

Please note that 24 hours notice of cancellations is required to avoid incurring the full fee.

Claiming for acupuncture on your private health insurance

A number of major insurers cover acupuncture treatments by practitioners registered with the British Acupuncture Council. Most policies require a referral from a GP or consultant. It is worth checking with your insurer for details.

I am currently registered with Vitality and Aviva that will cover part of my fees.

Blood donors The National Blood Service does not accept donations from people who have received acupuncture in the previous four months (other than treatment administered within the NHS). Visit the National Blood Service website for more information.

CONTACT

If you would like to discuss in more details how acupuncture can benefit you or if you would like to book a treatment please call or email me.

Please contact Sophie:

Phone: 07809 828402

Email: sophie@silverwoodacupuncture.co.uk

South West London, Balham, Brixton, Clapham, Wandsworth, Streatham, Tooting, SW12, SW11, SW18, SW17, SW4, SW2, SW9, W1G, EC1N

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