Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in a treatment?

Each session includes a chat, pulse and tongue diagnosis, and around 6–10 acupuncture points placed while you relax on a warm, comfy couch for about 30 minutes. Points are usually on the limbs, back, or head — and always chosen to suit you. You’re in control the whole time.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Not really — the needles are super-fine, like a hair. You might feel a dull ache, tingle or a pulling sensation for a few seconds, but it usually fades quickly and feels surprisingly soothing. Most people drift off.

What should I wear?

Loose, comfy clothes. You may need to roll up sleeves or trousers. If we need access to other areas (like your back or belly), you’ll always be covered and comfortable.

How many treatments will I need?

Every body is different. Some feel better after just 1–2 sessions, but most people need 6–8 treatments spaced 1–2 weeks apart. Acupuncture builds on itself — the more consistent you are, the better the results.

For fertility support, we often work over at least 3 menstrual cycles, depending on your stage and needs. We’ll personalise your plan together.

How will I feel afterwards?

Usually calm, grounded and deeply relaxed. Some people feel sleepy, emotional, or just really peaceful. That’s a good sign your body is processing the treatment. Try to keep the rest of your day quiet — drink water, eat well, and avoid alcohol, caffeine or anything too stimulating if you can.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Please give at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable, but if you have an emergency, get in touch — I’ll always try to offer a new slot that week if possible.

Can I claim on my health insurance?

Lot’s of providers cover acupuncture. Check your policy and let me know what you need. You may need my British Acupuncture Council Membership number—959899, and contact me if you need a receipt or treatment summary for reimbursement.

How do I pay?

You pay in advance when booking online, or by bank transfer if you're booking in person. You’ll get all the details in your confirmation email.

How does TCM acupuncture work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture focuses on how your symptoms relate to patterns in the body. Using pulse and tongue diagnosis, it helps rebalance your energy flow (Qi), improve function, reduce pain and support your overall wellbeing.

How does Five Element acupuncture work?

Five Element acupuncture treats the root cause of imbalance, not just the symptoms. It's based on the idea that each of us is closely linked to one of five elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water — and that imbalance in that element can affect our physical health, emotions, energy, and how we relate to the world.

Through deep listening, pulse and facial diagnosis, and attention to your personal story, we identify where that imbalance lies and treat accordingly. It’s especially powerful for emotional stress, burnout, life transitions, and the vague-but-real feeling of being “off.”

This approach helps realign you with your natural rhythm — in tune with the seasons, the cycles of nature, and your own nervous system — so you feel more yourself, more often.

What is the nervous system — and how does acupuncture help?

Your nervous system is your body’s electrical network. It runs between your brain, spinal cord, and every organ and tissue, helping you respond to the world around you. It controls stress responses, digestion, sleep, energy levels, emotions — basically everything.

Many people today live in a constant state of fight or flight, with the sympathetic nervous system switched on all the time. This can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, burnout, hormonal issues and more.

Acupuncture helps switch on the parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and digest” state — so your body can relax, repair, and return to balance. It calms the stress signals, lowers cortisol, and helps you shift from wired and tired to calm, clear and grounded.

What is the endocrine system — and why does it matter?

Your endocrine system is your hormonal messenger network. It controls energy, mood, sleep, fertility, metabolism and stress response. It includes your adrenals, thyroid, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and ovaries/testes — all working together to keep you in balance.

When life gets full-on — emotionally, physically, or hormonally — this system can go off-track. You might feel wired but tired, emotionally all over the place, or notice symptoms like irregular cycles, anxiety, insomnia or low energy.

Acupuncture helps regulate these hormonal pathways by calming stress signals and supporting your body’s ability to heal and rebalance.

Got another question? No worries — just get in touch, I’m happy to help.


What my clients say —

Nuria, Crouch End

“Before seeing Sophie, I was exhausted, low, and stuck in a cycle of fatigue and hormonal imbalance. With her compassionate, nurturing care and acupuncture, my aches disappeared, my energy returned, and I had my first pain-free period in years. I’d lost myself in the stress of perimenopause — but Sophie helped me feel like me again. Eternally grateful.”

Charles, Hackney

“Sophie treated me for pain related to sciatica from an old sports injury. The treatment was excellent, the pain was relieved very quickly and the muscle tension and spasms that caused it are very rare now.”

Nicole, Hampstead

“Just started going to Moon for fertility acupuncture and am really enjoying it! Moon Clinic is lovely and Sophie is WONDERFUL. Very nice to have a local space where women of all stages can come together to give and receive support, healing & love.”

Victoria, Stoke Newington

“I’ve been having acupuncture with Sophie for menopause support, and my wellbeing has improved hugely. I’m now sleeping well for the first time in years, my energy is back, I’m exercising regularly, and my hot flushes have subsided so much they’re no longer a problem.”