Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture
Is acupuncture safe?
The practice of acupuncture is safe when performed by a qualified practitioner that has a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, and that follows hygiene and safety standards. All needles used in clinic are single-use, sterile and have an expiry date. All other equipment such as cups and gua sha tools are cleaned and disinfected after each use.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and most people feel minimal sensation. Some people report a sense of warmth once the needles are inserted. This is qi moving. Some points located near tendons and ligaments between around the feet and hands can sometimes be felt a bit more than other fleshier areas but the sensation settles very quickly. I always work with your feedback and will Most people find treatments deeply relaxing.
Does acupuncture really work?
Chinese medicine and acupuncture have been practiced for thousands of years, successfully passed the test of time through many Chinese dynasties and continue to be used around the world today with the numbers growing every year in the UK. Alongside this long history, the evidence-based body of scientific research also continues to grow. If you’d like to learn more, the British Acupuncture Council (BAaC), the UK’s leading professional and self-regulatory organisation for acupuncturists, provides information on current research. You can explore here: https://acupuncture.org.uk/about-acupuncture/acupuncture-research/
My promise isn’t to cure anything, but to take the time to listen, to care and to bring the knowledge and experience I have to support you as best as I can. Every person is different, every story is unique, and my aim is to work with you individually and find the most suitable approach for your health and wellbeing.
Why didn't acupuncture work for me before?
Classical Chinese Medicine
What is Classical Chinese Medicine?
How is Classical Chinese Medicine different to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
What lineage do I follow?
My practice is rooted in the teachings of Jeffrey Yuen, a Daoist master and lineage holder of 88 generations, transmitted through direct study with Ann Cecil-Sterman, one of his senior students.
Lineage-based teachings enable direct transmission, and provide a deeper feeling of the medicine.
How I work
Meeting you where you are
I take the time to build a clear picture of the present moment and understand how you got here. Symptoms help to understand how something manifests, but the idea is to identify the root and explore how it has led to today. This is the purpose of the initial consultation. It is a space of trust, vulnerability, compassion and active listening.
Allowing change to unfold
Treatment evolves as your body responds, working at a pace that feels manageable and sustainable. Like my teacher says, a patient is patient and a practitioner practices.
An individual approach, not protocol-driven
Each treatment is shaped by how you present on the day. There is no standard formula.
A collaborative process
Treatment is not something that is “done to you”. Your feedback, experience, and how your body responds all shape the process. Over time, this helps build a clearer understanding of what supports your health.
Concerns I can provide support for
Acute, chronic or unexplained pain
Stress, depression, anxiety
Fatigue, chronic, burnout
Sleep issues
Digestive issues
Menstrual issues, perimenopause, menopause
Fertility issues
Chronic degenerative diseases
You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting—treatment begins from where you are.
Your sessions
First session: Initial consultation and treatment
I take the time to build a clear picture of the present moment and understand how you got here. Symptoms help to understand how something manifests, but the idea is to identify the root and explore how it has led to today. This is the purpose of the initial consultation. It is a space of trust, vulnerability, compassion and active listening.
Second session and follow ups
Every follow up session will assess how you've received the treatment, how things have evolved and treat accordingly. Every treatment is unique to you. Ultimately, we are always working with the present moment while taking into consideration the past and how we got here.
How many sessions will I need?
Every person is different, and your treatment plan will evolve with you. Acute issues may improve within 1–3 sessions, while longer-standing or more complex concerns can take more time. We’ll assess at each session how things evolve so that your treatment continues to meet your needs.
If we haven’t seen meaningful progress after around six sessions, I’ll discuss this with you honestly and, where appropriate, refer you to a trusted colleague who may be better suited to help. I believe your time, trust and money are valuable, and I want you to feel confident that the treatment you receive is right for you.
You don’t need to wait until something feels wrong to come for treatment, either. Some people choose acupuncture as part of their ongoing self-care routine, to support their general wellbeing. Others enjoy seasonal treatments as a way to pause, reconnect with themselves or as a preventative measure as they move through the changing seasons.
When will I see results?
What will I feel?
Safety & suitability
Who should not have acupuncture?
Are there any contraindications?
Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?
Massage Therapy
What type of massage do I offer?
Can a gentler massage still be effective?
Can therapeutic massage help with injuries?
How often should I get a massage?
How long do the effects of a massage last for?
Practical questions
What does Sundari mean?
Sundari is the spiritual name i was given by a Hindu priest at the Sivananda ashram in Kerala in one of my stays there. Sundari means 'beautiful' in modern Hindu but mainly refers to the Hindu Goddess Tripura Sundari.
How do I book an appointment?
- SE London: at https://www.andosteo.co.uk/ or call their reception 020 8176 8997
- Brighton: via the booking system or through ClassPass
- Worthing: by email at hello@sundaritherapies.com or through ClassPass
What should I do before an appointment?
- Make sure you have a light meal beforehand. Please do not come on an empty stomach
- Avoid alcohol, drugs or heavy exertion before or after the session
- Wear comfortable clothing