About me

Christine Hutchinson Lic.Ac, MBAcC (Member of the British Acupuncture Council) Licensed Acupuncturist

I am passionate about Classical Five Element Acupuncture. It has the ability to help people seeking treatment for both emotional and physical symptoms. Patients have reported that acupuncture treatment has completely changed their lives.

I trained at The Acupuncture Academy in Leamington Spa, where I graduated with distinction. I have since qualified as a Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner. I have undertaken extensive postgraduate studies with Jeffrey Yuen, Ann Cecil Sterman, Stephen Birch, Nora Franglen, and Jong Baik,and continue to attend seminars and workshops on a variety of subjects.

As a fully qualified and insured member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) I hold full professional indemnity and public liability insurance cover.

What to expect when you come for treatment

The initial treatment lasts approximately an hour and a half. It will include a consultation covering your family history, lifestyle, systems functions (eg. sleep, appetite) and full details of your current complaint/s. It will also cover any tests or investigations that you have had. You may discuss in confidence any concerns or troubles you are dealing with. There will then be some short non-invasive physical diagnostic tests. This is then followed by your first treatment. Subsequent appointments take 45-60 minutes, and include discussion of your progress and your treatment to date.

What does it feel like?

Patients often ask if acupuncture is painful. The needles are flexible and about as thick as two human hairs. There is usually only a very slight sensation. Sometimes patients also feel a dull ache on the acupuncture point. This sensation only lasts for a few seconds and is generally not considered to be uncomfortable. Many find acupuncture relaxing and feel very calm during and after a treatment. You may also feel a little tired or sleepy. If possible, try to arrange a relatively restful and quiet day, especially for your first treatment.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments currently on offer in the UK. In fact, in 2011 and 2012 studies concluded that there is an extremely low risk of an adverse event.  Any minor side effects that do occur, such as dizziness or bruising around needle points, are infrequent, mild and self-correcting. To see more information regarding the safety of acupuncture please visit the British Acupuncture Council’s website.

Mimram Acupuncture Clinic is licensed by North Somerset Council

Could acupuncture help me?

Many patients come for acupuncture for help with specific pain, eg. Back pain or migraine. Some have more general health issues and often have no conventional diagnosis. Others have acupuncture as a preventative measure to help maintain good health or to improve their general sense of wellbeing.

Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages. It is safe throughout pregnancy and can be used effectively alongside mainstream medicine. Many people return to acupuncture again and again because they find it relaxing and beneficial. For more information and the latest research please visit the British Acupuncture Council
website: ​https://www.acupuncture.org.uk/

You may be able to reclaim your treatment costs from your health insurance company. Please click the link to find out which insurance companies are working with BAcC https://acupuncture.org.uk/about-acupuncture/private-healthcare/

You will be asked to pay for treatment and will be issued with a receipt so that you can reclaim.

Fees are as follows:

Initial consultation: £85

Follow-up treatment £65

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine aims to restore the balance, strengthen the body and promote self-healing. Herbal medicine can either be used alone or can be combined with acupuncture. It can have a powerful healing effect, especially when this is combined with nutrition and lifestyle changes.

The initial consultation will be either in-person or online via a video call. It will last about an hour and will look at your current issues and health history.

Treatment

A herbal formula will be designed especially for you based on your individual diagnosis. This will consist of a few high quality raw herbs packaged in individual dosages. Instructions as to how to prepare them simply at home will be provided. Treatment is monitored closely and the formula is modified as required as treatment progresses. Herbs can either be collected from the clinic or can be posted to you.

Support

We will meet weekly or fortnightly to assess the progress of treatment and to adjust the formula if necessary. Follow-up consultations usually last for around thirty minutes. If you have any concerns you don’t need to wait until the next consultation, you can contact me via email.

Fees are as follows:

Initial consulation £85

Follow up consultation £55

Chinese Herbal Medicine (bespoke formula of dry herbs):  £40 – £65 per week. This will depend on the form of the remedy (e.g. whole herbs, ground herbs, concentrated extracts) and will be quoted during the Initial consultation

If herbal medicine is combined with acupuncture, only the acupuncture consultation fees will apply, together with the cost of the herbal formula as above.