Medical Acupuncture in St Ives
Nurse-led medical acupuncture with Andrea, offered through her specialist service Pulse Point Acupuncture, to support menopause symptoms, sleep, anxiety and everyday aches.
- Appointment
- Around 45 to 60 minutes
- Sessions
- Usually a short course, then a review with Andrea
- Approach
- Alongside, never instead of, your GP care
- Downtime
- None
Acupuncture with an experienced nurse
Medical acupuncture at Avismo is provided by Andrea, a registered nurse with more than 40 years of clinical experience across dermatology, midwifery, research nursing, practice nursing and cancer care. She offers acupuncture through her specialist service, Pulse Point Acupuncture, and brings a calm, holistic approach alongside a thorough medical background.
Medical acupuncture involves placing very fine, sterile, single-use needles at specific points on the body. It is used within a conventional healthcare framework, based on an understanding of anatomy and how the nervous system responds, and it sits alongside the care you receive from your GP rather than replacing it.
Because Andrea is a nurse, your first session begins with a full health history. She will want to know about your symptoms, your medication and any other treatment you are having, so that acupuncture can be offered safely and tailored to you.
What people come to us for
Many of Andrea's clients come to her for support with menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and disturbed sleep. Others come for help with anxiety and stress, tension headaches, or joint and muscle discomfort. Some simply want to feel more balanced and more like themselves again.
There is growing research interest in acupuncture for some of these symptoms, and many people find it helpful, but responses vary and it does not work for everyone. We will never promise a particular outcome. Andrea will be honest with you about what acupuncture may and may not help with, and will encourage you to keep your GP involved, particularly for new, worsening or unexplained symptoms.
Andrea also has a particular interest in supporting people with some of the side effects of cancer treatment. If this applies to you, she will talk with you about timing and about keeping your oncology team informed.
How a course usually works
Acupuncture tends to work gradually. Some people notice a change after the first few sessions, while for others it takes longer. Andrea will usually suggest a short course of treatments, then review how you are feeling before deciding together whether to continue.
Most people find the sessions deeply relaxing. You rest comfortably while the needles are in place, and many clients describe feeling calm and sleepy afterwards. There is no downtime, so you can go back to your day as normal.
On the day
What happens at your appointment
- 01 Eat a light meal beforehand and avoid coming on an empty stomach
- 02 Wear loose, comfortable clothing so points on the arms and legs are easy to reach
- 03 Andrea talks through your health history, symptoms, medication and goals
- 04 Fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed at selected points while you rest
- 05 The needles stay in for a short time, usually while you relax quietly
- 06 The needles are removed and you have a moment to sit up slowly before you leave
Safety
What you need to know before medical acupuncture
Every treatment carries risk. Nothing here replaces the consultation, where all of this is discussed with you before you consent to anything.
Not suitable if
- Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medication, assessed individually
- Pregnancy, where some points are avoided and treatment is discussed first
- A limb affected by lymphoedema, which is not needled
- Severe needle phobia
- Unstable epilepsy or a heart condition, assessed individually
- Broken, infected or inflamed skin at the needle sites
Common and expected
- Minor bleeding or a small bruise where a needle was placed
- A brief dull ache or tingling at the point during treatment
- Feeling tired, light-headed or very relaxed afterwards
Serious risks
Serious problems with acupuncture are rare when it is given by a trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Fainting can occasionally happen, which is why you are treated lying down and asked to sit up slowly. Very rarely, a needle placed over the chest can puncture the lining of the lung, and Andrea's training and careful needle placement are designed to avoid this. Tell us straight away if you feel unwell during or after a session.
Aftercare
- Take things gently for the rest of the day if you feel tired
- Drink water and eat regularly
- Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise for a few hours after treatment
- Keep a simple note of your symptoms between sessions to help Andrea track your progress
- Keep taking any prescribed medication unless your doctor advises otherwise
- Contact us or your GP if any symptom worsens or something does not feel right
Full medical acupuncture aftercare guide · All aftercare guides
Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles are much finer than those used for injections. You may feel a brief prick, a dull ache or a tingling sensation, and most people find the sessions relaxing.
Can acupuncture help with menopause symptoms?
Many women find acupuncture helpful for symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and poor sleep, and there is research interest in this area. Everyone responds differently, so we never make promises about how you will feel. It can be used alongside HRT or other treatment from your GP.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Andrea usually suggests a short course and then reviews how you are feeling with you before deciding on next steps.
Who will treat me?
Andrea, a registered nurse with more than 40 years of clinical experience, who runs her specialist service Pulse Point Acupuncture from Avismo.
Can I have acupuncture if I am taking medication?
Usually yes, but Andrea needs to know about everything you take, especially blood thinners. Please do not stop any prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor.
How much does medical acupuncture cost?
Please get in touch or call 07958 129660 for current prices and availability.
I live in Huntingdon, St Neots or Cambridge. Is it easy to get to you?
Yes. We are at 28 Edison Road, St Ives, PE27 3LF, and many of our clients come from Huntingdon, St Neots, Cambridge and the surrounding villages. We are about 15 minutes' drive from Huntingdon and around 30 minutes from St Neots and Cambridge. You can book online or call us on 07958 129660 if you would like to talk anything through first.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give at least 48 hours notice if you need to move or cancel your appointment, so the time can be offered to someone else. Deposits and late-cancellation terms are explained when you book through our online booking system.
Your practitioner
Andrea
Registered Nurse and Medical Acupuncturist
- Registered nurse, over 40 years of experience
- NMC registered (Nursing and Midwifery Council)
- Medical acupuncture
Client reviews
Rated 5.0 on Google by 93 clients
I’ve tried laser hair removal at other places before, but this has by far been the best and most effective experience! I’ve noticed a real difference from my very first session. The space is incredibly clean and calming, and Andrea provides such a professional and thorough service, always making me feel comfortable and at ease. Highly recommend!
I felt so understood by Andrea and bonus that she has professional background of my journey. The atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable along with privacy and reassurance. I am looking forward to my next session. If anyone is considering acupuncture please come and have a chat with this team.
I have been having treatments with Karen for 8 years, she is fantastic at what she does, a complete professional. When making decisions about ‘tweakments’ you want to be sure you’re in safe hands and you absolutely would be. I have recently started my laser hair removal journey with Lorna and I cannot recommend enough, I have seen a noticeable difference from my first session. Lorna makes you feel completely comfortable and explains the whole process. Thank you dream team!
I’ve recently had a skin booster with Karen and have most definitely seen a difference. Karen has treatments to suit everyone so highly recommend her as there is absolutely no pressure. You always leave feeling good.
The team here are so fantastic. They’re so good at identifying the specific treatment plan you need, and Lorna always does the best job, I wouldn’t go anywhere else!
Had HIFU with Andrea. Felt very cared for and informed, the full face and neck treatment was administered efficiently in a relaxed environment. I would recommend and will be returning to Andrea in the future.
I had a really lovely experience at this clinic. The clinic itself is spotless, welcoming and professional, and the staff are medically trained, which gives you real confidence in the care and advice you receive. What really stood out to me was the holistic approach. Rather than focusing on one specific area or simply trying to make you look younger, the advice was centred on enhancing my natural features in a way that feels right for my age. The approach is thoughtful, personalised and genuinely rooted in medical knowledge. I felt listened to, reassured and in very safe hands. I cannot recommend this clinic enough to anyone looking for a professional, considered and natural approach to aesthetics.
Had a lovely HIFU treatment with Andrea. Very friendly and professional. Was my first cosmetic treatment and couldn't have asked for a better one. Wonderful experience.
Karen listens to concerns and the objective desired, discusses the treatment options available and their outcome, she did not just advise the most expensive! Karen made me feel at ease, I will definitely be revisiting!
Karen runs a really lovely clinic for aesthetics. I’d been wanting to give micro-needling a go for about a year and wish I hadn’t waited so long. Karen is super-professional and the procedure was not painful at all. Karen will put you at ease immediately.
Really wonderful treatment with Andrea. She explained everything so well and was very thorough and professional. The place is amazing- so lovely and clean. I will definitely be back!
I can't speak highly enough of Karen. Her care, skill, medical knowledge, and eye for the aesthetic is incredible. If you're thinking of exploring injectables, go straight to this lady.
I went through crytherapy treatment for skin tags on my face and chest area twice now with Karen. Both times the marks disappeared without a trace. The treatment is not painful at all however it could be a little unpleasant but Karen made it easier and more bearable with her professional approach and lovely personality. I will definitely recommend this place to everyone who wants professional support on affordable price.
I had the most fantastic treatment with Karen. She takes her time in explaining the treatment in detail and she makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Super professional and would highly recommend Avismo.
Karen is brilliant at what she does, fills you with confidence both during and after your treatment and always has time for your queries. It's also very comforting to know that your practitioner is a trained nurse with many years of experience behind her.
Karen takes the time to listen and understand what I want from my treatment. Her clinical experience and the compassion she has for the care of her clients fulfils the 100% trust and reassurance I look for.
I would highly recommend Karen at Avismo Aesthetics. She is very friendly, professional and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of skincare and treatments. Already booked in for my next appointment!
Not sure where to start?
Your consultation is free and there is no obligation to book anything afterwards. Tell us what you would like to change and we will talk you through the options honestly, including when the answer is to wait.