Should You Choose Acupuncture Only or Combine It with Naturopathy?

If you’re considering booking a session but unsure whether to opt for acupuncture only or a combined naturopathic and acupuncture consultation, you’re not alone.

Many of my clients ask this very question - and the answer depends on what your body and mind most need right now.

As a practitioner, I offer two distinct paths to support your wellbeing:

• Acupuncture Only: Best for hands-on relief from pain, tension, headaches and stress.

• Acupuncture & Naturopathy: Ideal for deeper support with ongoing fatigue, hormonal imbalances, digestive concerns and more complex or chronic issues.

Let’s explore what each option offers - and how to know which is right for you.

The Benefits of Acupuncture Only

If you’re seeking immediate relief from physical symptoms like muscular tension or tension headaches, acupuncture can offer gentle yet powerful support.

These sessions begin with a focused health questionnaire designed to identify imbalances from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective and uncover potential causes of pain or stress.

During your first appointment, if you're experiencing musculoskeletal pain, we’ll also do a body scan and simple physical tests to pinpoint the source.

You’ll then receive a tailored acupuncture treatment, with a discussion about how many sessions might be beneficial to achieve your goals.

Best for:

• Tension Headaches

• Muscle tension and pain

• Sleep difficulties

Initial session: 60 mins
Follow-up: 45 mins

The Benefits of Combined Naturopathy & Acupuncture

For those dealing with more complex or ongoing health issues - like low energy, hormonal symptoms, or persistent complaints - a combined approach offers a more holistic path to healing.

These sessions begin with a comprehensive health questionnaire that explores each body system through both a functional medicine and TCM lens. Your first consultation includes an in-depth interview to get a full picture of your health history, current symptoms and lifestyle.

You’ll then receive a personalised acupuncture treatment, followed by a detailed naturopathic plan.

The plan will consist of a structured, clear and compassionate approach, delivered in stages that are practical, realistic and manageable.

I often designed these plans in a phased approach, so you're never taking on more than you can manage.

At each follow-up, we’ll adapt your plan based on how you're progressing through the recommendations. This includes ongoing coaching and support, plus regular reviews of your lifestyle, supplements and diet to ensure everything is aligned with your healing goals.

This integrated approach allows us to work on root causes and build a long-term strategy for wellbeing - not just symptom relief.

Best for:

• Fatigue and burnout

• Hormonal imbalances (e.g. PMS, perimenopause)

• Digestive concerns (e.g. bloating, IBS)

• Mood, sleep or immune issues

• Migraines

• Stress & Anxiety

Initial session: 90 mins
Follow-up: 60 mins

Not Sure Which to Choose?

If you’re feeling unsure, feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to chat and help you decide what would be most useful based on your current needs.

Some clients start with acupuncture only, then move into combined support later. Others prefer a full naturopathic approach from the beginning. There is no one-size-fits-all - just what feels right for you.

Wherever you’re at in your journey, I’m here to support you with care, clarity and compassion.

Warmly,
Sarah