Acupuncture Surrey

16/01/2026

ONLINE BOOKING NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE PRIVATE CLINIC AT https://reigate-wellbeing-centre.uk2.cliniko.com/bookings

09/01/2026

We're back in clinic from next week!

Acupuncture can provide valuable support for people struggling with many conditions. In clinic we regularly see patients with:
- women's health and fertility issues
- digestive problems
- fatigue
- side effects from cancer treatment
- headaches
- musculoskeletal pain (shoulders, backs, knees, hips, necks, elbows)
- anxiety and depression
- chronic pain

We offer a free initial 15 minute call if you'd like to talk through your situation with an acupuncturist. If we can't help you we will tell you and signpost you to other options.

If you'd like to know more please contact Nicci on info@acupuncture-surrey.co.uk or WhatsApp on 07960 881561.

07/01/2026

WEIGHT LOSS: PART 2 - REDUCING ALCOHOL (STARTING SMALL)

As I continue sharing my 2026 weight-loss journey, I want to begin with something manageable. I’m not a heavy drinker, so significantly reducing alcohol is, for me, a relatively easy win — a way of starting small while still making a meaningful change.

Even moderate alcohol intake can have a bigger impact on weight loss than many people realise, particularly in midlife and when hormones and blood sugar regulation are already under pressure. From a Western medicine perspective, alcohol temporarily halts fat burning, can worsen insulin resistance, disrupt blood sugar balance and interfere with sleep — all important factors when weight loss is already more challenging due to PCOS and peri-menopause.

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, alcohol places extra strain on digestion and fluid metabolism. Over time, this can contribute to a sense of heaviness or sluggishness, making it harder for the body to regulate weight and energy, even when intake isn’t high.

For me, this isn’t about restriction or punishment. It’s about removing something that may be subtly getting in the way, especially during my busy work cycles when stress levels are higher.

I’m very aware that limiting alcohol is not equally easy for everyone. For some, it’s closely linked to stress, habit or emotional regulation. Acupuncture can be a helpful support here. Protocols such as the NADA protocol, particularly when combined with a clear intention to change, are well known for supporting people working with addictive patterns, and can also help with menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, hot flushes and sleep disturbance.

**Coming up next** : I’ll be looking at reducing refined sugar — another small but powerful step in supporting blood sugar balance, insulin resistance and hormonal health.

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For more information about how acupuncture can help with your weight loss journey or your health more generally please feel free to contact me on info@acupuncture-surrey.co.uk.

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Picture from a trip to Spain about 6 years go. I was pleasantly surprised how few pictures I could find of myself with a drink in my hand.

06/01/2026

**Gua sha – benefits that are more than just skin deep ✨**

Gua sha is a traditional hands-on technique from Chinese medicine that uses a smooth tool to gently scrape the skin. While it’s often talked about for the face, gua sha has long been used on the body to help improve circulation, ease tension and support the body’s natural healing processes.

A treatment usually involves applying oil to the skin and using rhythmic strokes over specific areas. It can leave temporary redness or light marks, which are a normal sign of increased blood flow and usually fade within a few days.

Gua sha can be helpful for:
• Muscle tightness and pain
• Neck, shoulder and back tension
• Improving circulation and reducing inflammation
• Stress and fatigue
• Breaking up fascial adhesions, improving mobility and flexibility
• Supporting immune function and detoxification

At Acupuncture Surrey, I often include gua sha as part of regular acupuncture treatments where it’s appropriate. It’s available in both my private and community clinics at **no extra cost** – just one of the ways I tailor treatments to support your health.

If you’re curious, feel free to get in touch on info@acupuncture-surrey.co.uk💛

04/01/2026

I'm starting a new online qigong and meditation class on Thursday 15 January. These are both methods that support physical, mental and emotional health and are an excellent compliment to other complimentary therapies like acupuncture.

The first class is free. Let me know if you'd like to give it a try!

NEW - ONLINE QIGONG & MEDITATION CLASS
Thursdays 7-8pm via Zoom, from 15 January

A wonderful way to wind down after a busy day - quieten the body and the mind! Class led by teacher with 15+ years experience.

First class is free, then £10 per class or £7 if you already attend an in person class.

Contact Nicci on twgwithnicci@gmail.com or via WhatsApp on 07960 881561.

02/01/2026

**Weight loss and Chinese Medicine: my 2026 journey (and why I’m sharing it)**

Weight has been a challenge for me for as long as I can remember. I’m currently 49¾ and very much in the peri-menopausal phase of life. I also live with PCOS (polycystic o***y syndrome) and insulin resistance, both of which can make weight management more complex.

My work is fairly active – I teach tai chi and qigong, and I’m on my feet most of the day in clinic. I enjoy walking and going to the gym, although fitting everything in can be tricky during busy periods. My working pattern is quite distinctive: six weeks “on” (full, demanding weeks with moderate to high stress), followed by two weeks “off”, when I travel, see family or explore. My sleep timing isn’t ideal – I tend to go to bed after midnight – but once asleep, I generally sleep well.

During 2024 and early 2025, I lost around 3½ stone using a very calorie-restricted diet and relatively little exercise. Since then, further weight loss has been harder, and it feels as though my metabolism isn’t responding in the same way it once did. My aim for 2026 is to lose around 10kg (about 1½ stone). I’m not chasing rapid results, but I do want to see steady, consistent movement in the right direction. I’m also realistic: insulin resistance, PCOS and hormonal changes mean this journey may be different from someone without these challenges.

**How Chinese Medicine makes sense of this picture**

In Chinese Medicine, weight is never seen in isolation. It’s viewed as part of a bigger picture that includes digestion, energy levels, hormones, stress and sleep. When the digestive system isn’t working as efficiently as it could, the body can struggle to transform food into usable energy and instead hold on to excess weight. Hormonal shifts around peri-menopause can slow things further, while ongoing stress can interfere with how smoothly the body regulates appetite, blood sugar and fat storage. Irregular sleep patterns can add another layer, making it harder for the body to reset and repair overnight.

Rather than focusing purely on calories or willpower, Chinese Medicine aims to support the body’s natural balance so that weight loss becomes more achievable and sustainable over time. Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing how I’m applying this approach to my own journey – one piece at a time – and tracking my progress honestly along the way, in inches as well as pounds.

**Coming up next**

In my next post, I’ll be starting with one very practical change: alcohol. I’ll be sharing why I’ve chosen to limit it, how alcohol can affect weight, hormones and blood sugar, and how this looks through both a Western and Chinese Medicine lens.

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Please do share a link with others who you think may be interested.

If you have specific questions for me pop them in the comments or email me on info@acupuncture-surrey.co.uk

29/12/2025

COULD ACUPUNCTURE BE THE TOOL YOU NEED TO HELP ACHIEVE YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS?

At Acupuncture Surrey we support patients with a wide range of health conditions (from hormonal to headaches, musculoskeletal pain to digestive complaints, anxiety to fertility, and more).

Acupuncture studies show it to effectively calm the nervous system, improving sleep quality and helping manage stress.

Many of our patients look forward to their visits as a little window of peace in their busy schedules.

Appointments available from as little as £30 in our community multibed clinic in Merstham.

Private appointments available in Reigate at the Reigate Wellbeing Centre Church Street.

Find out more at www.acupuncture-surrey.co.uk or email Nicci on info@acupuncture-surrey.co.uk to book a free 15 minute call or your first appointment.

29/12/2025

TAI CHI, QIGONG & MEDITATION CLASSES
Learn a new skill, improve your health and make new friends.

New term starts on Wednesday 14 January.

We have a few spaces available in our popular tai chi and qigong classes in Reigate for the new term starting on Wednesday 14 January.

We are also excited to announce a new online qigong and meditation class on Thursday evenings, starting on Thursday 15 January.

First class is free for new students.

We also run outside of class socials each term for past and present students. Come a learn a skill, improve your health and wellbeing and make friends.

For more information or to check if there is a spot for you please contact Nicci on twgwithnicci@gmail.com.

TAI CHI, QIGONG & MEDITATION CLASSES
Learn a new skill, improve your health and make new friends.

New term starts on Wednesday 14 January

We have a few spaces available in our popular tai chi and qigong classes in Reigate for the new term starting on Wednesday 14 January.

We are also excited to announce a new online qigong and meditation class on Thursday evenings, starting on Thursday 15 January.

First class is free for new students.

We also run outside of class socials each term for past and present students. Come a learn a skill, improve your health and wellbeing and make friends.

For more information or to check if there is a spot for you please contact Nicci on twgwithnicci@gmail.com.

21/12/2025

Acupuncture Surrey is on holiday. We are spending time with family in Europe and South Africa over the next few weeks.

Our community clinic reopens on 12 January and the private clinic reopens on 13 January.

Sending best wishes for your health and happiness over the festive period and please do reach out (email is best - info@acupuncture-surrey.co.uk) if you'd like to book in for the new year.

Thank you for your support
Nicola & Katie