Mission
Making acupuncture accessible to Cheltenham residents and the wider community through the delivery of affordable treatments in a multibed environment.
Cheltenham Affordable Acupuncture
Community multibed clinic
What is Traditional Acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture is a holistic therapy based on the understanding that the physical, emotional and mental aspect of life are interdependent. It focuses on treating the whole individual rather than on a particular sign or symptom in isolation.
Traditional acupuncture is based on the 2000-year-old Oriental principle that a life-force known as Qi, runs through every living thing. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors, including emotions, injury, age, lifestyle and even the weather. The practitioner uses the painless insertion of fine sterile needles to help regulate Qi and stimulate the body’s own healing properties. The theoretical knowledge of Chinese medicine guides the diagnosis, selection of points diagnosis and treatment plan.
How can acupuncture help?
Clinical practice and clinical studies have shown acupuncture’s effectiveness in helping a wide range of physical, mental and emotional conditions, including the following:
- Mental and emotional issues such as anxiety, stress, insomnia and depression
- Musculoskeletal complaints
- Gynaecological issues
- Male and female infertility,
- Pregnancy and post-natal support
- Skin conditions
- Circulation problems
- Digestive problems
- Respiratory disorders
- Urogenital problems
- Neurological Conditions
- Support during cancer treatments
The British Acupuncture Council provides extensive research reports and information about the efficacy of acupuncture, explaining how treatment might be effective for you. Click here to find out more.
What is a mutibed clinic and how does it work?
Based on the far eastern clinical model, a ‘multibed’ acupuncture clinic is one where several people are treated together, in one large open plan room with room dividers separating the beds for privacy.
On arrival you will be directly to your treatment bed. I will have a brief chat with you and do a mini consultation then insert the needles. It takes 20-45 minutes for acupuncture needles to do their work, so I’ll leave you to relax into the treatment and move on to another patient nearby. I will frequently return to your bedside to check on you.
You are never alone in the room; I will be only a few feet away should you need anything.
Who can attend?
Cheltenham Affordable Acupuncture is for adults and young people of all genders, aged 15 and above. I work with a wide range of clinical conditions by addressing the physical, mental and emotional aspects of health with a special interest in those living with life limiting condition’s and cancer. The clinic is held on the ground floor with wheelchair access. As I aim to be as inclusive as possible, please contact me if you have additional needs.
What to expect from your treatment
Initial Consultation
Upon booking your initial consultation you will be sent a health questionnaire to complete. This comprises a series of in-depth questions about your health, lifestyle and family history. These questions may seem unrelated to your complaint however in Chinese medicine terms everything is connected, so these questions help me build a complete picture of your health and wellbeing. Allow around 30 minutes to complete the form.
Once the form is completed a video or telephone consultation will be scheduled. This allows us private, 1:1 time to discuss your health history and the reasons you are coming for treatment. Video consultations are ideal as I will look at your tongue, skin, nails and hair. However, the telephone is an option for those that don’t have video access as I can do the physical examination when I see you face to face. Allow 30 – 45 minutes for this consultation.
I then go away, review your information and make a diagnosis based on Chinese medicine philosophy. I do some research and develop a treatment plan accordingly.
Followup Consultations
Subsequent sessions are conducted in the multi bed clinic. I will feel your pulses, look at your tongue and ask any relevant questions. Next, you will be asked to get on the treatment couch, and I will insert the needles and leave you to relax. I will continue to return to your bedside to check in with you and remove or add needles throughout the session. You are likely to be given some take home diet and lifestyle advice.
FAQ
Steps are taken to ensure high quality patient care: couches are separated by screens for privacy and mostly points on the arms and legs are used, so trousers and sleeves can be rolled up and other clothing moved to the side. However, being treated in a group environment can impact privacy, so I do suggest bringing a blanket or gown to cover yourself if other points on the body are used.
A treatment plan normally consists of a weekly treatment for 4 – 6 weeks. However, acute conditions may resolve more rapidly while chronic conditions are likely to require a longer course. Some people choose to have regular treatments, ongoing, to maintain overall wellbeing.
Please wear comfortable, loose clothes that allow your sleeves and trouser legs to be rolled up and shoes that are easily removed. For warmth and comfort you may like to bring a blanket and/or gown to cover yourself.
Address
Essential Space
Alleyne Lodge
Knapp Road
Cheltenham, GL50 3QH
Download Directions
For further information contact:
Kallika Bruce
Phone: 07518 678 032
Get in touch
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Hours
Monday 1pm – 5pm
Please allow 45 min – 1 hour for your appointment
Rates
The clinic operates on a sliding scale model: you choose how much to pay This allows as many people as possible to receive acupuncture, for as long as they need or want it.
£40
Sponsor
for those who are financially secure and can afford treatment.
£35
Standard
for those who have some financial struggle but manage to make ends meet.
£25
Supported
for those who struggle to make ends meet.
Meet your Practitioner
Kallika Fiona Bruce
BSc Hons; Lic Ac.
Hi, I’m Kallika, a licenced acupuncturist and clinical complementary therapist. I work in an integrated way, utilising the breadth of my skills and training to treat both your symptoms and their root cause. By combining Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture and Japanese Acupuncture I can create a treatment plan that focuses on integrating your body, mind and spirit. The treatments are also influenced by my extensive experience in western holistic therapies such as reiki, flower essences, yoga and massage.
I am a fully insured and licenced acupuncturist, a member of the British Acupuncture Council and the Association of Community and Multibed Acupuncture Clinics.