📌 This blog gives a flavour of a typical day in my clinic. While all the scenarios are inspired by real cases, they are composite examples – created to reflect the range of conditions I treat, without using any individual patient’s notes or personal details.
At Stratford Acupuncture, I often see 7 to 8 patients a day – each with their own story, needs, and goals. From fertility support to migraines, anxiety to chronic pain, every session is deeply personalised.
Here’s what a full day might look like, including one of my favourite parts: welcoming a brand new patient into the clinic.
☀️ 8:30 am – Opening Up the Clinic
Before patients arrive, I set the tone for the day. I warm the room, switch on soft lighting, prepare fresh linen and review notes. This is quiet time allows time to ground myself and prepare before a day of holding space for others.
🌿 9:00 am – New Patient Appointment (90 Minutes)
A first visit is always longer – around 90 minutes – because I like to take the time to really understand what’s going on. Today I’m welcoming a woman in her early 40s struggling with chronic IBS symptoms and underlying anxiety.
We start with a full consultation:
- Full medical History/ Family Medical History
- Digestive history: bloating, alternating constipation/diarrhoea, and food sensitivities
- Triggers: stress, travel, hormonal changes
- Sleep, energy levels, mood, menstrual cycle
- Emotional landscape – she feels anxious, “on edge,” and mentally tired
- Diet, lifestyle, previous medical investigations
- Home Life/Family
- Work
I use Five Element diagnostics – including pulse, tongue, colour, and voice – to build a picture of her overall constitution and energetic imbalances. In her case, I’ll be concentrating on her Earth as it looks like a combination of Spleen deficiency (digestive weakness) but also Liver Qi stagnation (tension and frustration), and underlying anxiety that disrupts her gut-brain connection.
I explain the treatment plan, the focus of today, and what to expect over the next few weeks.
Then we begin a gentle acupuncture session focused on calming the nervous system, supporting the digestive organs, and encouraging emotional release.
She leaves saying she feels “lighter and more centred.”
She’s hopeful about finally getting on top of these symptoms.
🧘 11.00 am – Hormone Balancing
A returning patient with menopausal symptoms – hot flushes, poor sleep, and mood swings.
Over the last month, her flushes have eased and she’s sleeping through more nights. Some anxiety creeping back in the mornings. Today’s focus is nourishing Yin and calming the Heart.
🗒️ 12.00 pm – Teenage Anxiety
This young patient is battling anxiety and panic attacks. She’s recently come off medication and is looking for a more holistic support. I use gentle points to calm the nervous system and strengthen but ground her core energy. This helps create a sense of safety and emotional stability.
🍲 1.00 pm – Lunch & Reset
Lunch is usually quick and warming – a soup or rice bowl.
I check messages, reply to patient follow-ups, and mentally reset for the afternoon ahead.
🌱 2:00 pm – IVF Support Session
Today’s patient has just had a frozen embryo transfer. We’re focusing on gentle support and holding to promote implantation. This includes calming the uterus, improving blood flow, reducing stress, and nourishing the body to hold and receive.
🌼 3.00 pm – Chronic Pain
A regular patient with fibromyalgia and digestive issues. We’ve been working together for months and her flare-ups are much less frequent. Today’s treatment is focused on pain relief, digestive support, and emotional wellbeing. I use a mix of body points and Auricular Acupuncture to help reduce the symptoms and aid a restful sleep.
🧖 4.00 pm – Facial Acupuncture & Rejuvenation
This client comes monthly for facial acupuncture, gua sha, and red light therapy. As well as the cosmetic benefits, she loves the deep relaxation and the sense of calm that stays with her for days.
☕ 5.30 pm – Quick Reset
I grab a tea and have a little breather before my final patient.
🌙 6.00 pm – Digestive Issues & Fatigue
A man in his 50s struggling with bloating, IBS, and exhaustion. We’re working on gut health, Liver and Spleen function, and helping him sleep better. After treatment, he says his stomach feels “calm for the first time in weeks.”
✨ 7.00 pm – Closing the Day
I tidy the clinic, write up notes, check in on a patient in her two-week wait after her transfer, and take a moment to reflect on my day.
It’s a full on – but always a privilege.
💬 What My Patients Say
“I came in feeling completely overwhelmed, and left feeling like I could breathe again.”
“I didn’t expect to cry, but it was a release I didn’t know I needed.”
“This isn’t just needles – it’s holistic care at a deep level.”
📍 Stratford Acupuncture is based in Stratford-upon-Avon and fully registered with the British Acupuncture Council.
📍If you have any questions or would like to book a session, I’d love to help! Get in touch with Stratford Acupuncture to start your journey to better health.
📍Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey, dealing with burnout, suffering with chronic pain or feeling disconnected from yourself – you’re warmly welcome here.