Meet Vicky
My name is Vicky Appleton, I am a fully qualified traditional acupuncturist working from a quiet and relaxing clinic in Chapel Allerton, North Leeds.
I trained at the Acupuncture Academy in Leamington Spa where I gained a Distinction in their Professional Licentiate in Acupuncture – a three year degree level qualification accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board. My training was comprehensive and covered all aspects of traditional Chinese acupuncture theory, anatomy, biomedicine, and clinical skills with a focus on Five Element Acupuncture. This means I treat the body as a whole and aim to get to the root cause, rather than just alleviating symptoms temporarily.
I have always been interested in complementary therapies and acupuncture appealed to me due to its holistic approach and the belief that it can promote the body’s ability to heal itself without the use of medications, which often cause unwanted side effects. After experiencing the benefits of acupuncture myself I decided to change career and retrain to become an acupuncturist so that I could help others in achieving better health and wellbeing.
Acupuncture initially helped me when I was experiencing a period of ill health, my immune system was rock bottom and I was constantly getting ill, acupuncture helped to bring my health back into balance and reduce my stress levels which were no doubt affecting my immunity. Later, I sought out acupuncture to help me with fertility and subsequent IVF treatment, acupuncture along with the support from my acupuncturist through this period of my life was invaluable and I believe it helped me achieve my dream of having a baby. Fertility is an area I have special interest and knowledge in and I want to help others achieve their desire to be parents.
I am passionate about helping my patients regain optimal health and wellbeing, treating both mind and body with acupuncture as well as other complimentary techniques such as moxibustion, cupping therapy, auricular acupuncture and gua sha where appropriate.
I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council and hold full public liability insurance. As a member of the British Acupuncture Council I practice in accordance with their strict code of practice and ethics. I’m also registered with the Professional Standards Authority.
My clinic is based at the Physiomedicare clinic (previously Balance Natural Health) in Chapel Allerton and is fully licenced by Leeds City Council.
Acupuncture appointments are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Please get in touch to book an appointment or to discuss any queries you might have about how acupuncture can help you.
Email: acupuncture@vickyappleton.co.uk Or Call: 07771887326
About Acupuncture
You can find out more about Traditional Acupuncture in the video below provided by the British Acupuncture Council:
Acupuncture Safety
Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments currently on offer in the UK, in 2001 a study by the British Medical Journal concluded that the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. Any minor side effects that do occur, such as dizziness or bruising around needle points, are infrequent, mild and self-correcting. To see more information regarding the safety of acupuncture please visit the British Acupuncture Council’s website.
What can acupuncture treat?
Five Element Acupuncture
My training covered all aspects of Traditional Chinese acupuncture theory with a focus on a style of acupuncture known as Five Element Acupuncture.
Five Element Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Acupuncture that takes a holistic approach to health and wellness. It is based on the idea that everything in the universe is made up of five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element is associated to different aspects of human life, such as emotions, organs, seasons, and more.
The theory is that imbalances in the flow of energy in one element can impact the functioning of other elements and lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual issues.
We have all five elements within us, but one element will be our dominant energy type. I identify imbalances in a person’s life, to inform my treatment plan, for example, an excess of Wood (related to the Liver and Gall Bladder in Chinese Medicine) energy might lead to feelings of anger and frustration, while a deficiency of Earth energy might cause digestive problems or a lack of grounding.
To balance the elements, we insert needles into specific acupuncture points. The selection and combination of these points is tailored to each individual, taking into account your unique needs and symptoms. The aim is to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit, leading to improved health and well-being.
Five Element Acupuncture uses a holistic approach to treat the whole person, not just their physical symptoms. It looks at the interconnections between the five elements to restore balance and promote health and wellness.
Additional Treatments
In addition to Traditional Acupuncture, I am also trained in the following treatments which I may incorporate alongside your acupuncture treatment:
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of therapy that involves the burning of a herb called moxa (mugwort) over acupuncture points to stimulate the points and meridians. The moxa is placed either directly on the skin or held just above it, over specific acupuncture points or meridians. The herb is lit and as it slowly smoulders, heat permeates the skin and affects the flow of energy and blood in the area being treated.
During direct moxibustion I mould the moxa into tiny cones and place them directly onto the body before lighting. The lit moxa cone is carefully removed before it burns down to the skin.
I love to needle with moxa, as it brings warmth and healing throughout the meridians.
Cupping
Cupping therapy is commonly used in Chinese medicine. It involves the placement of cups on the skin to create suction, thereby increasing blood circulation to the area(s) of treatment. It is often used in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and for relieving muscle tension – notably lower back pain and neck pain. It is also considered useful in the treatment of digestive issues, skin complaints, and other conditions commonly treated with acupuncture. Cupping may also improve overall blood flow and circulation, and promote cell repair.
Cupping is implemented using glass cups that are rounded like balls and open on one end.
I offer cupping therapy either on its own or as part of your acupuncture treatment when it is appropriate to do so and at no extra cost.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a scraping technique that involves using a smooth edged tool to scrape the skin in a specific way, with the intention of promoting blood flow and releasing tension in the muscles. It is often used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, headaches, and muscle stiffness.
Gua sha can also be used as a standalone treatment or alongside acupuncture. When used together, gua sha and acupuncture can complement each other and enhance their therapeutic effects.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture is a form of acupuncture that involves stimulating specific points on the ear with tiny needles or other techniques, such as ear seeds.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the ear contains a microsystem that reflects the entire body, meaning that different parts of the ear correspond to different parts of the body. By stimulating these specific points on the ear, auricular acupuncture is thought to help balance the flow of energy throughout the body and promote healing.
Auricular acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, addiction, anxiety, and digestive issues. I often use auricular acupuncture as part of your treatment.
Tui Na
Tui na is a hands-on body treatment that aims to bring the eight principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into balance. Techniques may be used such as brushing, kneading, rolling, pressing, and rubbing the areas between each of the joints to attempt to open the body’s defensive qi and get the energy moving in the meridians and the muscles.
Tui na can be used as a standalone treatment but is more commonly used as an adjunct to acupuncture.
Appointments and Prices
Consultation and first treatment – £65
(1.5 to 2 hours)
Acupuncture Treatment – £48
(45 mins to 1 hour)
What to expect:
Your initial visit will take between 1.5 to 2 hours and will consist of a consultation covering your current and past health, lifestyle, family medical history, general wellbeing and full details of your current complaint/s including any tests or investigations that you have had. You will also have the opportunity to discuss in complete confidence any concerns or troubles you may currently be dealing with.
I will then carry out some non-invasive physical diagnostic tests including blood pressure, temperature distribution and pulse taking. This information will enable me to design an individual treatment plan tailored to your needs. In most cases, aside from the most complex, this is then followed by your first treatment. Subsequent appointments take up to one hour, and include discussion of your progress and your treatment to date.
Acupuncture needles are either inserted for just a second or two, or you may be left to rest for a while before the needles are removed. The needles are so fine that most people don’t feel them being inserted however it is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache. Many people feel deeply relaxed during the treatment.
Normally, people will have a course of treatment. Weekly sessions are quite usual to begin with, for perhaps five or six treatments, reducing in frequency as your body responds.
Health Insurance
Many private Health Insurance companies provide cover for acupuncture treatments provided by members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). All private health insurers included on this BAcC list offer some form of insurance cover for acupuncture treatment, so you may be able to claim back some or all of your treatment costs.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel or change your appointment please endeavour to give 48 hours notice of your scheduled treatment date. Appointments cancelled within less than 24 hours notice will be charged at 50% of the total treatment price.
Appointment Times
Monday 9am – 8pm
Weds 9am – 8pm
Friday 9am – 5pm
(other times may be available upon request)
Clinic Address
Suite 5D
Gledhow Mount Mansion
32 Roxholme Grove
Chapel Allerton
Leeds LS7 4JJ
There is ample free parking directly outside the clinic.
