Nest Clinic - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

At Nest Clinic, every treatment is tailored to you. Whether you’re new to holistic therapies or already familiar with acupuncture and massage, we want you to feel informed, comfortable and supported.

General

What happens at my first appointment?
Your first appointment includes a consultation where we’ll talk about your health, lifestyle, concerns and what you’d like support with. Your practitioner will then recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
Do I need to know which treatment I need?
Not at all. If you’re unsure where to start, we can discuss your needs and help you choose the most appropriate approach.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing and, where possible, eat a light meal beforehand. Please let us know about any medication, health conditions, recent procedures or other relevant circumstances before treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
Everyone is different. Some people benefit from occasional treatments, while others choose a course of care. We’ll discuss what may be appropriate for you.
Can I combine different treatments?
Yes. Where appropriate, treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion, massage and cupping can be combined to create a personalised treatment.

Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles placed at specific points on the body. Your treatment is tailored to your individual needs.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles are extremely fine, and most people find acupuncture comfortable. You may feel a brief prick, tingling, warmth or a gentle aching sensation.
Are acupuncture needles sterile?
Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles which are safely disposed of after every treatment.
Can I have acupuncture during pregnancy?
Acupuncture may be suitable during pregnancy, but treatment needs to be adapted. Please let us know if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before your appointment.

Moxibustion

What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion, or moxi, is a traditional therapy using gentle heat from the dried Herb mugwort. It is sometimes used within an acupuncture session or taught to be used as home care depending on your Chinese medicine diagnosis.
Does moxi hurt?
Moxibustion should feel comfortably warm rather than painful. Your practitioner will carefully monitor the heat throughout treatment.
Does moxibustion involve needles?
Not necessarily. Moxi can be used with acupuncture or independently, depending on your treatment plan.
Does moxi create smoke?
Traditional moxibustion can produce smoke and a distinctive herbal aroma. If you have any sensitivities or concerns, please let us know before treatment.

Fertility Support

How can Nest Clinic support my fertility journey?
Fertility support is personalised to you and may include acupuncture, moxibustion and other complementary treatments alongside lifestyle and wellbeing support.
Can I have acupuncture alongside IVF?
Acupuncture may be used as complementary support during IVF and other assisted fertility treatments. We’ll tailor your treatment around your individual circumstances and fertility treatment schedule.
Can I have treatment while taking fertility medication?
Yes, acupuncture is supportive and often recommended by fertility clinics when you are having IVF.
Can my partner receive fertility support?
Yes. Fertility is a shared journey, and complementary support may be appropriate for either partner.

Cupping

What is cupping?
Cupping uses cups placed on the skin to create gentle suction. It is a traditional treatment that can be incorporated into a personalised treatment plan. Most people find it very relaxing and often fall asleep during a session.
Does cupping hurt?
You may feel pulling or pressure as the cups are applied, but treatment should remain comfortable. Your practitioner can adjust the intensity at any time.
Will cupping leave marks?
Cupping can leave temporary circular marks on the skin. These vary in colour and usually fade naturally over several days. It is advised not to sunbathe or use sun beds whilst the marks are present.
What is fire cupping?
Fire cupping uses a brief flame to create a vacuum inside a glass cup before it is placed on the skin. The technique is performed carefully by the practitioner.
Can I have cupping during pregnancy?
Cupping may need to be adapted or avoided during pregnancy. Please let us know if you are pregnant before your appointment.

Facial Treatments

What facial treatments do you offer?
Our facial treatments include holistic approaches such as facial acupuncture and facial reflexology, designed to support relaxation and overall wellbeing.
What is facial acupuncture?
Facial acupuncture uses very fine needles at selected points on the face and, where appropriate, other areas of the body.
Can facial acupuncture bruise?
There is a small possibility of minor bruising, particularly on the face. Your practitioner will take care to minimise this risk.
What is facial reflexology?
Facial reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive treatment using massage and pressure techniques across the face.
Do all facial treatments involve needles?
No. Facial reflexology is completely non-invasive, while facial acupuncture uses very fine needles.

Reflexology

What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a relaxing treatment using gentle pressure and massage techniques, most commonly applied to the feet.
Does reflexology hurt?
It should feel comfortable and relaxing. Some areas may feel more sensitive than others, and your practitioner will adjust the pressure to suit you.
Can I have reflexology during pregnancy?
Pregnancy should always be discussed when booking so your practitioner can determine whether the treatment is appropriate and make any necessary adaptations.

Massage & Tui Na

What types of massage do you offer?
Our massage treatments are tailored to your needs and may include relaxing, therapeutic, pregnancy-supportive and traditional Tui Na techniques.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na is a traditional Chinese therapeutic massage using techniques such as pressure, rolling, stretching and massage to create a more targeted treatment.
Is Tui Na painful?
Some techniques can feel more intense than a relaxing massage, but treatment should always remain within your comfort level.
Can I choose how much pressure is used?
Absolutely. Your comfort is important, and you can ask your practitioner to increase or reduce the pressure at any time.
Can I have a massage during pregnancy?
Pregnancy massage requires specific positioning and adaptations. Please tell us when booking if you are pregnant so we can ensure the appropriate treatment is provided. We recommend Pregnancy massage after the first trimester.
Will I need to undress?
Only as much as necessary for your treatment. You will remain appropriately covered throughout your appointment, and your practitioner will explain what is required beforehand.

After Your Treatment

How might I feel afterwards?
Everyone responds differently. You may feel relaxed, calm or pleasantly tired. Some treatments may also cause temporary tenderness or leave marks, such as with cupping.
Can I go back to work after treatment?
Usually, yes. However, you may prefer to allow yourself some quiet time afterwards, particularly following a deeply relaxing treatment.
Can I exercise after treatment?
This depends on the treatment. Your practitioner may recommend taking it easy for the remainder of the day, particularly following cupping or deeper holistic treatments.

Your Safety

Are holistic treatments suitable for everyone?

Not every treatment is suitable for every person. We’ll always consider your individual circumstances and adapt or postpone treatment where necessary.

Please tell us if you are pregnant, undergoing fertility treatment, taking medication that affects bleeding, recovering from surgery or have any significant health concerns.

Are your treatments a replacement for medical care?
No. Our treatments are complementary and are intended to sit alongside appropriate medical care. We encourage you to continue working with your GP, consultant, fertility specialist or other healthcare professional where appropriate.