Testimonials

IVF support

Lydia was recommended to me to support with fertility issues and she was absolutely fantastic throughout my IVF cycle. From the outset she took the time to understand my situation in depth so she could work out the appropriate course of action. All of my sessions were really enjoyable and I looked forward to my visits. Lydia has a very caring and calm manner which made me feel at ease and I left each season feeling so relaxed - exactly what I needed. She was really flexible with timings to fit with my IVF cycle, making sure we had enough sessions in the run up as well as in and around the embryo transfer date. She has amazing knowledge of all things Chinese medicine; she supported me with my diet and gave me suggestions of which foods to eat or avoid which really helped, and suggested other things which can help with fertility. Closer to my embryo transfer date she gave me some moxa to use at home to help. I started having acupuncture with Lydia after I’d had 2 unsuccessful IVF cycles. I strongly believe seeing Lydia helped make sure I was in the best place I could be both physically and mentally and my third cycle was a success!

E.Y (August 2019)

Anxiety and pregnancy

I started seeing Lydia to help me with my anxiety before I was pregnant, and enjoyed seeing her so much I continued to come for acupuncture throughout my pregnancy. I found the acupuncture helped me cope with stress, and improved my sleep, and I always looked forward to the sessions. Lydia was also a joy to visit and I really loved coming to see her. She is a very warm and calming person, and was just what I needed at a time in my life that I found quite overwhelming. This was particularly true when she really looked after me through the period of time that I went ‘overdue’ - my baby hung on right up until 42 weeks and then I was induced. Having acupuncture really helped with what looking back, was the most difficult part of my whole pregnancy (I was tired, hormonal and terrified of being induced). Lydia found time to see me several times each week, was so supportive, and made the wait much more bearable. I now really miss Lydia and the sessions, and am looking forward to coming for some postnatal acupuncture when my daughter, who is now a very healthy and happy 10 week old, lets me have an afternoon off!

K.D (June 2019)

Migraine

I had been suffering with migraine headaches for 17 years. When I came to Lydia six months ago, it was actually for help with healing a stomach ulcer contracted through prolonged use of painkillers. At that point I was experiencing migraine on a weekly basis, and had given up on finding a solution. Following a successful outcome for the ulcer, it was in a last, demoralised bid for help that I asked Lydia to attempt acupuncture for the headaches themselves. Following a course of six treatments, I am stunned to report that my migraines have disappeared. I would never have dared to believe this was possible. Where physio, osteopathy and prescribed medication had failed to help me, acupuncture succeeded.

J. C. (January 2015)

IBS, Anxiety and Insomnia

I was diagnosed with IBS many years ago and have been on a gluten-free diet for around 10 years, but over the couple of years I’ve had increasing difficulty digesting much at all. I had been seeing an NHS “specialist” for over a year and my symptoms were still getting worse. So out of desperation at not getting any results (and just getting worse) I found out about Lydia after looking for someone professional, local and qualified.

At first I was slightly skeptical, but having seen her 12 times I can’t begin to describe how different I feel now than at my first treatment. I came to Lydia with not only severe digestive problems, but difficulty with sleep, anxiety and feeling ‘run-down’ and depressed.

Although our focus has always been on improving digestive function, I believe the help Lydia has provided has had a positive impact on all aspects of my life. With practical tips on what type of foods to eat for my body type, to how to dress more warmly and take care of my body and mind as a whole. Her advice and help has been so much more useful than any doctors or specialists I’ve ever seen. While I continue a path with the specialist Lydia has at least improved my quality of daily life and made the symptoms more manageable. She is highly knowledgeable about her craft and I recommend her fully.

L. W. (April 2016)

Musculoskeletal pain and needle phobia

I have suffered with various musculoskeletal problems for many years and have had varying success with physio and sports massage. I had been recommended to try acupuncture a number of times but was extremely reluctant about it as I am very needle phobic (and have been since a young child to the extent of panic attacks before dentist appointments, blood tests etc). Firstly I can say that after about 8 sessions the various pains in my back, neck, shoulders and elbows are significantly improved.

More importantly though for me, was the way Lydia gave me confidence and reassurance regarding the needles. She was calm, understanding and took time to make sure I felt safe at all times. We started with a few needles the first time. By the time I’d been to see her a few times I was quite comfortable having a ‘normal’ number of needles during the session and was able to continue this for the rest of the treatments. I’ve had a few people ask me if I found it painful and I assured them it isn’t. There are different sensations but no pain. I feel totally confident that I will go back to Lydia again as and when it’s appropriate to use acupuncture as I also found it very beneficial for insomnia and relaxation, even once falling asleep during a treatment. Not a bad feat for a needle phobic - I can put that down to Lydia’s approach and care.

R. W. (March 2017)

Childhood Hayfever

We went to see Lydia for treatment of a long standing problem my thirteen year old son has had with hayfever and sinus problems since he was three years old. The problem had become progressively worse with him having repeated heavy colds in the Autumn and Spring followed by bad hayfever symptoms from March to July, including constantly running nose and swollen eyes. As a result he was off school repeatedly, and the medication prescribed by the GP did very little to alleviate the symptoms. We also tried traditional remedies (including honey) and cranial osteopathy (helped a little). Since my son started treatment with Lydia his symptoms have massively reduced. He only had two days off from school during the last summer term and could bring the symptoms under control with over the counter medication on high pollen count days. This Autumn term he had a cold at the beginning but no colds again for the last four weeks. His sleeping had improved as have his energy levels. I wish we'd tried acupuncture several years ago and would highly recommend it.

P. J. (June 2015)

Hot Flushes and Anxiety

I would like to describe my experience of receiving acupuncture from Lydia - and thoroughly recommend that anyone who is able to does the same. I sought assistance after self diagnosing with menopausal symptoms - severe night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, reckless behaviour at times and anxiety. Whilst awaiting blood test results and consultation with my GP I met Lydia for an assessment; a therapeutic intervention in itself. To be wholeheartedly listened to with skilful questions gently teasing out the possible cause of my symptoms was illuminating and satisfying. I then received acupuncture for approximately 4 months; initially every week and thereafter every fortnight or so.

My first acupuncture session was powerful. I was surprised to feel exhausted, but content afterwards. Throughout the course of my treatment my symptoms gradually began to subside. I noticed that my night sweats reduced in intensity hugely. As a result I woke far less often and quickly returned to sleep in my dry (not drenched) bed. No more changing sheets every night. My mood quickly stabilised, with general anxiety rarely being part of my day. I was far better able to concentrate on and manage stressful situations at work and in my personal life. I remained energetic but had no more swinging from almost mania to depression including suicidal thoughts. Prior to acupuncture I was engaging in some reckless behaviour and spending too much time smoking and using social media. Thank goodness my impulsive behaviours quickly settled and my use of cigarettes and social media has dramatically reduced. What an amazing experience!

I unfortunately have had to stop acupuncture but an delighted to say that I remain a more balanced, considered person who loves life. Oh and the blood test results showed that I am not menopausal or peri menopausal.

S. L. (February 2016)

Back pain and anxiety in pregnancy

During my pregnancy I was experiencing extreme back pain that would get worse on a daily basis. I had used Lydia in the past for acupuncture and always enjoyed the results. I found that Lydia was able to provide much needed relief to the pain and I would highly recommend her services, pregnant or not. I also suffer from anxiety and this was heightened in my pregnancy so I was able to use acupuncture to mitigate the anxiousness. I could mentally and physically enjoy more of my last few months of being pregnant.

K. D. (March 2017)