Frequently Asked Questions

When choosing an acupuncturist in London, there are several important things to look for.

Professional membership — Always check that your practitioner is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the UK's leading professional body for acupuncture. BAcC members must meet rigorous training standards, hold a relevant degree-level qualification and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Code of Safe Practice. You can verify membership directly on the BAcC website.

Qualifications and training — Look for a practitioner who has completed a recognised, accredited programme of study in acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine. A Licentiate in Acupuncture (Lic. Ac.) or equivalent degree-level qualification is a strong indicator of thorough, professional training.

Specialist experience — If you have a specific health concern, such as fertility, women's health or pain management, look for a practitioner with relevant postgraduate training or specialist experience in that area.

Professional Standards Authority accreditation — Practitioners listed on a Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accredited register have met additional independent standards for safety, competence and professional conduct.

A good fit — Beyond credentials, it is important to feel comfortable with your practitioner. Many clinics offer a free initial consultation, which is a good opportunity to ask questions, discuss your health concerns and decide whether the approach feels right for you.

At NRQi Studio in Winchmore Hill, North London, Nickila Robertsson holds a first-class Licentiate in Acupuncture from the City College of Acupuncture, is a fully registered Member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC) and is listed on the Professional Standards Authority accredited register — giving you complete confidence in the quality and safety of your care.

A typical NRQi Studio visit involves a consultation with Nickila Robertsson to discuss your main health concerns and presenting symptoms.  She will then ask questions to tailor her diagnosis,  as well as analysing your tongue and taking your pulse, which are key Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic techniques.  A treatment plan will be created and shared with you.  Once you have agreed to the proposed treatment, you will be asked to lie down on the treatment couch and experience the supportive benefits of acupuncture along with any other auxiliary treatments that Nickila determines are necessary to support your health needs.  The actual treatment will last around 20-30 minutes and then a brief discussion will follow; offering lifestyle advice that will directly relate to your body's health and wellbeing.   

The free online discovery consultation will last around 15 minutes.  You will then need to book a separate in-person new patient appointment.   You will be emailed a new patient intake form that needs to be completed before your in-person appointment. 

NRQi Studio treatments are meant to restore and harmonise the body's natural balance.  In order to do this, your practitioner will need to ask you a variety of detailed questions related to your medical history.  Additionally, your practitioner will take your pulse and ask to look at your tongue.  In Chinese Medicine, the tongue and pulse provide your practitioner with additional key diagnostics that are used to create a treatment that is specific to your health needs.  This appointment will take 1 hour and 20 minutes in total. 

When beginning treatment at NRQi Studio, patients are asked to commit to an initial three-month course of care. This includes one “New Patient Acupuncture Appointment” followed by eleven weekly “Follow-up Acupuncture Appointments”.

Acupuncture works cumulatively, with each treatment building on the progress made during the previous session. Regular appointments give your body time to respond and gradually establish a greater sense of balance, rather than simply providing temporary relief from individual symptoms.

Working together consistently over three months also allows Nickila to understand how your body responds to treatment, monitor changes in your symptoms and adapt each appointment to support what you need at that stage.

At the end of the three months, your progress will be reviewed together. Where ongoing support would be helpful, appointments can then become less frequent and tailored to help maintain the progress you have made.

The actual treatment itself will last around 20-30 minutes followed by a brief discussion where supportive lifestyle advice is offered.

As this is a holistic, diagnostic treatment, Nickila will choose the most appropriate treatments for you, whether this includes cupping, Tui Na, moxibustion, gua sha or acupuncture.  For example, some treatments can actually do more harm than good if the body's constitution isn't able to support them.  Nickila will create a wonderful treatment that specifically meets your health needs. 

Absolutely!  Please, disclose this fear during your consultation and an appropriate treatment plan will be created. 

Nickila will let you know which areas of the body need to be treated.  If you feel uncomfortable undressing, please make Nickila aware of this at any point during the consultation.  She will make every attempt to cover your body in a modest manner with a blanket so you do not feel uncomfortable during the treatment. 

It is advised to wear comfortable clothing so you can easily get on and off the treatment couch.  Additionally, avoid wearing accessories (bracelets, necklaces, belts etc...), as these will need to be removed prior to your treatment. 

Please ensure that you have eaten something nourishing prior to your treatment.  The body uses its Qi (energetic value) to heal and if the body is lacking in energy, then this reduces the effectiveness of your treatment.  Additionally, please arrive well-hydrated and feel free to use the toilet prior to your treatment. 

You are advised to completely relax and quiet your mind during your treatment  in order for you body's Qi (energetic value) to rebalance your body.  Please, place your phone on silent and do not feel compelled to converse during your actual treatment.  This time is for your body to restore, rest and heal. 

NRQi Studio treatments are not meant to be painful or uncomfortable.  Sometimes with acupuncture there may be a slight soreness, tingling or numbing sensation, but this is called "De-qi" and it is the body's normal response to needle insertion.   In fact, the "De-qi" response indicates that the body is positively responding to the needle insertion and is guiding the Qi and Blood to nourish and heal your body. 

Everyone responds differently to acupuncture and Chinese Medicine therapies.  However, it is highly recommended that you rest and don't over-exert yourself after the treatment, as your body is still processing the treatment and healing.  Nickila will provide specific advice regarding your individual treatment. 

There is no guarantee that NRQi Studio treatments will improve your condition; however, Nickila will make every effort to rebalance your body in order to support it in the process of healing and improved wellbeing.  It is also advised that patients listen to and follow any lifestyle advice, as this will provide additional support during the healing process. 

Yes — NRQi Studio gift cards are available to purchase online and can be redeemed for any treatment. They make a wonderful gift for a birthday, holiday, special occasion or simply as a gesture of care and wellbeing."