Practitioners

Clinic Director, Acupuncturist, Herbalist- Ivy 

Clinic hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30- 15:00


I come from a long lineage of Acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, spanning three generations in Wuhan, China. My passion lies in promoting the ancient art of Acupuncture, blending the wisdom of classical Chinese texts with modern Western research to provide holistic and effective care.

 

In July 2009, I graduated from the University of Westminster with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture, achieving an Upper Second Class Honours degree. My training was accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB), and I am a proud member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the UK’s largest professional body for traditional acupuncturists. This membership also allows me to work with major private medical insurance providers, including Aviva, WPA, Simple Health, Westfield Cash Plan, Bupa Cash Plan, and Bupa International. I am also a member of British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) which is a recognised provider register for major UK insurance companies. 

 

I furthered my education by completing a Master of Science (MSc) in Chinese Herbal Medicine with merit at the University of Westminster in August 2017. In August 2019, I trained in Balance Acupuncture, an advanced system developed by the late Dr. Richard W. B. Tan, known for its ability to deliver immediate pain relief and effective results.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I actively participated in the Jade Screen Project, supporting frontline workers with Chinese herbal medicine. I also attended bi-weekly online seminars and training courses to stay updated on the latest developments in acupuncture and herbal medicine.

 

With over 17 years of clinical experience in both NHS and private practice, I specialize in comprehensive health assessments and tailoring treatments to enhance and restore well-being. My approach combines a deep understanding of TCM principles with personalized care, ensuring the most effective treatment for each client.

I am committed to continuous professional development, regularly attending seminars and training courses to refine my skills and stay at the forefront of TCM practice.

 

For more insights into my work, please visit my blog, where I share anonymized case studies of clients who have benefited from acupuncture for conditions such as Musculoskeletal Pain, Digestive/Respiratory Issues, Women’s Health, Paediatric Acupuncture, Insomnia, Emotional Support, Complex/Unexplained Cases and Fertility. In my practice, I focus on root causes, lifestyle, and prevention, offering personalized care plans involving nutrition, acupuncture, and mindfulness to support long-term health.

 

Click here to read testimonials from patients and learn how my service has transformed their lives.

 

Outside of work, I enjoy maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing ballet, gardening and vounteering at my local hockey club.

Ivy-Xu

“Ivy Xin Xu took part in a large nationwide study that investigated how non-specific effects (e.g. the therapeutic relationship, patient and practitioner beliefs and attitudes towards the treatment, the clinic environment, and characteristics of the treatment) influence patients' recovery/management of their lower back pain. Ivy Xin Xu was a participating practitioner, who introduced the study to eligible patients and gave them patient invitation packs. Ivy Xin Xu also completed treatment follow up questionnaires and liaised with the University of Southampton for the duration of the study. Support from practitioners like Ivy Xin Xu was vital for the success of the study. The research team at the University of Southampton are very grateful for practitioners like Ivy Xin Xu who support research that is important to the improvement of future lower back pain treatments.”   

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                      - MOCAM study coordinator, University of Southampton

Associate Acupuncturist and Naturopath - Helena 

Clinic hours: Saturday 9:00- 18:00

 

From a young age, I was captivated by the healing arts and knew I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others through healthcare. However, it wasn’t until I experienced the transformative power of acupuncture first hand that I found my true calling in Chinese medicine.

 

I graduated with qualifications in Acupuncture and Naturopathy from the College of Naturopathic Medicine. During my studies, I developed a deep understanding of holistic healing, learning to treat each patient as a unique individual with tailored care.

 

In my practice, I strive to create a safe, warm, and nurturing environment where your overall well-being is the focus. My treatments aim to restore optimal physical and emotional balance, often integrating Chinese medicine principles with personalized lifestyle and nutritional advice to enhance the healing process.

 

My special interests lie in treating musculoskeletal and pain conditions, as well as supporting women’s health and fertility. I am passionate about helping my patients achieve their health goals and feel their best.

 

I am a fully insured member of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ATCM). 

Helena-Franco

Associate Acupuncturist - Izabela 

Clinic hours: Tuesday 12:00- 20:00

 

After my own difficult journey with illness, I decided to dedicate my life to Traditional Chinese Medicine and became a therapist with a strong focus on holistic healing.

 

I'm a graduate of the London Academy of Chinese Acupuncture (LACA). I have also completed Level 2 training in Dr. T.J. Wang’s Brain Acupuncture system, which has further deepened my clinical practice. This system of Brain Acupuncture supports a wide range of neurological conditions and offers potential benefits for many other health concerns.

 

My main areas of interest include TCM nutrition, cosmetic acupuncture, and digestive health issues. I support my patients in improving their wellbeing by combining acupuncture treatments with individualised dietary guidance based on Traditional Chinese Medicine.

 

As a fully insured member of the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Alliance (CAHMA), I am committed to upholding the highest standards of care in my practice. 

Helena-Franco

Associate Acupuncturist - Yeon

Clinic hours: Sunday 9:00- 18:00

 

With over 15 years of international clinical experience, Yeon Kim, L.Ac. is a highly respected Licensed Acupuncturist, Board-Certified Herbalist, and Traditional Oriental Medicine Practitioner dedicated to delivering exceptional, personalised care. Having trained and practised across the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, she combines extensive clinical expertise with a holistic approach to help clients achieve lasting improvements in their health and wellbeing. 

 

Yeon has successfully treated a broad range of conditions, including chronic pain, sports injuries, stress, anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, allergies, insomnia, and women's health concerns. Rather than simply addressing symptoms, she focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause of each condition, creating tailored treatment plans that support long-term health and balance. 

 

Her credentials reflect the highest professional standards. Yeon holds a Master's degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine, is nationally certified by the NCCAOM (USA), holds New York and New Jersey state acupuncture licences, is a Board-Certified Herbalist, and is an active member of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ATCM) in the UK. Her international training and decades of clinical experience enable her to treat both straightforward and complex cases with confidence and precision. 

 

Before pursuing a career in natural medicine, Yeon spent more than 15 years working in finance. Following a serious car accident, she experienced the transformative benefits of acupuncture firsthand—an experience that inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others through traditional medicine. 

 

Now based in the UK with her husband, Yeon speaks five languages and is known for her warm, compassionate approach. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored to the individual, combining years of experience with evidence-informed Traditional Chinese Medicine to provide the highest standard of patient care. 

Helena-Franco

Level 3 Massage Therapist - Keanah

Clinic hours: Thursday 12:00- 20:00

 

Keanah is a holistic massage therapist specialising in Swedish and Deep Tissue techniques, blending relaxation with targeted therapeutic work. Her integrated approach supports both body and mind, helping clients release accumulated tension, improve mobility and find calm in a soothing, restorative environment.

 

Her treatments are tailored to ease a wide range of everyday concerns, including muscular tightness, postural discomfort, stress-related tension and the effects of busy routines or active lifestyles. Whether clients are looking for deeper pressure to relieve persistent knots or a gentle, calming treatment to unwind, her style is intuitive, balanced and centred around each person’s needs.

 

Qualified in Full Body Massage (Swedish/Holistic, 2021) and holding an Advanced Diploma in Deep Tissue Massage, Keanah is a registered member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). She brings a grounded, nurturing presence to her sessions, offering a space where clients can fully relax, reset and reconnect with their wellbeing.

 

Keanah welcomes clients at the massage clinic on Thursdays.

Keanah-Forrester

Level 3 Massage Therapist - Charisma

Clinic hours: Monday 12:00- 20:30

 

Charisma is an experienced massage therapist with over six years’ experience, offering thoughtful, personalised treatments that support both physical wellbeing and relaxation.

 

She specialises in therapeutic and deep-tissue massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), and pregnancy massage, adapting each treatment to the individual needs and stage of life of her clients. With a particular interest in the connection between the mind and body, Charisma creates a calm and supportive treatment experience, helping clients release physical tension, improve circulation and feel more at ease in their bodies.

Her treatments are especially suited to those looking for a considered, holistic approach to managing muscular tension, stress, pregnancy-related discomfort and general wellbeing.

 

Charisma runs her massage clinic on Mondays. She is a full member with the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and Complementary Therapists Association (CThA).


 

Keanah-Forrester

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