Question 1

What can I expect in my initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

Your first appointment, which could last up to 90 minutes, will involve a discussion about your health, any problems that you want addressing, plus information about you and your family including medical history, dietary and exercise habits and your sleeping patterns. This will help me to gain an overall picture of your health. I’ll check your pulse and tongue before recommending a treatment plan and acupuncture point ‘prescription’. I may also recommend techniques including palpation, the use of acupuncture (the use of extremely thin needles), cupping, gua - sha, seven-star needle technique, moxa, electro acupuncture treatments, as well as dietary and lifestyle advice.

Question 2

Are there any side effects or risks?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture and massage are extremely safe and effective forms of alternative therapy. Correctly and professionally done, acupuncture rarely causes serious side effects. Changes can occur - such as to your appetite, bowel or urination patterns or emotional state. This is simply an indication that the body is starting to rebalance itself and is nothing to be concerned about. Some patients feel 'spaced out' after a treatment or just deeply relaxed & sleepy. Care must obviously be taken if returning to work or driving after a treatment. There are other risks, but these are generally extremely rare: bruising, fainting, muscle spasm, slight bleeding, nerve damage and pneumothorax.
Treatments using cupping or Gua Sha will most certainly leave bruising and can last for up to five days.
Whatever your treatment involves, rest assured extreme care is taken at all times and your health and wellbeing is of utmost importance. I am always happy to discuss with you any concerns that you may have.

Question 3

Can I drive after acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Some patients feel 'spaced out' after a treatment or just deeply relaxed & sleepy. Please take care to ensure that you are aware of your abilities, particularly when driving or operating any machinery.

Question 4

How will I feel after my treatment?

Accepted Answer

You may feel calm, deeply relaxed, or even energised and invigorated, depending on what the goal of your session and treatment was.

Question 5

Does acupuncture hurt?

Accepted Answer

Done properly, acupuncture doesn't hurt. The needles are extremely fine. Needles can be left in place for up to 40 minutes or can be inserted & immediately removed, depending on the treatment and needs of the patient. If at any time you might feel uncomfortable, we can take a moment, or stop completely. This is extremely rare and most clients find the experience very relaxing.

Question 6

Do you use animal products in your Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Accepted Answer

No. The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine prohibits this and the UK has a restriction in place forbidding the use of any animal product. My clinic supports the work of Animals Asia which is devoted to ending the barbaric practice of bear bile farming.

Question 7

My doctor does acupuncture. Isn't that the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No. most GPs, physiotherapists, osteopaths etc have a qualification in ‘medical acupuncture’. Often this training involves a weekend course and although it can be useful they will not be addressing the same areas that a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner does.
I am a member of The British Acupuncture Council which is the UK’s main regulatory body for the practice of acupuncture. It was formed in 1995 and as a member excellence is guaranteed in the following areas:
Training: three-year undergraduate degree level training
Safe Practice: its standards are drawn up in consultation with internationally renowned experts
Ethical Behaviour: rules are monitored and enforced with the help of experienced practitioners and independent non-acupuncturists.

Question 8

GDPR information privacy policy

Accepted Answer

🔒 Privacy Policy – Nicola Court / Path to Wellbeing
Last updated: 31.3.25
At Path to Wellbeing, I’m committed to safeguarding your personal information and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how I collect, store, and use your data — whether you are a clinical client, online course participant, or website visitor.

🩺 1. Clinical Client Data (In-Person or Virtual Treatments)
When you provide personal information during your treatment journey, it is stored and processed securely under the Data Protection Act 2018, which includes the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Why I Collect Your Data:
To provide safe, effective treatment – this forms part of our contractual agreement
Under “Legitimate Interest” – to ensure high-quality care
To confirm appointments and keep you updated about your care
With your consent, to send occasional wellness updates or health advice

How Your Records Are Stored:
On paper (securely locked)
Electronically via secure, GDPR-compliant cloud software
On encrypted, password-protected computers and mobile devices

Who Can Access Your Data:
Your practitioner (Nicola Court)
Administrative team (limited to contact details, not health records)
Medical records software providers
Bookkeepers or consultants under confidentiality agreements

Retention:
Your records are retained for a minimum of 8 years from your last appointment, or until age 25 (if this is longer). After this period, you may request they be deleted.

💻 2. Online Course Purchases, Email Subscriptions & Marketing
If you purchase a course, subscribe to updates, download a resource, or engage with Path to Wellbeing online, the following applies:

What We Collect:
Your name, email address, and payment info (via Stripe/Wix)
Analytics and browsing behaviour on our website
Voluntary information you share through surveys or forms

How We Use It:
To send you course access, updates, or helpful content
To inform you of future offers or events
To personalise your experience across our platforms

Marketing Communications:
By opting in, you agree to receive emails about fertility support, cycle health, new content and offers. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email.

📊 3. Website Tracking, Meta Pixel & Cookies
We use cookies and tools like the Meta Pixel and Google Analytics to:
Understand how visitors use our site
Improve content and user experience
Deliver relevant ads on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms
These tools collect non-identifiable information such as device type, IP address, and on-site activity. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time in your browser.

⚖️ 4. Your Rights Under GDPR
You have the right to:
Access the personal data we hold about you
Correct or update your information
Request deletion (after any legal retention periods)
Withdraw consent for marketing at any time
To make a request or ask a question, please email:info@nicolacourt.co.uk

📩 Contact
Data Controller: Nicola Court
Email: info@nicolacourt.co.uk
Business Name: Path to Wellbeing
Location: Harlow, Essex, UK
If you have a complaint, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk

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