Clinic Director- Ivy Xu

I come from a family of Acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners spanning three generations in Wuhan, China. I am dedicated to promoting Acupuncture, the traditional Chinese Art of Healing, and combining recent Western research with the ancient knowledge from classical Chinese texts on Acupuncture.

 

In July 2009, I graduated from the University of Westminster with a Bachelor in Science (BSc) in Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture (Upper Second Class) accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) and am a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). It is the UK’s largest, member-led, professional body for traditional acupuncturists and register for providers of a number of major UK private medical insurance providers such as Aviva, WPA, Simple Health, Westfield Cash Plan, Bupa Cash Plan and Bupa International. 

 

In August 2017, I completed my postgraduate study at the University of Westminster with a Master in Science (MSc) in Chinese Herbal Medicine with merit.

 

In August 2019, I completed the Balance Acupuncture training in London which is an advanced acupuncture system developed by the late Dr Richard W. B. Tan ensuring the efficacy of each acupuncture session often bringing 

patients immediate pain relief. 

 

During the national lockdown period between March 2020 and July 2020, I attended bi-weekly online seminars and training courses to keep up with the latest research and development on acupuncture and herbal medicine use as well as taking part in the Jade Screen project supporting front-line workers with Chinese herbal medicine in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I have over fourteen years' extensive clinical experience working in both NHS and private Acupuncture clinics. I specialise in the comprehensive assessment of patients' health history and recommending the most effective and beneficial treatment methods to enhance and reinstate patient’s well-being and health. 

 

I attend regular online seminars and training courses for the maintenance and enhancement of the knowledge, skills and attributes needed for effective professional practice.

 

My approach to effective TCM treatment and outcome is based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s symptoms and health history to identify the most appropriate and beneficial treatment method for each patient. Please follow this link to testimonials to see how my patients have benefited from acupuncture treatments. 

 

I also keep an active blog of real patient case studies who have benefited from acupuncture treatments ranging from musculoskeletal pain, digestive issue, women's health, emotional and fertility support on an anonymised basis.

Associate Acupuncturist - Helena Franco

I was captivated by the healing arts from a young age, I always knew I wanted to be in the healthcare industry and help others. But, It wasnt until later after having experienced first hand the healing properties of acupuncture, I decided to study chinese medicine. 

 

I graduated in Acupuncture and Naturopathy from the college of naturopathic medicine. During my studies I learned to treat patients using a holistic and individualised approach. 

 

In my treatments, I like to create a safe and warm environment where I aim to improve your general wellbeing, restore optimal physical and emotional balance. I often integrate chinese medicine and lifestyle/ nutritional advice effectively to enhance the effects of the treatment.

 

I am also trained in TuiNa massage by the Asante Academy and I often combine this influences when treting patients. 

 

My special interest is in musculo-skeletal and pain conditions as well as women´s health and fertility. 

 

Helena is a fully insured member of Associatation of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

“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 low 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 low back pain treatments.”   

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                      - MOCAM study coordinator, University of Southampton