"Exceptionally helpful. I initially came to see Lily for severe osteoarthritic pain in the joints of both big toes and pain and swelling in some finger joints. The pain in my toe joints was making walking for any distance increasingly difficult and my fingers were sore after doing any manual tasks such as gardening and cleaning. I consulted my GP who told me there was no treatment available for my condition, apart from pain killers and, if the pain became severe, surgery with no guarantee as to its success. After seeing Lily, my quality of life improved almost immediately with a noticeable reduction in pain and discomfort. I no longer experience any pain at all in my fingers, even after intensive manual tasks. As far as my toe joints are concerned, I walk for long distances with absolutely no pain and have been able to enjoy and fully participate in a dancing class and in three dedicated walking holidays (5 - 8 miles per day for 5 days) during the last 18 months, with a further one planned for May this year. Lily also treats me now for an IBS related condition and for my circulation, both of which have been improved. I have excellent levels of energy and stamina, sleep well and my immune system has been strengthened. I continue to have a 'maintenance treatment' every 8 weeks which keeps me in very good health. Since acupuncture is now available for some conditions through the NHS, I hope more people will be able to benefit from it in coming years. I firmly believe that if acupuncture was offered as an alternative to conventional drugs and pain relief prescriptions, it would improve the quality of life for thousands of people as it has absolutely no side effects."

A Current Patient, Hertfordshire