CLINIC
The clinic is situated in an attractive Regency townhouse in the heart of Cheltenham Spa. We have created a professional environment that not only meets all the Environmental Health requirements, but has a relaxed, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY AND CANCELLATIONS
The clinic operates during usual working hours. We are happy to offer some weekend, early morning and evening appointments for those that are unable to attend at other times or for emergencies – these are offered at no extra charge, We are a busy practice so we kindly ask that a minimum of 24 hours notice be given should you wish to re-arrange or cancel an appointment, this allows time to offer the appointment to someone else. Please note that appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may incur the full charge, depending on the circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.
MINORS
We treat patients of all ages and the clinic is child-friendly, however we do ask that children under the age of 16 are accompanied by a legal guardian at all times.
PAYMENT METHODS
We ask that you pay for your treatment by Cash or Cheque at each appointment. Payment receipts can be provided upon request. We apologise that we do not currently accept payments via credit or debit card, although we aim to offer this soon, along with the facility to pay online. In the meantime thank you for your patience.
COVERING THE COSTS OF TREATING
Most Insurance companies in the UK recognise that members of the British Acupuncture Council are properly trained and regulated acupuncturists, and therefore will either fully cover or contribute towards the cost of your treatments at the clinic. Please check with your provider and ask for a receipt at your appointments. If you do not have health insurance there are still ways in which you can get help paying for your treatment. Companies such as Simply Health (www.simplyhealth.co.uk) operate Cash Back plans which pay towards your healthcare bills, and include Acupuncture.
FREE CONSULTATIONS
We are happy to offer a free 15 minute consultation either, by phone or by appointment at the Clinic, to discuss how you might benefit from receiving some treatment and answer any questions you may have. Nervous patients have an opportunity to visit and see how the treatments and needles are administered which should allay any fears.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Our resident practitioner Kelly Lovatt has background in Research prior to working in Chinese Medicine. She is often involved in acupuncture-based research projects which help develop our understanding of the effectiveness of acupuncture practice. From time to time you may be invited to take part in an anonymous study, however there is absolutely no obligation or pressure to take part.
SIGN LANGUAGE
For those patients who are deaf or hard of hearing we understand that when you visit the clinic you may wish to discuss personal and confidential matters with us that you don’t wish to share in front of your usual interpreter. Therefore we are pleased to provide a qualified sign language interpreter and please be assured that this is at no extra cost to your usual appointment fees.
STUDENTS
We welcome students who wish to intern or carry out observations as part of their course requirements. We hold talks, workshops and events that may be of interest to students, we can also offer one-to-one mentoring, please get in touch for more information.
WHY IS THE CLINIC CALLED CINNABAR FIELDS?
Cinnabar is a highly valued red mercury sulphite. It is a beautiful gemstone with an iridescent quality and has been mined since the Neolithic age. For centuries Cinnabar has been the main source of mercury. In ancient Chinese spiritual practices Cinnabar was believed to aid internal alchemy. “Cinnabar Fields” is an English translation of the ancient Chinese term “Tan Tian”, which refers to three places or energy centres (fields) located in our bodies where deep rooted change can take place. One is the centre for biological manifestation. Another is the centre for emotions and personality, and the third is the centre for intellect and spirituality. In ancient China the development and cultivation of these three centres were thought to be the key to transformative powers of healing, regeneration, longevity and enlightenment. Here at the Clinic, these notions are our mantra.