Customer testimonials

Acne and scars: "I've been going to Ginsen for 5 months to treat acne and scar marks. My skin has improved a lot since, the acne has softened after around 4 session and the marks are much less prominent. The scar marks took longer to disappear, but in conjunction with gels and some herbal medicine it has improved a lot. I like the idea of holistic approach to treat our body, but I was sceptical as to weather its effective, simply because I didn't know anything about it. I had realised before that a lot of my oriental friends have beautiful skin and most of them go to Chinese Medicine, so I was curious to try. Also back in Brazil I usually go to my own dermatologist, but I have never seen a dermatologist practice in UK and I don't trust beauty saloons. I asked my dermatologist what I could do, and she strongly recommended Chinese Medicine. I was a bit nervous about acupuncture, but it is painless and very relaxing. Sometimes I even sleep during the 30 minutes treatment, and woke up feeling as if I had slept for hours. It has been very good, my doctor is friendly and I trust her." - Magail Nishimura, 26/05/09
Acupuncture and Absent Periods: "After countless trips to the doctors, blood tests and scans, I was still no closer to finding out why my periods were so irregular and almost non-existent. I then found Dr. Lily, an acupuncturist specialising in gynaecology. Dr. Lily is a highly professional and skilled practitioner and made me feel so relaxed, comfortable and well informed throughout my treatment. After the first session, I instantly felt a boost of energy... I was delighted that within a few weeks my periods returned and since then my periods have been regular every month. Words cannot explain how delighted I am to have had my health and periods restored. I strongly recommend Dr. Lily's acupuncture practice." - Asha from Holland
Acupuncture and Labour Induction: "Having gone 9 days overdue with my third pregnancy, I decided to try acupuncture to induce labour and avoid the need to be medically induced in hospital. Dr. Lily went out of her way to help me at short notice. Although it was my first experience of acupuncture her calm, confident but soothing manner enabled me to relax in the process. During the treatment I experienced five or six strong contractions and they continued and increased when I got home. My handsome son was born 5 hours later at home, just as I had wanted with no medical intervention. Thank you Dr. Lily, not only for your professional skill and expertise but also your gentleness, kindness and humanity." - Caroline, London
Acupuncture and Recurrent Miscarriage: "I came to see Dr. Lily after having three miscarriages and continued bleeding after my operations... I had never had acupuncture before, but on the recommendation of a friend I found Dr. Lily. Dr. Lily was both professional and caring, and put me at ease immediately. The relief of being able to talk about my condition and have her listen and do something about it was overwhelming. Within a couple weeks my bleeding stopped and my regular cycle returned. My energy levels and feeling of well being returned and friends and family all commented on how much better I was looking. After further sessions and waiting to give my body time to heal, I am now pregnant again. I have already recommended Dr. Lily to many friends and would thoroughly recommend her acupuncture practice as the natural holistic way of improving a condition that your doctor simply may not be able to help you with." - Julie, London
Acupuncture and Rheumatoid Arthritis: "I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 35 years and by any standard it would be regarded as severe. I have always been sceptical of alternative therapies but this summer I was suffering from excruciating back pain as well as pain and stiffness in my neck and I decided to give acupuncture a try. The results have been nothing short of spectacular. Within one treatment Dr. Lily managed to almost totally get rid of my back pain and within three treatments the problems in my neck were very much reduced. I am generally now taking half, or less, of the pain killers that I used to take and I feel much better generally. 0Dr. Lily also helped boost my immune system when I caught a virus which aided my recovery substantially. I am a complete acupuncture convert now and this is on no small part down to Dr. Lily. Her easy manner and high level of professionalism put you totally at ease and her results speak for themselves." - Gareth Davies, London
Reflexology and Insomnia: "In Sep' 01 I was 29, and a stressed out workaholic. I loved my job but found it difficult to draw the boundaries between work and the rest of my life, and I was not good at looking after myself. I’d suffered from insomnia for over ten years and once I tried reflexology I found it worked brilliantly for me. ...When the course of reflexology was complete, I was so pleased with its overall effect that I continued regular treatments, one every 4-5 weeks. I’ve found that reflexology is very effective in helping me sleep; it makes me feel great; calm, happy and very relaxed. I can’t believe how well I feel now compared to when I first started receiving treatment." - Kate, London
Acupuncture and Male Infertility and Labour Induction: "My partner and I first visited Dr. Lily for assistance with conception in February 2007. Dr. Lily treated both of us with acupuncture and after five weeks I became pregnant. Dr. Lily continued to treat me throughout the pregnancy for morning sickness, water retention and carpal tunnel syndrome. After the sessions I had relief from the symptoms, felt relaxed and slept very well. In December, Dr. Lily attended the birth of our daughter and provided pain relief through acupuncture. Throughout the labour she was very calm and reassuring, and the treatment helped considerably with the pain from the contractions. Based on my experience I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Lily for fertility treatment and support during pregnancy and labour. After our joint success we plan to use Dr. Lily for our next pregnancy." - Helen, London
Acupuncture and IVF: "After four failed cycles of IVF, my husband and I decided to have one final attempt. Dr. Lily was kind, caring and listened to all I had to say, making sure she got all the relevant history about my previous attempts so that she could provide me with the right treatment. I immediately became confident in her ability and listened to all the advice that she gave me. I then started having weekly sessions, even before my IVF treatment started. To mine and my husbands great surprise and joy, this cycle was successful and at the time of writing this I am now 26 weeks pregnant! Thank you , I believe that we would not be in the exciting situation that we are now without your help! I will always look at acupuncture as an excellent way of relaxing me whether during a pregnancy or just in my day to day life!" - Catherine, London
Acupuncture and Sciatica: "Dr. Lily, I just wanted to thank you for your treatments and to let you know that after the third acupuncture session I had with you during pregnancy, my sciatic pain disappeared completely and I've had no trouble since. I've been recommending you to everyone I know!" - Vicki, London
Acupuncture and IVF/Pregnancy: "Dr. Lily, thank you for everything! I found your support invaluable throughout the process of IVF and my pregnancy and I'm pretty convinced that the acupuncture contributed to the success of the IVF. I can't tell you how happy I am with my handsome son. Thanks again!" - Roz, London
Moxibustion to Turn Breech Baby: "After the moxibustion treatment for my breech baby, I thought you'd be interested to know that when I got to the ECV appointment and they scanned my belly, the baby was the right way up! She is also 3/5 engaged. The session with you helped me feel a lot more connected with the baby and I'm just looking forward to meeting her. Thank you so much." - Vicky, London
Cosmetic Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture: "After a few sessions of cosmetic acupuncture, my skin was much brighter and clearer. My friends commented how well I looked and I felt more confident. I noticed that the lines were less defined and that my complexion less oily. I am so pleased with the results, I can't wait to have more sessions. To think I was considering botox, well now I have an natural alternative, I am sticking with this!" - Pam, London
Cosmetic Acupuncture: "Being in my early forties, I became aware of wrinkles, crows feet and a drooping jaw line. Even my eyes had dark circles beneath them. I was recommended to see Dr. Lily and the treatment did not even hurt, in fact on my first session, it was so relaxing I fell asleep. I have noticed very subtle improvements. My skin is more radiant and the puffiness around the eyes has reduced. My lines seem finer and generally I feel that I look younger. I am very happy with these results, thank you." - Christine, London
Acupuncture, Endometriosis and Infertility: "I approached Dr. Lily out of desperation due to a bad case of endometriosis which was causing untold pain and hindering my chances of conceiving. Since getting married and coming off the pill, my periods had been infrequent, heavy and very painful. This was not helped by an incredibly stressful job and frequent over 12 hour days. I had read that acupuncture could help to regulate things and to calm me down. I was very apprehensive as I am not a fan of needles, but immediately felt at ease when I met Dr Lily. She is such a lovely person - very understanding with a gentle manner. It helped that she was clearly very knowledgeable about endometriosis and seemed confident that she could help. Within 2 to 4 months of starting treatment, my periods were regular - once every 28 days, and much less painful. I was also getting less pain generally from the endometriosis. When I needed to start a course of IVF treatment I took Dr Lily's advice about the fertility acupuncture programme during this time. She used a specific acupuncture IVF protocol to treat me and I was overjoyed to have a positive test result on our first attempt. I am incredibly grateful to Dr Lily for all her help. I never thought I'd say this, but I really enjoy my sessions as they totally relax me and make me feel wonderful. Also - you really can talk to Dr Lily about anything which is a huge relief. I would recommend her to anyone." - Dr Clarin
Acupuncture and Low Energy: "I first consulted Dr. Lily in September 2005 when I was searching for some medical advice as to why I was constantly so tired, lacking in energy and feeling low emotionally. I had blood tests at the hospital but all results came back clear. Still searching for an answer, I booked an acupuncture consultation and treatment. I couldn't believe how quick the results were. Within three treatments, I was re-energised, far more consistent emotionally and very much lifted in myself. Thank you Dr. Lily for bringing me back to life so quickly, I look forward to continuing my sessions with you now and in the future". - Maria
Acupuncture and The Menopause: "I first saw Dr. Lily back in the summer of 2007. I was experiencing intense anxiety as a result of menopause. According to recent blood tests, my hormone levels had plummeted and I was as jumpy as a flea! Suddenly, my lifelong claustrophic tendencies overtook my daily life and my days (and nights!) seemed filled with "incidents" of claustrophia. I have never liked needles at any stage of life so trying acupuncture attests to the low point at which I had arrived! In Dr. Lily I found a very professional, calm, and caring individual. She is a good listener and had useful, constructive suggestions, even beyond acupuncture. When it came to the needles, on the first day, Dr. Lily had to mop the sweat from the palms of my hands! But from that first session onwards (my initial course was 6 sessions) I began to feel some sort of balance return to my life. A sense of calm and a sense of control were restored. My sleep improved quite dramatically too. I am greatly indebted to Dr. Lily, and so is my family!" - Nancy
Acupuncture and Anxiety: "Throughout my whole life, I have always found exams of any kind extremely stressful, particularly practical exams. So recently, when I was training to be an aerobics instructor, the thought of the practical examination filled me with dread... I had several treatments in the run up to my exam to relieve anxiety and reduce stress. The acupuncture, Dr. Lily's breathing exercises and reflexology massages made a huge difference. Although I did still suffer with some nerves on the day of the exam, the overall effect of the course of acupuncture reduced the stress significantly and I passed the exam. I can not thank Dr. Lily enough, she taught me to control my nerves, and without her, I am not sure I would have made it through my exam quite so easily." - Rose, Kent
Acupuncture and Ovarian Cysts: "Last year I was diagnosed with an acute 'simple/functional' ovarian cyst measuring 6.2 x 7.3cm on my right ovary at the emergency gynecology unit, after months of debilitating pain, irregular and painful periods, break through bleeding etc. I was told by the Specialist doctors that it would require immediate surgery, and possibly entire removal of my affected ovary, due to the size and the nature of the cyst. It was explained to me at great length and all my reading on the internet led me to believe that surgery was the only option as all material and advice suggested that an ovarian cyst of this size was highly unlikely to resolve without surgery, and if left untreated it would more than likely twist the entire ovary and require emergency intervention. Out of desperation I approached Dr. Lily to help me with the pain management and the side effects of the other symptoms associated with the cyst. During my initial consultation Dr. Lily and I discussed my lifestyle, including a very stressful job that includes a lot of international travel and my nutrition. After the first treatment I slept for the first time in months and generally felt more relaxed and the reduction and frequency of the pain greatly reduced. I did not return to the hospital for a period of 10 weeks, and in the meantime took Dr. Lily advice on nutrition and continued the acupuncture on a weekly basis, as it provided me with great relief! During this time Dr. Lily assessed me on a weekly basis and was considerate and understanding and very professional, and altered the treatments in line with my symptoms. I returned to the hospital after 9 weeks of avoidance of the NHS, for the scan out of curiosity and much to the doctors surprise the irresolvable cyst had resolved naturally with out painful and unnecessary surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Lily and her 'magic needles' to anyone!" - Katrina MacLachlan, New Zealand
Acupuncture and IVF: "After being diagnosed with mild endometriosis, suspected PCOS and following 3 failed IUI's, I approached Dr. Lily with a view to preparing my body for IVF/ICSI treatment. I suffered no ill effects from the IVF drugs, and quickly recovered from the egg collection procedure. I found the entire process much less stressful than anticipated, and was delighted to have a positive result at the end of it! I am now in the early stages of a much wanted pregnancy. Thank you Dr. Lily!" - Claire, Kent
"Dr. Lily, thank you for helping our dream come true. We have a handsome little boy to show for all our hard work!" - Rachel and Tony, London
Acupuncture and Labour Induction: "Dear Lily, Just thought I'd let you know that the result of your acupuncture has arrived. Peter was born on Feb 19th. Fantastic labour, no pain relief needed and he was a bouncing weight at 90b 15oz. Thank you so much for your help with the acupuncture. I'm sure it regulated my cycle and was key in becoming pregnant so quickly. I will definately be recommending you!" - Debbie, London
Acupuncture and IVF: "Dr. Lily, I would like to thank you for everything that you have done for me, knowing that I have had someone very experienced and knowledgeable advising me and always listening to all my issues makes me feel very comfortable about the treatment. I don't think that I would have got through the last 4 months so easily without your wonderful advice and your calm approach to situations. Thank you again for all the support you have given me it is appreciated more than words can say." - A.V., Kent
Pre-Birth Acupuncture: "Dear Lily, I would like to thank you for all your support. I am so relieved that The Barkantine Centre midwife recommended your pre-birth acupuncture programme. My first child was born as I had hoped, naturally at home in a birthing pool. The labour was very quick and there were no problems with her delivery. I was so anxious during the pregnancy and the pre-birth acupuncture prepared me emotionally and physically, thank you so much." - Claire, London
Labour Induction Acupuncture: "Just to let you know, baby Jack was born the next morning after my labour induction acupuncture session. It turns out when they examined me that I was already 3cm dilated and therefore had been having contractions without even noticing. I then felt rather smug! Jack, 87b 6 oz, was born on Wed 23 Jan at 6.33am after approx 9 hours of labour. Thank you for all the sessions - I am inclined to think that perhaps getting to 3cm without realising may well be down to the acupuncture? If so, it was worth every penny! I shall be recommending you to my friends." - Laura, London
Acid Reflux: "I have suffered from acid reflux for more than ten years. My symptoms included indigestion, heartburn, chronic sore throat and Acid Laryngitis (hoarseness, dryness and the sensation of sometimes having a lump in the throat). Dr Lily had successfully treated me (through a mixture of acupuncture, tuina massage and herbal medicine) for long standing lower back problems due to a herniated disc This experience led me to tell her about my acid reflux condition. I have had on-going medical treatment for this condition and it looked as though I would have to take medicine for the rest of my life However, Dr Lily felt she could cure it through a mixture of acupuncture and herbal medicine combined with dietary advice. As the condition is of long standing and quite severe, she thought it would take at least 3 months and possibly up to 6 months to effect a complete cure and to allow my stomach to heal. I am now four months into the treatment. I no longer suffer from indigestion, the sore throat and acid laryngitis are virtually cleared. I suffer from acid reflux extremely rarely. I have every confidence that my condition will be completely cured. Dr Lily is a very experienced, highly professional doctor. She has excellent diagnostic skills and combines this with an open and sympathetic manner. She gives you confidence that you are in 'good hands' and I would recommend her without hesitation. " - Maureen, London

Irritable bowel syndrome

On the 5th May 2009 I visited my GP for about 8th time as I had severe irritable bowel Syndrome and was getting long spell of depression which was going round in circles as one was on setting the other. I was going through a particularly difficult spell at home and this was adding to the problem as my stress levels were rising it made it even more difficult to go to the toilet.

When I walked into Ginsen it was initially just to get help to give up smoking. After a consultation with the doctor Lily, taking my pulse, looking at my tongue, and looking at my eyes I was astounded to hear her tell me of the symptoms I had been suffering with.

Treatment started there and then with acupuncture, a massage and I was sent home with tablets to take to help calm me and tea to help me go to the toilet.

On the 3rd visit I was given additional help to help me give up smoking in the form of something to suck, drops for my tongue and herbal cigarettes.

The service I have received has been of the highest standard and I can honestly say I can find no fault. The atmosphere and care would encourage anyone to return and have faith in the knowledge that the staff not only are welcoming but are skilled and talented in their area of expertise.

I immediately felt the benefits of my treatment there as my bowel movements became regular, easing my discomfort and pain. I became more relaxed and able to manage my stress levels and in turn as an added bonus improved my quality of sleep. In addition to this I have been successful in significantly reducing the amount of cigarettes I smoke in a day, and that is an achievement after 30 years of smoking. I now am looking positively toward giving up completely.

I will definitely return in the future for any health advice and have and will promote Ginsen as afar superior treatment for anyone with any health concerns as in both the treatment and delivery it puts traditional medicine to shame.

I would finally like to thank and congratulate the work force at Ginsen for helping me when I was so desperate.

Elaine Bissember