• Acupuncture for Digestive Health

Digestive issues are more common than many realise. After all, digestion should be effortless - we all should do it every day. Yet, many of the people I see experience some form of digestive discomfort at some point in their lives.

Whether it’s bloating, indigestion, constipation, acid reflux, or more complex and often misunderstood conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), digestive issues can quietly but profoundly affect daily life.

While changing diet and medications are often the first steps, acupuncture is a natural way to support digestive troubles and restore balance and on a long-term basis.

What you might be experiencing

  • Bloating, gas or indigestion

  • Cramping, irregular bowel movements, or symptoms of IBS - even if previous treatments haven’t helped

  • Acid reflux or persistent heartburn

  • Constipation or diarrhoea

  • Nausea or unsettled digestion

  • Digestive problems linked to stress or anxiety

  • Fatigue or low energy connected to your digestive health

How Acupuncture May Help

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), digestive issues often arise from imbalances in the Stomach, Spleen, and Liver channels - areas that govern how your body processes food and handles stress. Acupuncture works to restore balance and flow to these channels, easing inflammation, improving digestion, and calming the nervous system.

Much research points to acupuncture’s ability to improve gut mobility and inflammation, general GI symptoms and acid reflux symptoms safely and naturally.

What a Treatment Plan Looks Like

Your First Appointment

Your first appointment is a detailed health consultation and includes a detailed discussion of your digestive history, general health, lifestyle and any medical diagnoses. I will ask about symptoms, stress levels, sleep and diet to build a complete picture. This allows me to create a personalised treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

follow-up treatments

Treatments are usually weekly or fortnightly to begin with, depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms. Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes. During this phase, we focus on regulating digestion, reducing discomfort and supporting your nervous system

Ongoing GUIDANCE

Support continues beyond acupuncture. Drawing on the principles of yang sheng - the Chinese medicine philosophy of “nourishing life” - I offer practical and thoughtful lifestyle guidance tailored to you. I also work with a trusted network of fellow acupuncturists and nutritionists, whom I can consult or refer to when appropriate

Who This Approach Tends to Help

  • Have been diagnosed with IBS or experience ongoing digestive discomfort despite other treatments

  • Struggle with acid reflux, heartburn or nausea

  • Have irregular bowel movements such as constipation or diarrhoea

  • Experience digestive problems linked to stress or emotional tension

  • Want a natural, holistic way to support gut health alongside Western medicine

From My Perspective

Digestive health is closely linked to our overall wellbeing. When you feel bloated, constipated, or are constantly having to rush to the loo, it can be uncomfortable and at times truly debilitating, affecting both everyday life and mood. In recent years, digestive health has seen a real resurgence in research, as it is increasingly understood to be connected to many other bodily systems. Yet unless symptoms are acute, it is an area that can sometimes be poorly supported within Western medicine.

I’ve seen how acupuncture can provide real relief for people struggling with uncomfortable symptoms. Supporting digestion naturally helps restore balance not just in the gut but in the mind and body too.

What People are saying

“Saskia's genuine kindness, compassionate attitude and delicate touch made my experience unique. Her treatments are simply brilliant. I highly recommend her!”

— Marie P

“I’ve been seeing Saskia for acupuncture for several months now. She has been fantastic, great at listening, offering effective treatment and giving advice. I’d definitely recommend!”

— Eleanor C

“I have had few acupuncture sessions and I can say that Saskia is the most caring and compassionate practitioner I have ever seen. She explains everything that she does, answering all the questions you may have and even going out of her way with advice and information. Thank you!”

— Alexandra S

Practical Details

I offer treatments in Belgravia and Blackheath, both calm, discreet clinics easily accessible by public transport.

  • Sessions typically last around 60 minutes

  • Opening hours are flexible to suit your schedule

  • Costs and booking details are available here

  • I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council and the Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN)

  • All consultations and treatments are confidential and everyone is welcome

  • Health insurance invoices available - please see FAQs for details

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

  • This depends on how long you’ve had symptoms and their severity. For recent or mild issues, a short course (6-8 sessions) may be sufficient. Chronic conditions often benefit from weekly sessions initially, with treatment spaced out as symptoms improve.

  • Yes, where appropriate. Digestive health is closely linked to lifestyle and eating habits. I may suggest simple, manageable adjustments, based on Chinese Medicine principles, to support your treatment and long-term wellbeing. I am also part of a network of acupuncturists and have direct access to experienced nutritionists where more specialised support is needed.

  • Yes. Acupuncture can be used safely alongside medication and can beautifully complement the care you receive from your GP or consultant.

Book Your Appointment

You can book your first consultation or follow-up session online via the links below or email hello@saskiahawkins.com