Studio 4, Hope Mill, Brimscombe, GL5 2SE

fgastroud@gmail.com

07773 950 818

Supporting Mind, Body & Long-Term Wellness

Acupuncture in Brimscombe, Nailsworth, Stroud & the surrounding area

With over a decade of experience and a lifelong relationship with acupuncture, I’m here to support your journey toward better health—physically and emotionally.

I’m a fully qualified acupuncturist, trained at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, where I studied both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Five Element Acupuncture. This integrative approach allows me to treat a wide range of conditions—from chronic pain and digestive disorders to anxiety, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, and much more.

Whether you're navigating a specific health challenge, going through a life transition, or simply seeking to maintain balance and vitality as you age, acupuncture offers powerful support.

Acupuncture practitioner taking the pulses of a patient

How I Can Help:

  • Acupuncture is a powerful, natural way to calm the nervous system and restore emotional balance. By regulating the flow of energy (Qi) and supporting key organ systems involved in stress and mood—such as the Heart, Liver and Kidneys—acupuncture helps ease anxiety, reduce tension, and promote deep, restorative sleep. Whether you're struggling with racing thoughts, chronic worry, burnout, or difficulty falling or staying asleep, acupuncture can gently guide your body out of fight-or-flight mode and into a more peaceful, grounded state. Over time, many people notice they feel more emotionally resilient, clear-headed, and able to respond to life’s challenges with greater ease.

  • Acupuncture can be highly effective in supporting digestive health by addressing the root imbalances that contribute to symptoms like bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhoea, acid reflux, and food sensitivities. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the digestive system is closely tied to the function of the Spleen and Stomach—organs responsible not just for processing food, but also for generating energy and supporting mental clarity. By restoring balance to these systems, acupuncture helps regulate bowel movements, reduce inflammation, calm the gut, and relieve discomfort. For those living with IBS or chronic digestive issues, acupuncture offers a gentle, holistic approach that treats both the physical symptoms and the stress or emotional patterns that often accompany them.

  • Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a supportive treatment for fertility issues in both men and women. By improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, balancing hormone levels, and reducing stress—one of the key inhibitors of conception—acupuncture as a natural fertility support, can help regulate menstrual cycles, support ovulation, and enhance overall reproductive health. For those undergoing IVF or assisted fertility treatments, acupuncture for IVF has been shown in clinical studies to increase success rates by improving uterine receptivity and reducing anxiety. Whether you're trying to conceive naturally or alongside medical fertility treatments, acupuncture for fertility offers a gentle, holistic approach to boosting your chances of conception.

  • Acupuncture offers a natural, effective way to support hormonal balance and ease a wide range of menstrual and reproductive health concerns. Whether you're dealing with irregular cycles, painful periods, PMS, perimenopause, menopause or symptoms related to PCOS or endometriosis, acupuncture works by regulating the body's endocrine and nervous systems. In Chinese medicine, hormonal health is closely connected to the Liver, Kidneys, and Spleen—systems that acupuncture helps to harmonise and strengthen. By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and calming the stress response, acupuncture encourages a smoother, more balanced cycle and can significantly improve overall wellbeing throughout every stage of your reproductive journey.

  • Acupuncture is a well-researched treatment for both chronic and acute pain, with growing scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. It works by stimulating specific points on the body that trigger the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin. This process also improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps to relax tight muscles and tissues. For conditions like back pain, arthritis, headaches, sciatica, and injury recovery, acupuncture can help interrupt pain signals to the brain and support the body’s natural healing response. Many people experience not only significant pain relief, but also better mobility, improved sleep, and a greater sense of wellbeing—with fewer side effects than conventional pain treatments.

  • If you're feeling constantly tired, depleted, or overwhelmed, acupuncture can help restore your energy and support long-term recovery from burnout. In Chinese medicine, fatigue often stems from imbalances in the body’s key energy systems—particularly the Spleen, Kidneys, and Heart. Acupuncture works by rebalancing these systems, improving circulation, regulating the nervous system, and gently encouraging the body back into a state of rest and repair. From a biomedical perspective, it also stimulates the release of neurotransmitters that promote relaxation and improve overall energy regulation. Whether your exhaustion is physical, mental, or emotional, acupuncture offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to feeling more grounded, energised, and resilient in your day-to-day life.

  • Acupuncture is a natural and effective way to support emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and build resilience. By gently stimulating specific acupuncture points, treatment helps regulate the nervous system, balance mood, and restore the body’s energy flow—supporting those experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional burnout, overwhelm, and mood swings. Many people turn to acupuncture for mental health support when conventional treatments fall short. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic stress, looking for support with emotional trauma, or simply want to feel more balanced and grounded, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to emotional healing and mental clarity.

  • Acupuncture is not just for treating illness—it’s a powerful tool for maintaining long-term health and preventing future issues. By promoting the body’s natural self-healing processes and supporting a balanced flow of energy (Qi), regular acupuncture treatments help strengthen the immune system, improve circulation, regulate hormones, and reduce inflammation. Many people use acupuncture for preventative health, boosting overall vitality, managing stress, and supporting optimal physical and mental wellbeing. If you’re looking for natural ways to stay healthy, boost immunity, and support energy and mood throughout the year, acupuncture offers a safe, drug-free approach to whole-body wellness.

Image of a patient receiving acupuncture for back pain
  • 'Brilliant Fran! We went to Fran for acupuncture as baby No 2 just didn't seem to be coming. She quickly identified from checking my pulses that I had certain blockages, and recommended dietary changes as well as some acupuncture techniques that could help to clear the issues, as well as doing some work with my husband. I felt radically different quite quickly, as did my husband, and within a month baby No 2 was on the way, after two years of waiting! Fran was amazing - holistic, warm, nurturing and clearly deeply passionate about acupuncture. She explained everything is great detail when we asked, and I felt really confident and relaxed under her care. Most importantly, we now have a bright, beautiful healthy baby and I feel a lot of that is huge thanks to Fran!'

    Geraldine

  • 'Amazing acupuncture! I used to help treat my Bells Palsy and Fran knew exactly what she was doing. Highly recommend!'

    Jonathan

  • 'I saw Fran after experiencing post-COVID symptoms, particularly dizziness. She helped relieve the tension in my head and neck, which significantly reduced the symptoms I was feeling. Fran is a very knowledgeable acupuncturist who explains each step of the process in an understandable way. She is an affable clinician who makes you feel at ease throughout.'

    Philip

  • 'Fran was inspirational, first ever experience of acupuncture, she was so grounded and real, explained everything to me as we went through the treatment. My back had been so painful it was impacting my ability to look after my grand daughter. Thank you fran, I'm greatfully pain free'

    Penny

  • 'I have just had a fantastic treatment with Fran for a sore back, neck and hip and I feel incredible. I dislocated my shoulder two years ago and have struggle with pain and mobility. The cupping on my back helped stimulate the muscles, tendons and tissues in a way that a massage or chiropractic manipulation hasn't and I feel like I have enjoyed prolonged deep tissue stimulation to help encourage blood flow around my body The acupuncture is also just as revitalising but in a much more subtle way. I can't wait to continue treatment and I am so glad I have met Fran. She is lovely and so down to earth - I feel totally revitalised in a way I was not expecting. Thank you!'

    David

  • 'I honestly used to think acupuncture was a bit “woo woo” — until I had debilitating back pain that left me unable to run or swim. I was desperate and willing to try anything. That’s when Fran stepped in. After just a few sessions with Fran, the difference was magical. Her approach is not only effective but also deeply caring and grounded. I went from being in constant pain to swimming 1km every day! Her work speaks for itself. Fran, thank you for your healing hands and your generous spirit. I hope more people discover the incredible support you offer through your acupuncture practice.'

    Anup

 

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Feel free to book an appointment or get in touch with any questions.