Return to yourself
Golden
Crane
Acupuncture
with
Lisa Cassidy
What happens during treatment?
I use diagnostic methods including lifestyle, personal and medical history and pulse reading to create your unique treatment plan. The first session we have together is longer, enabling me to get a full picture of how and where you are, so that I can create the best treatment plan for you. This is a time for you to relax, to be heard and to enjoy a process which aims to return you to health and your best self.
Acupuncture needles are very fine - about the size of two human hairs, making the treatment gentle and relaxing. You may feel mild tingling or a dull ache when needles are inserted - this is a good sign.
Sometimes needle insertions are brief; other times they stay in while you rest. Treatments may also include moxibustion, in which a warming herb is applied to key points.
Ultimately, most people find the process of treatment relaxing, restorative and calming - perfect!
'I truly feel like my old self again' Patient review, 2026
Why have acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been practised for thousands of years and is one of the most widely used healing systems in human history. With origins reaching back over two millennia and flourishing under the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), it has supported the health of millions - very likely billions - of people worldwide. Whether for pain, stress, emotional wellbeing or restoring balance, it is increasingly recognised by researchers, doctors and health organisations as an effective therapy with lasting benefits.
My approach to acupuncture is grounded not only in training, but in a deep respect for what it means to receive treatment. Experiencing acupuncture first-hand at a significant time in my life gave me a clear sense of the vulnerability, trust and openness that patients bring to the process. This is something I hold in mind in every treatment.
Acupuncture works well both as a standalone therapy and alongside conventional medicine, supporting the body and mind in returning to balance. This integrative quality is one of the reasons it continues to grow in recognition and use.
As Carl Jung suggested with the idea of the 'Wounded Healer', our own encounters with challenge can deepen our ability to support others. In my practice, this translates not into personal story, but into careful listening, sensitivity and respect for each individual’s experience.
I look forward to welcoming you and supporting you in your own process of healing.
and sharing your journey!
'I felt completely at ease in Lisa's presence' Patient Review, 2026
What the Research Shows:
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Chronic pain relief: Large-scale analyses show acupuncture outperforms usual care for back pain, arthritis, and headaches.
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Long-lasting results: A landmark UK study found that 85 - 90% of pain relief from acupuncture persisted a year later.
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Nausea and sickness: The US NIH concluded acupuncture has 'clear evidence' for post-operative and chemotherapy-related nausea.
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Safe and drug-free: Acupuncture offers a natural option for those who cannot, or prefer not to, rely on heavy medications.
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Brain and body effects: Imaging studies reveal real changes in the brain and nervous system, including the release of endorphins and serotonin.
More expert Opinions:
Acupuncture continues to steadily earn respect from doctors and researchers as a treatment that really delivers. The evidence shows it can bring lasting relief, often comparable to the best of modern medicine, while supporting the body as a whole:
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Studies have found acupuncture works for pain as effectively as leading medications - but without the side effects.
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Many patients, in the words of Dr. Medhat Mikhael, 'have found relief' where other approaches fell short.
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Research by Dr. Hugh MacPherson shows that up to 90% of the pain relief from acupuncture can still be felt a year later.
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Acupuncture doesn’t just calm pain - Dr. John McDonald notes it influences every system of the body, with especially strong anti-inflammatory benefits.
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For those unable to take standard painkillers, Professor Marc Cohen confirms acupuncture offers a safe and effective alternative.
Art and Science
Early acupuncturists developed a complete system of diagnosis through methodical and detailed observation of the human body. Without the aid of modern equipment, the first acupuncturists discovered, recorded and resolved many now familiar findings of modern biomedical science, including the impact of emotional stress on physical health. Modern science has discovered myofascial pathways that trace the meridians documented by early acupuncturists, and the concept known as 'Qi' (energy) seems to overlap with emerging facts about how the body's cells communicate. (If you are interested in knowing more about Qi, take a look here)
'The benefits built with each session' Patient review, 2026
About me:
I have worked in the arts, as both performer and teacher, for over twenty years, an experience that has nurtured my sensitivity, my ability to listen deeply and cultivated my eye for detail. These are qualities I am delighted to bring to my acupuncture practice.
My background as a singer has given me an awareness of subtle shifts in expression, poise and energy. These sensitivities translate naturally into the practice of acupuncture, where small changes often carry great meaning. I also draw on my study of Qigong, a discipline rooted in flow and balance, which resonates closely with the principles of acupuncture.
I am currently completing the final year of my three-year Professional Licentiate at The Acupuncture Academy in Leamington Spa. The programme, accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board, integrates in-depth Five Element acupuncture theory with extensive training in clinical skills and point location, comprising over 3,600 hours of BAAB-accredited study, including substantial supervised clinical practice.
I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey toward greater balance and wellbeing!
'Incredibly calming, compassionate, and supportive' Patient review, 2026
Why 'Golden Crane Acupuncture'?
I thought carefully about finding a resonant and magnetic name for my practice. I wanted to settle on something that felt personal and captured the essence of how I aim to be as a practitioner. In Five Element Acupuncture, one of the key aspects explored in diagnosis is the 'Causative Factor' (CF) or 'Guardian Element'. There are Five of these: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. They constitute both the strengths and the vulnerabilities of an individual. For example, and put slightly into a nutshell, a Fire Element might be warm, radiant, and full of joy, yet also prone to burnout or heartbreak. An Earth Element often carries a nurturing, stabilising quality, but may at times feel burdened or depleted by the needs of others. A Water Element has great depth and endurance, though it can also be shadowed by fear. Wood embodies vision and determination, yet may struggle with frustration or rigidity. Metal, my own CF, carries the gift of clarity, refinement and reverence for what is precious - yet it can also suffer when grief or loss remains unresolved. We are all on a journey in the quest for balancing our Element - once this equilibrium is achieved we have the ability to be our best selves and truly shine
The crane is a powerful symbol within the Metal Element. Its stillness, poise, and elegance evoke the qualities of balance and perspective that Metal seeks. To me, the crane embodies dignity and a quiet strength, lifting us toward the heavens while remaining grounded in the earth. Gold deepens this symbolism, as gold is the most refined expression of Metal: pure, luminous, incorruptible. Also, gold is fabulous!
Costs and information
Initial Consultation & Treatment
£75 (up to 1 hour 30 minutes)
Your first session is a comprehensive diagnostic consultation. We explore your health, medical history and lifestyle in depth to understand where you are and what you’re seeking from treatment. This includes a range of traditional diagnostic tests, including the Akabane assessment, which is balancing in itself.
Follow-up Treatments
£50 (up to 1 hour)
What to Wear
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to arms and legs. You may be asked to remove items of clothing and are welcome to bring shorts, if you prefer.
Cancellation Policy
To ensure that I can offer the best possible care to all patients and to cover the cost of clinic room hire, I kindly ask that the following policy is respected:
Appointments & Cancellations
A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice may be subject to a full session fee.
Late Arrivals
If you arrive late, your treatment time may be shortened to avoid impacting other patients, and the full session fee will still apply.
Missed Appointments
Missed appointments without notice will be charged at the full rate.
Exceptional Circumstances
I understand that emergencies and health issues can arise, and I will always aim to be compassionate and fair. However, consistent late cancellations may still incur charges.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation, it helps me to continue offering dedicated, high-quality care to all patients.