Reviews

   "I started working with Sandra in the aftermath of covid, where I was experiencing dizziness, extreme fatigue, anxiety and periodic low mood. We began with an online consultation for Chinese herbs, and the following week began acupuncture and continued herbs. 

I found Sandra extremely understanding and knowledgeable about my condition (which as it turns out was long covid). It was a great support to see her each week and chart my very gradual progress. Covid recovery is non linear and I was often very upset about my progress; but Sandra is gentle and wise and I always left sessions feeling calm and reassured. Remarkably the severe dizziness lifted after a few weeks and though the low energy is ongoing, I am learning how to manage it better often with her words ringing in my head! 

I was sad to only work with Sandra a short time due to her move overseas, but am extremely grateful to her for getting me on the road to recovery."

                 Marianne Mulvey, Senior Lecturer

"I visited Sandra to nourish my menstrual cycle and boost my fertility health. 

In the year I received sessions from Sandra, my periods have extended to 28 days from 23/24 days, the pain from my fibroids has disappeared and my overall stress has decreased while my wellness levels have increased. 

Sandra supported me through a period of transition and grief in my life. I found the sessions to be incredibly soothing and peaceful. Sandra's approach is very caring, loving and supportive. I regularly felt clearer and lighter following a treatment. 

Thank you, Sandra! "

                                            Tamson, Bristol    

"I found Sandra to be the most caring and talented acupuncturist over the year that I had appointments with her face to face. I would still be a seeing her now if she lived near me. 

She helped me so much with my physical condition (MS symptoms, and fertility) but I also learned a lot from her approach to health and life. She gave me some specific recommendations for diet based on my symptoms. Her knowledge, skills and proficiency are clear to see from all the reviews from very happy people she has treated.  I feel very grateful to be one of the many lucky people to meet her during her time in Bristol. Her calm, caring and supportive manner is really memorable. 

It is hard not to be inspired by Sandra and the way she views the world and helps people everyday and also in her charitable projects in Lesbos. I doubt she would even be aware of how inspiring she is naturally and certainly is too modest to think that herself.

I read Sandra’s reviews before I saw her and from my first consultation I was not disappointed. I cannot thank her enough and would highly recommend her to anyone”                                       Becky, Bristol 

"I started seeing Sandra at a very low point in life, I was 24 and had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that had recurred in my lungs. 

From the start she was very kind and gentle and helped me to feel relaxed. She always seemed very invested in my health and our treatments were very much focused on me as a person rather than my illness. Though it has been a roller coaster, the one thing I have done consistently the past 2 years is acupuncture and I think it has contributed greatly to me now being very well."                                                Dylan, 26, Artist, Bristol

"I have known Sandra for over 5 years. I first came to see her for knee pain and the pain went away completely. 

I came back to see her last year. I was very depressed and her acupuncture helped me get back to my normal routine. I then had knee replacement surgery and acupuncture treatment helped to move about pain free again. If it wasn’t for Sandra’s treatments, I would be suffering. She has helped me and my daughter in law greatly."                                                                         Mrs Ali, Bristol

 "Sandra has been a godsend to me. Her tailor made, holistic and spiritual approach really does support the whole person, whilst targeting my specific needs. I have MS, along with sjogren's disease, IBS and Hashimoto Thyroiditis, whilst also being in menopause. The symptoms are many and varied, with stress being a major factor. The acupuncture really has helped with my sleep, relaxing my muscles, the headaches have reduced, and I am generally much calmer, with fewer stomach issues. My stress levels have reduced and I feel more in control of my body and general well being.

I cannot praise Sandra enough, she is compassionate, kind, sensitive to your needs, full of enthusiasm, along with being extremely supportive and knowledgeable."

Attia Trott (age 55) -Director/Quality Assurance Manager

   "I saw Sandra for acupuncture for over two years, after suffering a minor stroke at age 53. I was otherwise fit and healthy but did have high blood pressure. Although lucky not to suffer aftereffects of the stroke I have young children and was very scared.

Sandra was a godsend. She is the perfect mix of calm professionalism and warm support. Sandra gave me confidence and hope that I could regain my health and well-being, which I have.

I had a session weekly for about 18 months I think and she prescribed herbs to take daily. I began to feel much stronger and better in myself and my blood pressure reduced to normal. I even stopped taking my blood pressure medication with the blessing of the nurse. I continued seeing Sandra monthly and each treatment was a tonic. 

Sandra listens with genuine love and compassion and always has insightful advice to impart. Her presence is healing in itself. and acupuncture was always a relaxing and nourishing experience.

I have no hesitation in recommending her and recommend you see her before looking elsewhere as she is the best you will find!"

                                         Ginny, Bristol, UK

 "Sandra was highly recommended to me by a friend. At the time I was experiencing problems with both my circulation and my digestion. I often felt very cold and was not able to utilise the energy from my food intake effectively. I saw Sandra for five acupuncture (face to face) sessions and also took specific herbs ordered for my particular needs. Within a couple of weeks I began to feel a difference; I had more regular bowel movements and food didn’t seem to just 'move through my body' without leaving any nutritional benefits. I also began to feel warmer throughout my system.

I admit to having always loved acupuncture but during my treatments with Sandra I experienced deeper and more long lasting effects. A year later, I still feel the benefits of the sessions because they seem to have re-calibrated my system to function correctly and stay in balance.

Sandra is a wonderfully calm and gentle practitioner and is attentive in a deep way to your particular needs. She brings not just her experience and knowledge to her sessions but her wisdom, gained through many years following her passion. Sandra has a special way of working that makes the sessions a very therapeutic experience. I highly recommend her."

Joanna Lambe, 67, Yoga teacher, Bristol

  "I have Multiple Sclerosis and I first saw Sandra Arbelaez in 2022/23 for acupuncture primarily with managing nerve pain in my hands. Through thorough case taking and hands on treatment, Sandra soon picked up other symptoms that were bothering me. Some of these I hadn’t even understood myself with so much else going on, for example I had a lot of pain and swelling in my legs. Sandra suggested herbs might help, and these made a huge difference in vanishing oedema and reduced my overall pain significantly. The herbs were very easy to take too, and travel with. Sandra also had other good suggestions for ongoing self-treatment at home which helped me a lot, feeling far more in control of my own health. 

Soon all the family was seeing her, and we had good success with my husband in reducing his constant feelings of cold, as well boosting the health of my teenage son who had been laid low with several nasty winter colds. 

I highly recommend Sandra to others. Sandra is very easy to deal with, professional and empathetic, and I am sure will be able to help improve your health in all sorts of wonderful ways."                          

                            Sarah Jones, Bristol, UK 

   "I came to Sandra for help with a long term problem with my gallbladder and poor sleep and other digestive problems.  Very quickly, the quality of my sleep changed and deepened and it has remained that way since.  As well as receiving acupuncture, Sandra has given me a prescription for Chinese Herbs.  My gallbladder, digestive health and my sleep have transformed.   I found Sandra's approach very focussed and insightful.   I would highly recommend her."                                                       Lindsey, Bath, UK

"I was really pleased to find Sandra when I moved to Bristol. She is kind and friendly and has given me lots of help -with acupuncture and especially with the Chinese herbs. Also gave me some good advice which I have tried to follow and have seen improvements in my skin and health generally.

          Thanks Sandra I will miss you!"                                 Sarah, Bristol, UK

"Hi there to people that are seeking relief with their problems. Acupuncture treatment from Sandra will certainly help. 

Having had treatment for lower back pain the result was quite literally instant. She gave her treatment, with great experience/ knowledge. and I felt better every time. I'm very grateful for her understanding of my problem. 

I certainly would recommend her treatments. no matter what age you are.

It's a pity she is leaving us  but I think she will make a lot people happy, due to her treatments."                                  

                    Mr. Keith Gibley, Bristol, UK

 "I went to see Sandra for treatment as I had been suffering with recurrent cystitis for a few years, and found myself having to use antibiotics more and more often, with little effect. Sandra was wonderful. She is compassionate, professional, and very knowledgeable. Since my treatment I have had no symptoms (something my health professionals had told me was very unlikely), and I am beginning to enjoy things I had thought were no longer possible. Thank you Sandra!"  

                                                  CS 

"I am a man in my forties & have been having acupuncture with Sandra for over two years, which has helped to greatly reduce the frequency and intensity of long standing migraine headaches. Sandra is a good listener and she can be very insightful. I have  always found her treatments to be effective, professional, relaxing and up-lifting. I have recommended her to other people who have also been pleased with her approach and results. Her needling is comfortable and she sometimes supplements the acupuncture with Reiki or Massage."

                               RDG, Acupuncturist

 "I have been receiving treatment from Sandra for a number of complaints, ranging from persistent headaches to palpitations and aching limbs, sinusitis and neuralgia, chest infection and cold feet as well as stress and emotional distress. There has been a significant improvement in my general health and well-being although my cold feet are rather resistant to change. Sandra practises acupuncture and reiki with a gentle touch, sharing her impressive knowledge of Chinese medicine and her wisdom concerning life in general generously and compassionately. I have felt at all times that I am a whole human being receiving care from a gifted, sensitive and understanding practitioner"                                                       Ruth, 68, Bristol 

  "I have consulted Sandra professionally on numerous occasions, most recently for a very painful sprained leg ligament. My GP prescribed me anti-inflammatories which took away most of the pain but the leg was still feeling weak and sore. Following one acupuncture session with Sandra, my leg felt strong and flexible once again, and the problem did not reoccur. I have found Sandra's acupuncture sessions invaluable for muscular pain, back pain and relaxation. She takes the time to really listen, asks a wealth of questions and follows through every week. I had never consulted an acupuncturist before seeing Sandra and she has
completely converted me to it!"                                                                          CF, 34 

 “Sandra has been treating me for five years for chronic lower back pain caused by a childhood injury. She is a very gifted, and attentive therapist and a wonderfully kind and caring person. The diagnosis and treatments have always been very accurate and have helped reduce my back pain and enabled me to reduce my pain killers considerably. The acupuncture and Chinese herbs have also helped me deal with the withdrawal symptoms from heavy-duty pain killers, and cope with stomach problems
resulting from taking tablets long term."                                         Sarah Williams, age 43 

  "I went to see Sandra for Acupuncture treatment when I was experiencing acute pain in my lower back. I was curious and a little wary about having acupuncture but I found Sandra's approach very calm and her explanations clear. She was thorough and professional with taking my history and I found the treatment itself very relaxing and it turned out to be so effective that my back improved after the one treatment!! I look forward to seeing Sandra for further treatments in the future."                                     Josie, 38, Library assistant 

  "I went to Sandra for treatment when I was experiencing a lot of anxiety and stress, and was feeling terribly run down. I felt very heard and understood on an emotional level, and I was impressed by Sandra's ability to understand all that was going on in my physical body, through her comprehensive diagnosis. I was deeply reassured by Sandra's skill with acupuncture and herbs, and her thoroughness and care. The treatment definitely supported my recovery strengthening my body, immunity and vitality for life. Sandra has genuine commitment and passion for her work."                       

                                   Amanda, 40yrs 

 When I first met Sandra I was off work with stress and at a low point in my life. She offered me kindness, support and guidance to get me on the road to recovery. Her advice was so valuable to me both mentally and physically and I'm so grateful to her. With her help and the treatment I received I am now feeling much more myself, and getting stronger every day. I can't thank her enough."                                             Claire Cusack 

  "I received acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Reiki treatments from Sandra for IBS, eating disorders and other emotional problems. I noticed an improvement in my eating habits after a few sessions, also my IBS symptoms started to occur less often and less severely. Continuing these sessions regularly, with Sandra's patient and knowledgeable approach, helped to bring my body into balance and supported my developing a healthier relationship with food."                                                                        MK, 27                    

   “I have received acupuncture treatment from Sandra for two courses of around 5 - 10 treatments each during two separate periods. The first course of treatment was to help with a range of digestive problems and dizziness, and included Chinese herbal medicine as well as acupuncture. The treatment was very successful in resolving both complaints. I decided to undertake the second course of treatment in order to give my overall health a boost, and specifically to improve my energy levels and quality of sleep which I felt were a bit lacking. This has also proved to be effective. In summary, I have found the specific treatments to be very helpful, not least the therapeutic process. Sandra's treatment has enabled me to reflect more clearly on things that may have been affecting my wellbeing, and Sandra has been able to provide both solutions and the space for me to help myself.”     Ross, 31, Civil Servant   

   “I go to Sandra for acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine following on from having minor strokes and a heart condition some years ago. She has been immensely supportive and has been the source of much good advice in addition to the treatments given. She has a wide knowledge and is both caring and professional in her approach. I would recommend her without reservation."                                     Ian Bell, 65, Accountant 

   “I came to see Sandra when I had a bout of cystitis. In my case this was also related to my life style and emotional state. Sandra gave me very useful advice and thanks to on-going treatments of acupuncture and Chinese herbs the infection cleared without having to use antibiotics.”                                                                            Y.G. 32, Holistic Therapist