Supporting both emotional and physical wellbeing through life’s challenges.
At Viney Hall, we believe in whole-person care. That’s why we’re excited to have a conversation with our highly valued acupuncturist Jennie Heckford, BSc Lic Ac MBAcC. With almost two decades of clinical experience, Jennie hit the ground running when she joined us two years ago.
Here, we take advantage of a quiet moment to ask her a few questions to help our clients understand more about what happens behind her treatment room door. Jennie shares her uniquely warm, gentle and person-centred approach, using the wisdom of Chinese medicine to support clients across a range of issues — from women’s health, pain and chronic illness to anxiety, cancer recovery, and burnout — helping people reconnect with their health, especially during times of transition, illness, or stress.
Viney Hall: Jennie, what first drew you to acupuncture, and what’s kept you passionate about it?
Jennie: I’ve always been interested in how people heal — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. Life’s challenges can disconnect us from ourselves, and Chinese medicine offers a compassionate, empowering way back.
My own journey started at age 17 when I received acupuncture for anxiety and psoriasis during exam stress. I’m fifty this year, and I’m so grateful my parents gave me that experience at a difficult time. Acupuncture has remained a source of support for me personally and has shaped my career more than 30 years later.
It’s hard not to list conditions, because acupuncture can support so much. Over the years, I’ve seen it help people feel less stuck, less overwhelmed, and more themselves again. Whether it’s pain, chronic illness, anxiety, burnout, cancer recovery, menopause or reproductive health – acupuncture powerfully supports people to reconnect with their own healing and find balance again. That’s really the heart of my work.
Viney Hall: You’ve worked extensively in cancer care. Tell us about that and any other areas of specific interest.
Jennie: I spent 14 years working with a national breast cancer charity, supporting people with and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis. Acupuncture can make a difference with some of the really tough side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ongoing drug therapies — things like peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain and numbness in the hands and feet), persistent fatigue, and hot flushes, which can affect both men and women during cancer treatment.
But it’s not just the physical side. A cancer diagnosis can bring huge emotional strain — anxiety, low mood, a feeling of losing touch with yourself. In skilled and sensitive hands, acupuncture can help people feel more at ease in their bodies and lives again.
I also helped establish an ear acupuncture project for anxiety with a group of inner-city GPs. It’s still running today, which I’m really proud of. Over the years, I’ve shared my experience with peers, acupuncture students, and members of the medical profession — helping to build bridges between Chinese medicine and conventional care, so that people can access joined-up support, not fragmented help.
A Client’s Experience:
“When the side-effects of my cancer treatment failed to respond to further medication, I sought help from Jennie. To my great delight, acupuncture helped. The leaden feelings disappeared and the hot sweats were reduced in both frequency and intensity beyond my wildest hopes. Regular sessions have kept side-effects in check for four years.”
— Ron, Sedbury
Viney Hall: Safe hands feels important to you. Can you tell us more?
Jennie: Absolutely. Acupuncture in the UK is voluntarily regulated, so it’s really important that people know they’re seeing someone properly trained. I’m a long-standing member of the British Acupuncture Council, meaning I follow strict safety standards, codes of practice and am trained to degree level as a minimum. We’re the only acupuncture body accredited by the Professional Standards Authority — I think that’s important for people to know.
I’m committed to continually developing my practice, and I work with great care and sensitivity to the life events and experiences that shape a person’s health and wellbeing.
Viney Hall: Who do you most enjoy working with?
Jennie: It’s a privilege to support people at all stages of life and health, but my skills have been compassionately honed through working with people facing profound physical and emotional transitions.
So many people are quietly struggling — with sleep, energy, mood, or a sense of disconnection from themselves. Acupuncture gently supports the nervous system, improves physical symptoms, and gives people back a sense of influence over their wellbeing.
A Client’s Experience:
“A few months ago, I thought I’d give acupuncture ‘a go’ to address a long-term painful back. Goodness, I’m so glad I made that decision. My very first session had a profoundly moving effect, and subsequent sessions have always left me feeling uplifted and full of life — and my back pain so much improved.
I find the sessions amazingly relaxing, which is hard to explain to others considering the treatment involves needles! I believe this is partly the acupuncture itself, but also Jennie — she is so caring, kind, and knowledgeable, and clearly an expert in acupuncture.
Quite simply, Jennie is a lovely human being who is brilliant at her job, and acupuncture has worked on so many levels for me. What more can I say?!”
— Deirdre, Chepstow
Viney Hall: What’s it like to have a session with you?
Jennie: People tell me it feels calm, unhurried, and surprisingly relaxing — they often enjoy it more than they expected! (laughs)
I take time to really listen and place the whole person at the centre of our work together. The needles are incredibly fine and gentle, and the treatment is shaped by how someone is on that particular day.
Viney Hall: How can someone find out if acupuncture is right for them?
Jennie: Just reach out. You don’t have to wait until you’ve “tried everything else.” If you’re curious whether acupuncture could support you, we can have a chat first and see if it feels right.
People can book directly with Jennie at Viney Hall, or through her website:
https://www.vineyhallphysio.co.uk/team-member/jennie-heckford
https://www.vineyhallphysio.co.uk/services/acupuncture
✅ Book your appointment with Jennie Heckford at Viney Hall today and take the next step in your wellbeing journey.
