A woman with long brown hair, wearing glasses and a light-colored top, smiling in front of a beige wall with sunlight casting shadows.
A woman with long brown hair, wearing glasses and a light-colored top, smiling in front of a beige wall with sunlight casting shadows.

I am Joana — a Portuguese-born acupuncturist practising in Leicester, and a NHS nurse for over twelve years. Caring for people has always been at the heart of what I do. Nursing gave me that foundation. Acupuncture gave me a different lens entirely.

I came to acupuncture as a patient first. I considered myself healthy — and in many ways I was. But my body had its own quiet story. I wasn't listening to it, until it asked me to. Acupuncture helped me find a balance I didn't know I was missing. I still have regular treatments to this day.

That experience changed everything. I wanted everyone to feel that shift — that sense of coming back to yourself. Sometimes people arrive knowing exactly what is wrong. Sometimes they just know something is off, without quite being able to name it. Both are valid. I work with both.

About Me

Five Element acupuncture is rooted in the understanding that we are part of nature — not separate from it.
Each of the five elements corresponds to a season, and each season has its own quality of energy, emotion and movement.
When we stop listening to those rhythms — pushing through, ignoring signals, living as if the body has no seasons — it tends to find its own way of being heard.

I don't just treat symptoms. I listen for what is underneath them. It is the person I treat — always the whole person.

How I Work

I hold a degree-level qualification in Five Element Acupuncture, graduating with distinction from The Acupuncture Academy, Leamington Spa. I am a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), which sets the standards for safe and ethical practice in the UK.

For cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling, I have trained with Acuregen Academy.

Training and Qualifications

Logo of the British Acupuncture Council, featuring a circular design with blue and black elements.
Logo of the British Acupuncture Council, featuring a circular design with blue and black elements.
Logo for professional standards authority with purple checkmark and text indicating 'accredited register'.
Logo for professional standards authority with purple checkmark and text indicating 'accredited register'.

I practise from Erth Wellbeing in Blaby, Leicester — a calm, modern wellbeing studio.

‘A place to ground, grow and gather.’

Where to Find Me

Green storefront with a sign that reads 'ertn WELLBEING STUDIO' and an address '11a Leicester Road', showing glass windows and a door with reflections of parked cars and buildings across the street.
Green storefront with a sign that reads 'ertn WELLBEING STUDIO' and an address '11a Leicester Road', showing glass windows and a door with reflections of parked cars and buildings across the street.

Ready to feel like yourself again?

Whether you have a question or are ready to book — get in touch!