Five Seasons

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Utrecht

For more balance in body and mind

Book an appointment
Denise van Dalen, acupuncturist in Utrecht

Welcome to Five Seasons

Complaints such as fatigue, pain, digestive problems, hormonal imbalance or stress rarely stand on their own. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks beyond the complaint itself. By recognising and treating the underlying pattern, the treatment aims not only at relieving symptoms but also fixing the cause of the complaints.

Welcome, I'm Denise. As an acupuncturist in Utrecht I help people with a wide range of physical and emotional complaints. During a consultation I take the time to form a complete picture of your health, to find out where the imbalance lies, and to draw up a treatment plan tailored to your personal situation. Alongside acupuncture I also give advice on lifestyle and nutrition where appropriate, to support the treatment. My aim is that you are not only treated, but also gain more insight into your health and the factors that influence it.

My interest in acupuncture started more than thirteen years ago with a personal experience. I saw at close hand how acupuncture could relieve pain in a gentle yet effective way. Later I experienced myself how valuable a treatment could be for hormonal complaints. These experiences made me curious and eventually led me to the Traditional Chinese Medicine programme at Academie Qing-Bai.

During my training I discovered that TCM is much more to me than a treatment method. It is a way of looking at health in which not just the complaint is central, but the person as a whole. Out of that same curiosity I am also exploring yoga philosophy and am currently training as a yoga teacher. Although TCM and yoga each have their own origins, to me they share something important: health is about finding more balance, resilience and awareness in daily life. I bring that view into my work as an acupuncturist.

Consultations are held in English or Dutch — whichever you prefer. My practice is in Rivierenwijk, in Utrecht, a short walk from Vaartsche Rijn station. Whether you already know exactly what you need help with, or want to discover what acupuncture could do for you, you are very welcome.

How does acupuncture help?

Chinese medicine is a holistic system focused on the inner harmony of the body. When the body is out of balance, this can lead to health problems. Treatments aim to restore balance, improve flow and support a calm nervous system. In my practice in Utrecht-Rivierenwijk I work with people with a wide range of health complaints, and the treatment is always tailored to your personal situation.

Not sure whether acupuncture could help with your complaint? Feel free to get in touch or book an appointment straight away. I'm happy to think along with you.

Pain

  • Neck, shoulder and back pain
  • Headaches and migraine
  • Muscle tension and (sports) injuries

Stress & nervous system

  • Stress and burn-out
  • Restlessness or tension
  • Sleep problems

Hormones & balance

  • Menstrual complaints
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Fertility support

Digestion & energy

  • Abdominal complaints or bloating
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Feeling out of balance

Skin & allergies

  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Hay fever

Emotional wellbeing

  • Anxiety and low mood
  • Irritability
  • Feeling stuck

Prices

First consultation (90 min.)
€ 85,-
Follow-up appointment (50 min.)
€ 65,-

Payment

After the treatment you can pay by payment request (iDEAL link) or in cash. The invoice will be sent by e-mail.

Insurance

If you have Dutch supplementary health insurance (aanvullende verzekering), most insurers reimburse part of each acupuncture treatment. This is because I am registered with the professional association Zhong. The reimbursement does not count towards your deductible (eigen risico).

New to the Dutch system? Only the basic package is mandatory; acupuncture is covered through a supplementary package that includes alternative medicine (alternatieve geneeswijzen). Check your own policy or contact your insurer for the current conditions.

Cancellation

If you are unable to attend, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Appointments cancelled late, or missed, are charged in full. You can cancel by phone or e-mail.

Complaints

My aim is to make every treatment as pleasant as possible. If you are not satisfied, I would like to find a solution together with you. If that does not work, you can turn to an independent complaints officer via SCAG, to which my practice is affiliated under the Dutch healthcare quality act (Wkkgz).

Frequently asked questions

Can I have my consultation in English?

Yes. Consultations and treatments can be held entirely in English or in Dutch, whichever you prefer.

What can I expect from the first treatment?

During your first appointment we take ample time to map out your health and your complaints. We discuss your medical history, your current situation and what you hope to achieve. Based on that I draw up a treatment plan and we start the acupuncture treatment right away, tailored to your situation.

What should I wear?

Preferably loose, comfortable clothing you can relax in. During the treatment it is important that the arms (below the elbows), the legs (below the knees) and sometimes the abdomen are easily accessible.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Eat a light meal before your appointment and make sure you are well hydrated. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and drugs both before and after the treatment, as these can affect the treatment and how your body responds to it.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on the complaint(s), how long they have existed and how your body responds. With acute complaints improvement is often noticeable after a few treatments — on average about 6 treatments are needed to relieve or resolve the complaint.

Long-standing or chronic complaints usually need more time to bring the body back into balance. In those cases an average of 10 treatments or more is needed for a more stable and lasting result. Everyone responds differently, so we review progress together during the course of treatment and adjust accordingly.

Still have questions? Get in touch.

Book an appointment

Practice in Utrecht

Five Seasons Acupunctuur
Nieuwravenstraat 14 BSA
3522 RM Utrecht (Rivierenwijk)
Chamber of Commerce (KVK): 99737299

Contact

Phone: +31 6 12 97 10 81
Email: info@fiveseasonsacupunctuur.nl

Opening hours

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
by appointment between 10:00 and 17:00

The practice is in Rivierenwijk, in the south of Utrecht, and is easy to reach by public transport: Vaartsche Rijn station is a 7-minute walk.
The treatment room is on the second floor; there is no lift.

KAB — umbrella organisation for complementary care Zhong — Dutch Association for Traditional Chinese Medicine SCAG — independent complaints body