Why spend hundreds of pounds on acupuncture, facials and the like when, by visiting student practitioners, you can pay a fraction of the cost? Don’t let the word ‘student’ put you off – they’re usually far along in their training before they’re allowed near the public, and are heavily supervised. Many London training colleges offer bargain treatments if you’re willing to take a punt on someone young and keen. These are some of them:

The London College of Beauty Therapy

The LCBT salon offers, in its own words, ‘top-quality treatments at ridiculously low prices’. This is where you can have a 75-minute full-body massage for £20 (compare that to Bliss spa, where a similar treatment costs £137.90.) Meanwhile, an hour-long facial is £18 and a half-hour mini-manicure is yours for a fiver.

LCBT, 47 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7JP (020 7208 1302)

The College of Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture can treat a range of ailments, from asthma to infertility. If you’ve always wanted to try it but were put off by the high prices, head to the student clinic at the College of Chinese Medicine in East Finchley, where sessions in either acupuncture of traditional Chinese medicine cost just £20. For an appointment, call Paul on 0773 4668 402 or email acupuncturesocietyuk@yahoo.co.uk

Acupuncture Clinic,
17 Lankaster Gardens,
East Finchley,
London N2 9AZ

The College of Osteopaths

Best known for treating creaky backs, osteopathy is also reported to help with injuries such as RSI, whiplash and arthritis. This central London clinic offers massively reduced rates with senior students, who are supervised by registered osteopaths. There’s also a sister clinic in Borehamwood that offers a children’s clinic, along with cranial, foot and naturopath clinics.

The College of Osteopaths Teaching Clinic at LCOM, 8-10 Boston Place, London, NW1 6QH (020 7723 6478)

The London College of Shiatsu, Meridian and Zone Therapy

For a bargain £20, you can lie back and enjoy an hour-long shiatsu massage with one of the London College’s third-year students. Clinics are held approximately every three weeks between 10am and 5pm, but make sure you book in advance as the students’ excellent reputation means that they’re always oversubscribed.

London College of Shiatsu, 95 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8TX (020 7603 1191)

College of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopaths use methods such as homeopathy, acupuncture and herbal medicine in conjunction with newer, lesser-known techniques such as ozone therapy and colon hydrotherapy. The CNM has two London clinics: one offers herbal medicine, said to be good for treating digestive complaints, skin problems and stress. The other combines acupuncture and naturopathy to tackle conditions such as backache and depression. Treatments at both cost £25 per consultation. For appointments, email herbalclinicyr2@googlemail.com.

1 Riding House Street, London, W1W 7BE

British School of Osteopathy

Another osteopathy clinic, this time in London Bridge. This is the biggest clinical osteopathy centre in Europe, boasting 34 treatment rooms. As well as the general clinic, there’s a children’s clinic, one for pregnant women, a sports clinic and another for patients with HIV/AIDS.

8-118 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 0BQ (020 7089 5360)

London Esthetique Student Salon

The London School of Beauty and Makeup has a fully operational salon where students perform supervised treatments on the paying public. Reflexology and electrolysis are available alongside the usual massages, facials and waxing. Prices start at £7 for an eyelash or eyebrow tint, so you can make your beauty fixes a regular habit rather than a one-off treat.

48 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8SE (020 7580 0355)