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Frequently asked questions

Safety & efficacy

Is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) safe?

Yes. Magnetic Stimulation Therapy or Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has been used safely in clinical settings worldwide for over two decades, with an excellent safety record. The treatment is recommended by the FDA for multiple conditions, is backed by the NHS, and is non-invasive, medication-free, and most people find it comfortable.

Our practitioners are among the most specialised and highly trained for both safety and efficacy in neuromodulation, and are able to treat multiple conditions (physiologically and physically) which is rare. They will be with you throughout every session.

Our clinical advisory board is world-class, spans multiple conditions, as well as functional medicine and longevity.

Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as a temporary tingling or light scalp discomfort during treatment.

Will it work for everyone?

No treatment works for everyone, but at Naya we take extra steps to enhance efficacy.

Generally speaking, rTMS has shown benefit in a majority of people across conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and certain addictions.

We go a step further, because:

1. Our devices are the gold standard for neuromodulation to ensure the best possible outcomes for the largest number of patients.

2. Our protocols are personliased and we treat holistically.

3. We monitor your progress closely so we can adapt your programme if needed.

4. Treatment efficacy is enhanced when patients feel relaxed, so we 'sense-hack' our clinics for a calming experience. Everything from lighting to sound, scent and furniture is carefully designed.

How long do results last?

Research shows benefits can last for many months, sometimes years, after a full treatment course.

Some people choose occasional “maintenance” sessions to keep symptoms at bay. Just as with fitness, keeping your brain networks in top condition can require periodic refreshers.

We go a step further than other clinics by offering lifetyle and longevity support, as well as a gym within the clinic to enhance rehabilitation.

Is it suitable for everyone?

We cannot offer rTMS to people with certain metal implants in the head, cochlear implants, or a history of epilepsy. Some severe psychiatric conditions also require stabilisation before starting. We’ll assess your suitability carefully before beginning.

The best way to check suitability, is to complete the short form on the "Book Now" link, and our clinicians will review and respond as quickly as possible.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

For depression and certain pain conditions, rTMS is considered a safer alternative to medications in pregnancy, as it doesn’t involve drugs or anaesthesia.

While more research is ongoing, published studies have not shown harm to mother or baby. We assess each case individually in consultation with your obstetric team.

I’ve tried rTMS before and it didn’t work - why might this be different?

Not all rTMS is the same. Protocols vary in device quality, practitioner expertise, clinical environment, frequency, physiologial and neural location, and number of sessions - all of which affect outcomes.

Put simply, we don't compromise on any of these elements and always invest in best-in-class teams, clinics, protocols and devices.

We also personliase treatment and targeting based on your condition and clinical profile, higher session intensities where indicated, and close monitoring to adjust settings. Lifestyle strategies, supplements and functional medicine support further bolster outcomes.

It’s a bit like physiotherapy - the right exercises, done in the right way, at the right intensity under expert guidance, makes all the difference.

About the treatment

What happens during a treatment session?

Before we start, we take precise measurements to ensure the magnetic pulses are targeted exactly to the neural or physical region most relevant for your condition. We treat the brain as well as localised parts of the body depending on your needs.

We then find your “motor threshold” - the stimulation level tailored to you - and begin the session. You’ll be awake and comfortable, hearing a gentle tapping sound as the device works.

Sessions typically last 20–30 minutes.

Do I need to prepare?

Preparation is minimal. We suggest staying hydrated, limiting caffeine before your session, and keeping your day after treatment as stress-free as possible.

Will I be able to drive afterwards?

Most people can carry on with their day as normal, including driving. On your first visit, you may wish to arrange alternative transport just in case you feel tired afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

1. For most chronic pain and psychological conditions such as pain, anxiety, OCD, trauma or depression, a 20-session course offers the best results.

We often deliver this in 10 days - two sessions a day, with a short rest in between -to maximise effectiveness. If your schedule doesn’t allow for this intensity, we’ll work with you to find the most effective pace possible.

Why complete the full course? Because lasting change takes repetition. Stopping halfway is like taking half a course of antibiotics - you’ll get some benefit, but it may not last.

2. For physical symptoms, such as lower back pain, sciatica and muscle injury, benefits are felt much more rapidly and often only five sessions are needed.

How soon will I notice a difference?

Peripheral treatments for muscular pain and injury often provide rapid relief - even from the first session.

For chronic physiological and psychological conditions like fibromyalgia or depression, it can be more gradual. Some people feel lighter, calmer, or more focused within the first week. Others see gradual improvements over the course of two weeks.

Our approach is to track objective measures - such as mood scores, pain ratings, or craving frequency - so we can tailor treatment and you can see your progress even if changes feel subtle day to day.

What if my symptoms come back?

Brains, like bodies, can drift back into old patterns over time - especially if stress, illness, or other triggers occur.

If symptoms return, we can schedule a short “booster” course to get you back on track. For some, a planned maintenance schedule (e.g. monthly, quarterly or bi-annually) keeps gains steady.

Can I combine this with medication or therapy?

Yes. rTMS often works best as part of a broader treatment plan. It’s safe alongside most antidepressants, pain medicines, and talking therapies.

We’ll review your current regimen and liaise with your other clinicians to ensure a coordinated approach.

Conditions treated & evidence

What conditions can it help?

We stay aligned with the latest research so we can offer programmes tailored to your condition.

Repetivite Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (rTMS) is supported by clinical evidence for:

Chronic pain - including fibromyalgia and hypermobility.

Muscular pain - such as injury, sciatica, lower back pain.

Treatment-resistant depression - for those who have not improved with medication alone.

Anxiety disorders - including generalised anxiety, PTSD, and panic disorder.

Addiction cessation - nicotine, alcohol, and certain substance use disorders.

Long-Covid symptoms - particularly fatigue and brain fog.

Can it help with chronic pain like fibromyalgia or pain linked to hypermobility?

Yes. rTMS is a well‑studied treatment for centrally amplified conditions like fibromyalgia and hypermobility syndromes. It helps recalibrate pain‑processing networks in the brain, often resulting in reduced fatigue, better sleep, and clearer cognition. A systematic review found rTMS beneficial for fibromyalgia, migraine, peripheral nerve pain and centrally mediated pain syndromes.

Can it help with anxiety disorders?

Yes. Studies show rTMS can reduce symptoms in conditions like generalised anxiety disorder, PTSD, and panic disorder.
We target networks that regulate emotional processing and stress responses. The result for many patients is a calmer baseline, fewer spikes of anxiety, and better resilience to stress.

Can rTMS help with perimenopause and menopause symptoms?

Many women feel dismissed when they seek help for perimenopause and menopause symptoms - especially mood changes, fatigue, and brain fog. Too often the focus is only on hormones, leaving mental health and cognitive wellbeing overlooked.

Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (MST/rTMS) offers a safe, drug-free way to address these challenges. By gently stimulating and resetting the brain pathways involved in mood regulation, stress, and cognition, it can reduce anxiety, lift low mood, and support clearer thinking. 

It is already NICE-approved in the UK and FDA-cleared in the US for treatment-resistant depression, and multiple studies show it is effective for anxiety and stress-related conditions - symptoms that are common during menopause.

At Naya, we combine rTMS with clinical-grade supplements, lifestyle strategies, and whole-person care. The result is a tailored approach that helps restore balance, resilience, and quality of life at a time when many women feel unheard in traditional healthcare settings.

What’s the evidence for rTMS in depression?

rTMS is approved by NICE for the treatment of depression that hasn’t responded to standard medication. Decades of research and large-scale clinical trials show it can reduce symptoms, improve daily functioning, and, in some cases, achieve full remission.

It works by targeting specific brain circuits involved in mood regulation — areas that can be underactive in depression — and “retraining” them to work more effectively.

Can it help with Long-COVID symptoms?

Emerging studies suggest rTMS may improve Long‑COVID symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue. Imaging reveals reduced blood flow in areas linked to brain fog, and there’s early evidence that rTMS can enhance blood flow and cognitive function. A pilot trial is currently underway at UCLA to rigorously evaluate rTMS’s safety and impact on fatigue and cognition in Long‑COVID patients.

What about muscular pain and injury?

We use peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) - a specialised coil placed directly over the painful muscle or nerve - to target muscular, sciatica and soft‑tissue pain. Every session is delivered by a trained osteopath and often combines hands‑on alignment, exercise, and holistic care. Repeated studies support PMS’s ability to reduce pain and improve function.

How does it work for addiction cessation?

Addiction isn’t just about willpower - it’s about how the brain’s reward and craving circuits are wired. rTMS can help recalibrate these networks, reducing cravings and improving impulse control.

We often combine it with behavioural support or counselling for best results. This is a growing area of research, and our protocols adapt as the science advances.

Pricing & payments

Is it expensive?

It’s an investment — and one that works. Many patients find it replaces years of unsuccessful treatments and their costs.
We offer payment plans and transparent pricing. Initial consultations are covered by most insurance providers, and in some cases full treatment is also covered.

What payment options do you offer?

We offer interest-free payment plans and work with all major health insurers for consultations and diagnostic testing. Our team can guide you on how to maximise your cover.

Will my insurance cover chronic pain, depression, anxiety, or addiction treatment with rTMS?

For any condition, intial consultations are typically covered.

For treatment itself, for depression, many UK insurers already provide cover. For anxiety and addiction, coverage is still limited but growing.

We provide detailed clinical documentation to support claims and can guide you through the process. Patients are provided with structured, insurer-friendly documentation (invoices, diagnosis summaries, treatment plans with ICD/DSM codes and clinical rationale) to submit claims for reimbursement.