TREATMENTS
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is based on the understanding that health is achieved through balance and treats the whole person, rather than the symptoms in isolation. Acupuncture helps rebalance the body when physical and emotional stress presents or illnesses has developed. This is done by inserting ultra fine sterile needles at specific points on the body. It is suited for all ages and can help with a variety of conditions. Treatments are tailored to the individual making them as unique as you. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
Sometimes modalities such as Tuina, also known a Chinese medical massage, Guasha, Moxibustion or Cupping may be added to the treatment to increase blood flow to improve your circulation in order to help alleviate pain or tension in a localised area of the body although these modalities can also be used as a stand-alone needle-free treatment.
Tuina
Tuina, also called Chinese medical massage, is a traditional hands-on manipulation used in treating various complaints, especially musculoskeletal disorders but also diseases of internal organs.
Tuina can be a standalone treatment or in addition to acupuncture, to help bring the body back into balance by stimulating acupressure points along the energetic channels (meridians) with techniques such as gliding, rocking, plucking, percussive and vibrating. The treatment is traditionally practised on fully clothed patients.
Female health
Gynaecological issues such as period pain, endometriosis or menopausal symptoms etc. can be challenging to live with and many women resort to Acupuncture for relief during this time.
We can also support women with turning a breached baby or gently inducing labour in a natural non-invasive way, using acupuncture point stimulation.
Call us for a friendly chat to find out more or book an appointment.
Fertility support
Many studies has shown how acupuncture can benefit fertility and assisted reproduction although results vary as treatments are individual specific and therefore are affected by factors such as age, cycles regularity, physical blockages in the reproductive organs and sperm count. We use an in-depth questionnaire into the client’s history and health prior to any treatments to address stress reduction which can greatly help improve your chances of becoming pregnant regardless of using unassisted methods or assisted via a fertility clinic. There are several ways one can improve fertility through the use of acupuncture.
We can use points near the ovaries, fallopian tubes and womb to directly relieve muscle tension in and around the pelvis and help to increase blood and fluid supply to the tissues and mucous membrane. We can also use points that relates to organs involved in reproduction as well as address individual factors that may be personal to the client such as stress affecting hormonal balances, irregular cycles, the immune system, PCOS, endometriosis, etc.
Often assisted reproductive technology (ART) is used to treat infertility. It includes fertility treatments that handles both a woman's egg and a man's sperm. In the UK, the overall birth rate following assisted reproduction is only 21% to 22%. Acupuncture is now recognised to complement IVF treatments by improving the odds by as much as 65%. If you are considering western medical intervention for fertility, you may therefore want to consider Acupuncture.
We can support both you and your partner with your fertility. We are happy to work alongside your medical team both prior to and during and after your IVF treatments. We use a tried and tested protocol to support women through each stage of the process. Whether you are undergoing ICSI, IVF or a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), we can assist your body during this intervention.
We are happy to chat with you to find out if we can help you or simply send us a message.
Musculoskeletal discomfort
You may have heard of Dry Needling and Cupping but you may not know that these methods actually originates from the tradition of Chinese medicine. They have been used to treat acute and chronic pain in localised area of the body as they have shown to increase blood flow thus improving circulation whilst stimulating the body’s’ anti inflammatory response in alleviating pain and tension.
Both modalities have been adopted and used by physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors as they have seen the profound effect they can elicit in releasing and relieving pain and inflammation.
We have the insight into what this treatment can offer as well as being properly trained in these modalities so your recovery is quickened.
Sometimes modalities such as Tuina , Guasha or Moxibustion may be added to your treatment although these modalities can be used as a stand-alone treatment.
Emotional health
These days western medicine have started to recognise that our emotional health have a direct effect on our physical body. We all experience stress and mental tension at certain times in our lives but when stressful states are maintained for longer periods, addictive behaviour can become the go to. This can impact the food we reach for at such times and the amount. Our mood and mental state can become tainted and we can become more reactive. Some may procrastinate and disassociate as they recoil to avoid certain emotions.
We see in our clinic that more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of addressing these conditions early on (stress, anxiety, low mood and depression etc.) and many acknowledge that acupuncture have effectively help them alleviate these.
Acupuncture may be used to help balance our autonomic nervous system by stimulating and instilling a calm relaxed state and can be used for profound spiritual purposes; setting the person back on track of their unique life’s journey, calming the pain of disappointment and shifting feelings of disillusionment.
Note: At some of our clinics we are happy to offer a (seated) group session where microsystem acupuncture, such as ear points are used. This system of acupuncture is highly effective for a wide range of conditions such as emotional issues; anxiety and stress management, for preventative reasons or for general health and wellbeing.
Why not come in and give it a try! (please contact us to find out if your local clinic offers this or to discuss your personal circumstances)
Guasha
Acupuncturists and practitioners of traditional East Asian medicine consider Guasha for any illness or condition where there is pain or discomfort, for upper respiratory and digestive problems.
Guasha is an important hands-on medical treatment that has been used throughout Asia for centuries. A flat tool is commonly used to ‘to rub’ or ‘press against slightly oiled skin. “gua” means ‘to rub’ or ‘press stroke, “sha” describes the congestion of stagnant blood that usually rise to the surface tissue causing redness in areas where patients experience stiffness and pain. The “sha” (redness) usually disappears in two to three days after treatment.
The benefits of Guasha are numerous as it can resolve spasms and pain and increase mobility whilst promoting circulation to the muscles, tissues and organs. Guasha’s immediate effect is therefore also used effectively in treatments of coughing, wheezing and asthma.
When Guasha is applied pain can immediately shift as it causes a four-fold increase in microcirculation of surface tissue and can reduce inflammation and stimulate the immune system.
Guasha cools the patient who feels too warm, warms the patient who feels too cold, while relaxing tension and reducing anxiety. Guasha is often done in combination with acupuncture for stubborn problems.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a drug free, non invasive and pain free Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning the herb mugwort (or moxa) near acupuncture points. It has been used for centuries for its warming and invigorating sensation on the skin and can be considered a natural muscle relaxant.
Research has shown that Moxa’s radiation spectrum lies within the near infrared portion, which means it can improve blood circulation as it encourage vibration on a cellular level affecting both shallow and deep tissues of the skin through this thermal stimulation.
Many ingredients from the mugwort leaves are known to offer biological activities. We only use the highest quality smokeless Moxa and target specific points across the body for maximum effect.
Whilst it might appear strange, moxibustion is an age old method of turning babies presenting in a breech position. Many studies have been conducted which prove that this method has a very high success rate. It is a pain free method. No needles are used, just some gentle heat.
Cupping
Cupping form part of traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine. Cups are placed on the back, stomach, arms, or legs and a vacuum or suction force is created that pulls the skin upward. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin. Your body treats the cupping area like an injury. It sends more blood to the area to stimulate the natural healing process.
Cupping can therefore help release fascial adhesion such as addressing trigger points by drawing blood and fluids to the treatment area. Cups can resolve chronic muscle tightness and pain faster than massage therapy alone.
Cupping is a safe treatment that helps improve and increase blood circulation and helps stimulate the lymphatic system so toxins can be released.