Acupuncture
Your TCM treatment will include Acupuncture, a technique that involves the insertion of ultra-fine needles at specific points on the body. Needles are sterile and single-use, finer than human hair. Traditional acupuncture theory believes that these points are on particular pathways called meridians and that they re-establish the free flow of Qi; the body’s life energy. In Western scientific terms, acupuncture has been found to work by stimulating the production of natural pain-killing and healing chemicals.
Conditions Acupuncture can treat
Acupuncture is suitable for people of all ages and for a wide variety of conditions. The treatment is widely considered beneficial for a range of symptoms resulting from illness or clearly defined complaints. It can also improve general feelings of well-being and help with relaxation. Clients also report feeling revitalised and more positive. It is perhaps best known for providing short-term relief for:
- Chronic Back and Neck Pain
- Headache and Migraine
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
The evidence base is growing exponentially, with over 13,000 studies in 60 countries over the past 20 years. The British Acupuncture Council have prepared factsheets on over 60 conditions. You can find further information here if your condition is not listed above.
Auriculotherapy
Discovered and developed in France by Dr Paul Nogier, a physician from Lyon, Auriculotherapy is an acupuncture micro-system. It includes detecting and treating physical, emotional and neurological issues via specific zones on the ear. Modern auriculotherapy is not traditional or Chinese but has been embraced by Chinese Medicine and is now used worldwide.
Cupping
In modern terms, cupping creates a myofascial decompression effect. It is a great tool to ease highly tensed muscle and connective tissue areas. Cupping is a therapy in which cups are applied to the skin, creating suction which stimulates the flow of blood and/or energy ('Qi') in areas of the body. It can be used in treating muscular pain, sports recovery, or other disorders as part of Chinese medicine. It is a painless treatment and can feel very warm and soothing on the area being treated. The cups can leave red circular marks on the skin, where the blood has been drawn to capillaries near the surface. These fade, usually within 2-4 days.
Gua sha
is a technique that is useful in many licensed therapeutic practices and of particular interest to acupuncturists and massage therapists
It is a healing technique delivered using a Gua sha tool and unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated body surface area. It intentionally creates transitory therapeutic petechiae called ‘sha’, representing the extravasation of blood in the subcutis.
Modern research shows Gua sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single Gua sha treatment. This accounts for its effect on pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, wheeze, nausea and vomiting etc., and why Gua sha is effective in acute and chronic internal organ disorders, including liver inflammation in hepatitis.
Intensifies microcirculation in the tissues and generates a therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, used alongside Acupuncture, stimulates blood circulation and the body's natural healing response and is indispensable in treating many women's health-related issues.
Moxa is the name given to a dried herbal substance derived from the leaves of the Mugwort plant (Artemisia Vulgaris). Moxa is prepared into various forms that are used as an integral part of Chinese Medicine, used on or near the skin's surface around Acupuncture points as part of treatment. Smouldering moxa provides a therapeutic (and painless) heat to the local area, through a practice known as Moxibustion.
Preparing for treatment
No special preparation is necessary for treatment. Please try to eat a light meal or have a snack one or two hours before coming because it's best to avoid treatments on an empty stomach. It's also helpful if you wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Do you like the sound of the treatments? Please get in touch for a non-obligatory chat to discuss and see how Acupuncture can help you.
