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Acupuncture is one of the most ancient forms of healthcare in the world. According to Chinese medicine, every physical ailment is caused by an energy imbalance within the body. This energy, known as ‘Qi’ flows through a series of meridians (channels) all over the body and can be accessed via hundreds of specific acu-points. By needling these points, obstructions in the flow of Qi can be unblocked and balance restored, and well-being promoted or regained. Acupuncture aims to facilitate the smooth flow of Qi in the body, thereby improving well-being.
Treatment involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to elicit a healing response from your body. Typically a practitioner will use 10-12 needles placed at various parts of the body, they will be retained for 28 minutes during which time the patient can relax in the serene environment.
Needles are so fine as to be barely discernible. Some patients experience sensations variously described as heat, heaviness or electricity in the area. This is known as ‘De Qi’ or the arrival of Qi. Some patients feel nothing. Everyone is different.
Moxibustion (known as moxa) and Gua Sha are often incorporated into an acupuncture or cupping session to supplement the treatment.
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Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which the dried herb mugwort is burnt near the surface of the skin, allowing the heat to travel deep inside the body. This can be in the form of tiny cones placed directly on the skin or acupuncture needle; or a stick passed along the body. This invigorates the flow of Qi in the body or dispels certain pathogens. Moxibustion has a nourishing warming effect which stimulates the circulation, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and Qi.
Cupping is a traditional therapy. It uses heat to create a vacuum-like suction inside cups made of glass, plastic or bamboo. When placed on the skin, it brings fresh oxygenated blood to the area and releases lactic acid from deep inside the muscles.
Cupping is not only great for releasing muscle tension it can also be beneficial for respiratory conditions, headaches, digestion, and lots more.
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Once the cup is attached a feeling of warmth and slight pressure (the same as a deep tissue massage) will be felt. The cups may be left static or slid across the area using massage oil. Cups will be retained for 10-20 minutes. Cupping is typically used in conjunction with acupuncture.
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Please note that cupping may leave a reddish or purple mark where the cup has been. This is normal and indicates appropriate treatment.
Gua Sha is a technique used to release stagnation and promote circulation in the muscles. A flat or rounded smooth tool, often made of jade or quartz is gently scraped across the skin with oil. Traditionally a Chinese soup spoon was used. This action causes light bruising, which often appears as purple or red spots known as petechiae or sha.
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Gua Sha is very effective in treating musculoskeletal pain - especially knots and tension. It is also useful for acute respiratory conditions and expelling pathogens causing the common cold.
Facial rejuvenation acupuncture works by increasing blood and Qi to the local areas. It increases collagen production in areas with wrinkles. It causes the muscles to contract thereby toning the face, improving eyebrow sagging and jowels and any area of boney curvature where the skin is liable to hang when its lost elasticity. It creates a micro-trauma at the point of needle insertion causing the body to channel its own healing mechanisms.
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Tiny, sterile needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points on the face and head, in fine lines and wrinkles or along the contours of the face. Once all the tiny needles are in, you will relax for 20-30 minutes.
Treatment include gua sha and will be followed by a relaxing facial massage leaving you with glowing skin and an innate sense of health and vitality.
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Naturopathy is the application of a range natural therapies. My training incorporated comprehensive schooling in the Naturopathic Principles. At a time when modern technology, environmental pollution, poor diet, and stress play a significant role in the degradation of health, I can advise you on how to improve lifestyle and nutrition and on the use of herbal medicines that can promote your health and wellbeing.
Electro-acupuncture is a form of acupuncture where two needles are attached to a device generating a a very mild electrical current thereby increasing the efficacy of the treatment. Patients usually report a sensation similar to a light tapping in the area. This electrical signal is said to trigger an analgesic effect disrupting pain signals and preventing them from reaching the brain. It also stimulates muscle fibres where there has been long term contraction in order to encourage healing and normal muscle function.
In Chinese Medicine terms the mild current gently releases blockages of Qi and blood which are thought to create to pain.
Electro-acupuncture is therefore particularly useful in chronic pain conditions following injury and osteoarthritis.
Acupressure works on the same ancient principles as acupuncture without the insertion of needles. Pressure is applied to the same acupoints, making the treatment geentler and suitable for those with a fear of needles or children.
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Balance may be brought to the body by encouraging the smooth flow of Qi and blood and releasing blockages, long thought by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners to be the cause of dis-ease.