Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves the insertion of thin, hairline needles into specific points on the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, all points are connected via a network of pathways. Acupuncture works by stimulating the flow of our vital energy (Qi) along those pathways also known as channels or meridians. When Qi becomes blocked or unbalanced, we are likely to experience dis-ease or pain.
Acupuncture aims to restore the balance and free flow of Qi within the channel network, thus promoting healing and relieving pain and/or mental-emotional symptoms.
Acupun​cture
Research into the mechanisms of acupuncture is growing and so is the evidence of its effectiveness and efficacy. The WHO (World Health Organisation) and NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) both recommend acupuncture for a variety of health conditions. I have treated many people who experienced the benefits of acupuncture when seeking help for the symptoms of Chronic and Acute Pain or Stress (mental, physical and emotional) including migraines and tension headaches.
​
What happens during a session?
Initially, I will ask you about your health history, life style and what is troubling you. We will continue to have a follow-up consultation every time we meet to monitor your progress. Treatment usually takes between 20-35 minutes during which time you will rest comfortably on a treatment couch. During our first consultation I will discuss a treatment plan with you based on differential diagnosis. Often a course of 3-6 treatments is advisable depending on your condition. Each person is different and unique in her/his/their presentation.
​
I often use additional treatment modalities of Chinese Medicine such as cupping (the use of suction cups to move stagnant waste product accumulation within muscle tissue) or GuaSha (gentle scraping of superficial layers of the skin for the same reason) as part of the treatment if I think they might be a suitable adjunct.
Cupping and GuaSha
Cupping uses suction cups which are placed on the skin in areas of pain or those surrounding it. The cups pull the skin and the underlying tissues upwards into the cups through suction aiming to move stagnation. Stagnation often leads to pain. Like massage cupping improves blood and lymph flow.
​
Sometimes the cups are placed in one place. At other times they are moved up and down large muscle groups to provide broad relief. I love using them when the skin and muscles are too tender to touch or too tight to allow for deep pressure using massage therapy. Cupping prepares those areas for subsequent deeper work with massage or acupuncture. And oftentimes it is enough on its own.
​
Guasha is an ancient skin scraping method which uses a blunt tool either made from jade stone, plastic or ceramic to create friction on the surface of the skin. This affects underlying capillaries, nerves and other fluids and tissues. The purpose of its application is improved circulation within the layers of the skin, removal of access fluid (puffiness) and activation of the body's own pain relieving substances. Our skin is home to many pain receptors. Improved circulation may lead to less pain signals being sent to the brain.