be the medicine
All our treatments are tailored for your individual constitution and may involve a number of the below therapies. If you are after a certain treatment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.
AcupunCTURE
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Insertion of needles of various lengths and thickness to affect Qi (energy) and blood movement in our meridian system. This may also include auricular (ear) acupuncture. For some type of conditions needles may be attached to an electrical machine to give a sustained sensation at the acupuncture point.
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Tailored cosmetic needles which are smaller and finer, are used to needle facial areas for a range of cosmetic and physical complaints
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Useful for treating a range of neurological disorders as well as chronic pain and sensory disorders. A small number of needles are inserted into the scalp and stimulated across the treatment time.
cupping
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Use of fire to achieve suction in glass cups, can be used for a range of health conditions, especially where there is cold lodged in body, or there has been chronic muscular pain.
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Use of moulded sillicone cups, especially useful in treating musculoskeletal conditions
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Drawing of blood via disposable cups, especially useful in stagnated pain conditions
MOXIBUSTION
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The burning of the herb “moxa” (mugwort or Artemesia Vulgaris) on or above the skin to warm and stimulate specific points on the body. The therapy dilates blood vessels, promotes blood flow, and helps with muscle relaxation. It is also wonderfully soothing for the mind.
GUA SHA
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Gua Sha involves scaping a blunt flat edged tool against the skin to cause reddening or ‘sha’. One of its benefits is chronic pain relief. It helps increase blood flow while breaking up scars and connective tissue, and it can also reduce toxins in the body via promoting lymphatic drainage.
PAEDIATRIC THErAPIES
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Small fine needles , similar to cosmetic needles are used for children that wish to have acupuncture. Many other therapies work just as well in small or children averse to needling.
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Shonishin is Japanese Paediatric acupuncture which is non- insertive. Instead of needles, small tools are rubbed or tapped along the meridians.
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Moxibustion , the practice of burning the herb mugwort on or, near the body is often used in paediatric therapies.
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Gentle flash cupping is often used in paediatric treatments to move Qi and to clear cold or heat from an area of the child’s body.
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E-stim involves the delivery of small electrical charge at acupuncture points. The sensation is a small tickle at the skin level and is done with a pen-like device.
TUI NA
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Tui Na is often referred to as Chinese Remedial massage and includes a range of bodywork techniques such as brushing, kneading, pushing, pulling, rolling, stretching, pressing, shaking and rubbing. The treatment stimulates the body’s immunity mechanisms, unblocks the meridians to promote the free flow of Qi and regulates the internal organs.
HERBAL MEDICINE
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A treatment may include discussion of herbal formula’s that may assit with your condition. Herbal formulas come in various forms, including capsules, granules, pills, powders and tinctures.
KEY Areas of Expertise
FAQs
How long does the first appointment take?
Our first time together is always 1.15hr. This gives us an opportunity to discuss in depth what you are needing assistance with and allows me to ask lots of (seemingly) irrelevant questions that are crucial in understanding your condition from a Chinese Medicine perspective. I will also look at your tongue and feel your pulse, abdomen and channels. Our first session will always involve treatment as well. There will be time to ask any questions you may have.
How long are follow up appointments
Most follow up appointments are 1hr. Paediatric appointments are half an hour.
What am i likely to experience in a session?
Most sessions involve some form of acupuncture and body work, which may include gua sha, massage, cupping etc. All treatments are individualised and tailored and may involve different therapies for follow up sessions. If applicable, I may also recommend some herbal treatment as well as dietary and lifestyle advice.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE NEEDLES?
Hey who does? Firstly I like to reassure all my clients that the needles are very fine, they are nothing at all like a needle you may get a doctor’s office or for a blood test. Many clients that do not like needles are fine once they experience the treatment, especially if we coordinate it with some breathwork. If however you have a deep-set phobia, please let me know and we can discuss many of the other treatments we are able to provide.
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO HAVE ACUPUNCTURE?
It feels different for each of us. Once the needle is inserted it is common to feel a surge or pulsation at the acupuncture point, which may radiate or feel dull, tingly or heavy. Some people can feel energy moving across their whole body (similar to the feeling of prana movement in yoga), whilst others just feel relaxed.
DO you needle children?
Most babies are fine with tiny needles as we would use for cosmetic treatments, and the insertion is usually very brief (a couple of seconds). Older children are also often very open to being needled, especially as we use finer needles and perhaps only a handful in a treatment. The children which are usually most hesitant are those from about 3 years to 6 years of age, and we have plenty of other effective non-needle techniques we can use.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR A TREATMENT?
It is a good idea to eat something at least 1-2 hours before, this will avoid you feeling dizzy or light headed following treatment, usually as a result of your Qi and Blood moving following a session.
If you can wear loose comfortable clothing it makes it easier for us to access your limbs and torso, but it’s not essential.
If you have any blood tests, scans or other reports for your condition, it is helpful to send them through to us prior to treatment. Please call our reception for more information.
If you are bringing in a child for treatment, usually packing some snacks, a favourite toy and some spare nappies for little ones is useful. I will often have them help me needle their toy first, so if you have something soft, that is a bonus!
HOW SHOULD I EXPECT TO FEEL AFTERWARDS?
Most people feel very relaxed after treatment. If coming in for pain treatment you may feel increased pain relief a day or two following treatment.