More than needles

Alongside Traditional Acupuncture, I am also qualified in Moxibustion, Cupping, Guasha and Auricular or Ear Acupuncture. I may use these techniques during an acupuncture treatment as indicated and can also offer them as standalone therapies. All of these will be thoroughly explained to you before I introduce them. Dietary and lifestyle advice according to Chinese medicine principles and recommendations for herbal supplements are also provided as part of a holistic treatment plan.

Herbal Food Supplements

Following the completion of further training, I am now able to offer a range of high quality, ready-made herbal food supplements in tablet form. The use of herbal formulas can be beneficial in more complex cases or for specific health complaints. One or two formulae may be recommended by myself, if required based on your Chinese medicine diagnosis (at extra cost). The supplements would usually be taken on a short-term basis, from a few weeks up to three months, in addition to regular acupuncture treatment. (Disclaimer: I am not a qualified herbalist and use standardised (so-called patent) formulae only. In specific cases I may refer you on to an expert herbalist for an individualised herbal assessment and prescription.)

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the burning of an herb called moxa (Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris) to warm specific parts of the body, including acupuncture points. Archaeological evidence suggests that moxibustion was the most commonly practised method of stimulating the points when acupuncture first began. Moxa has a pleasant smell and creates a nice warm feeling in the body, is nourishing and very relaxing.

Cupping and Guasha

Manual techniques such as cupping and guasha have also been used alongside acupuncture for thousands of years.

Cupping provides a form of massage which can help to improve circulation and to relieve both chronic and acute pain. It is a technique that involves applying a vacuum to the skin in the form of a glass or plastic cup. The cup is either left in place for several minutes or moved around the affected body part. The characteristic red circular marks are not usually painful and resolve within a couple of days.

Guasha is a therapeutic technique which can help to ease tension in tight muscles. A specific tool is used to apply strokes to the body to bring blood to the affected area. ‘Sha’ is the typical red marking which appears on the surface of the skin when tension underneath starts to resolve. It is not painful and patients find it is a relaxing experience.

Ear Acupuncture

Ear acupuncture may be used alongside body acupuncture points in treatments to provide a specific effect or to enhance the overall treatment. The ear is seen as a micro system resembling a holographic picture of the entire body. It contains a completely separate set of acupuncture points. Treatment involves the use of small needles during treatment, as well as ear seeds or press tack needles which are retained and provide a continuation of the effect after the treatment.