Methods of Treatment
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles (hair thin) into the skin at specific selected acupuncture points along what are considered in Chinese Medicine to be lines of energy (meridians) throughout the body in order to reduce symptoms or to tonify that which is seen as deficient within the body. In Chinese Medical Terms stimulation of acupuncture points can strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of blood & Qi (energy) and maintain general health.
Acupuncture is reasonably pain free, generally the patient does not feel the needle on insertion. However, the Acupuncturist will aim to illicit a certain sensation e.g. tingling, dull, slight numbness once needle is inserted by manipulating the needle gently while talking this through with the patient, this sensation will generally last less than 60 seconds. This is to tap into the body’s internal energy system to reboot it as it were. Needles are generally left in for 25-30 minutes while the patient relaxes. If appropriate the Acupuncturist may also heat the acupuncture points gently through Moxibustion, Heat Lamp or use Cupping Therapy on its own or alongside the acupuncture treatment.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. For thousands of years Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means “acupuncture-moxibustion.” The purpose of Moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi (energy) and maintain general health. Indirect Moxibustion used in this clinic involves lighting one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holding it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red. Another form of indirect moxibustion uses both acupuncture needles and moxa. A needle is inserted into an acupuncture point and retained. The tip of the needle is then wrapped in moxa and ignited, generating heat to the point and the surrounding area. After the desired effect is achieved, the moxa is extinguished and the needle(s) removed. Most patients really enjoy Moxibustion and the warm sensation it achieves within the body.
Cupping
Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese Medicine therapy. In fact it is a therapy technique practiced across many different cultures around the world. A number of cups are applied to the skin. The pressure in the cup is reduced (either by heat/suction) so that it draws in and holds skin and superficial muscles inside the cup. In general, cups are left in place for 5 to 15 minutes depending on what is being treated. The skin will redden due to the pressure applied by the cup. Cupping therapy removes stagnation in the body and promotes the flow of blood and qi.
Lifestyle & Diet Advice
Foods are thought to have warming/cooling properties and are said to have specific healing properties. Patients are advised on foods that will reduce symptoms and improve health outcomes.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Practitioners of traditional Chinese herbal medicine typically combine a number of different herbs in formulas selected depending on the patient’s individual needs. These formulas may be given as teas, capsules, tinctures, or powders.
