Services
Discover how acupuncture can help restore your health and wellbeing with my comprehensive range of services, which include acupuncture, cupping, guasha, tuina and moxibustion.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”
Anais Nin
Acupuncture
Acupuncture was first recorded in the Huangdi Nei Jing (The Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor), written between 475 and 221BC. Physicians studied the natural environment and believed that the same principles that govern nature, also govern us internally. Acupuncture works to improve the movement and quality of Qi (“chee”) and fluids (including Blood) in order to reduce congestion, stagnation and inflammation within the body. If we think of health as the freedom and movement of substances within the body, much like a free flowing river or stream, the acupuncturist works to restore this flow and balance, removing obstructions and debris along the channels of the body.
Cupping
Cupping is used in many traditional medical systems across Asia and the Middle East. One of the oldest medical texts to mention it comes from Egypt (1550 BC) and Greek physician Hippocrates also described its use. It involves the application of glass or plastic cups to create suction which stimulates blood flow, reducing pain, Qi stagnation and inflammation. It can also be used at the onset of some acute illnesses to pull pathogens out of the body.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (“moxa”) is a form of heat therapy that uses burning mugwort near to the surface of the skin. The earliest mention of this practice was in the Ma Wang-tui texts of 168 B.C. In Chinese Medicine it is used to Dispel Pathogens, Warm and Invigorate the flow of Qi and Nourish the Blood. Moxa is indicated in the treatment of many conditions including muscular and joint pain, arthritis, infertility, and menstrual issues.
Guasha
Historically this friction therapy would have been carried out with any smooth edged tool; a soup spoon or a piece of buffalo horn. These days we use sterile, single use tools. Guasha stimulates natural painkillers within the body and can reduce muscular tension and nerve irritation. Research shows it has both an anti oxidant and anti inflammatory effect and creates a 4 fold increase in microcirculation of surface tissues.
Tuina
Tuina is a system of bodywork based on Chinese Medical theory. Historically it was referred to as “An Mo” and written about in the Huangdi Nei Jing 2000 years ago. Various techniques are employed to stimulate the flow of Blood and Qi in the channels; reducing inflammation, congestion and pain. It is performed through clothing or a sheet and has a deeply relaxing effect.