Acupuncture, nutritional therapy and herbal medicine
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an aspect of Chinese Medicine dating back thousands of years. It uses very fine sterile disposable needles which are inserted at specific points on the body along pathways of energy (known as meridians or channels) which either increase the flow of energy (known as Qi). Manipulation of these acupuncture needles elicits a Qi (vital energy) which may resembles a distending or throbbing feeling or an electrical impulse. I use a variety of different acupuncture methods depending on individual needs and what is required to produce the desired results. These may include the following: Balance Method; Master Tung acupuncture and blood pricking; Motor Point acupuncture; Scalp acupuncture; and Korean Saahm acupuncture. Acupuncture treatment may include massage, cupping, moxa and gua sha when necessary.
Motor Point Acupuncture (MPA)
Motor Point Acupuncture is acupuncture combined with stimulation (a.k.a. IMS - intramuscular stimulation) and is a form of acupuncture that targets the most excitable area of a short contracted muscle and encourages it to release. MPA greatly helps reset contracted muscles to restore joints to their normal function and is great for treating chronic tight muscles and stagnant sports injuries while reducing or eliminating pain and tendonitis. MPA can be an amazing and efficient way to treat not only musculoskeletal issues for fast effective relief but also stress in the neck, jaw, headaches, migraines and stress causing or caused by muscles that are overstressed and stiffness.
Neoclassical Acupuncture
This style of acupuncture is a revolutionary method of using a single needle to balance the body and reduce symptoms. It is the brain child of the formidable Dr. Slate Burris based on his extensive study of Chinese Classical and Preclassical text, Japanese abdominal palpation diagnosis and clinical experience involving thousands of patients over many years of practice. Diagnosis of imbalances in Elements and Meridians plus identifying obstacles with the body is done through a series of abdominal and limb palpations. The the correct single acupuncture needle is inserted, all tenderness on palpation clears resulting in a significant reduction in symptoms. Patients report feeling a great sense of well-being and healing; as if their system had been reset.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, or Moxa as it is commonly known, is an additional therapy that is part of the holistic treatment. Moxa is the herb Artemisia Vulgaris, commonly known as Mugwort or Ai Ye in Chinese. Once lit, it then smoulders at a very low temperature imparting a deep warmth. It is used to depart a deep penetrating warmth to scatter deep rooted cold in the body and meridians as well as expel dampness, toxins and heat. Moxa is very useful is to turn a baby that is breech presentation, optimally around 36-38 weeks. Occasionally, it can be used to enhance acupuncture treatment where necessary.
Scalp Acupuncture
Chinese Scalp Acupuncture (SA) is a contemporary needling technique that integrates Chinese needling method with Western medical knowledge of the cerebral cortex. It follows specific lines on the scalp where needling these lines effectuate neurological changes in the brain to produce remarkable results for the treatment of acute and chronic nervous system disorders
Nutritional Therapy
As a professional nutritional therapist, I am huge believer that lifestyle - exercise, food and drink - profoundly impacts health and if not carefully considered, can influence the progression of disease. Nutritional therapy (food and supplements) can substantively supporti the body's natural healing process and your body's metabolic processes. I feel that my job as a practitioner and lover of knowledge is to keep up with the science and provide the best currently available advice on how to restore and maintain health as you age. This advice includes how and what to eat according to your symptoms and constitution as well as which supplements, best brands at reasonable prices that will meet your needs.
Nutritional therapy is included for free when you purchase a discount package of 5 or 10 sessions at the clinic. Also available are reasonable prices for food intolerance testing and hair mineral analysis.
Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM)
Using CHM can be very helpful for stubborn conditions where there is a lot of stagnation, imbalances of heat and cold, yin and yang or difficult to shift conditions. In the UK, only plant-based herbs are used and I order them from a reputable source. A prescribed ‘herbal formula’ can be in the form of raw herbs to be decocted (i.e. boiled, strained and drunk as a tea); as herbal powders which can be drunk as a tea or prepared in capsule form to be taken at specific times of the day with water.
CHM is not a replace for conventional (Western) medicine. One should always seek the advice from their GP before embarking on any form of complementary medicine. The cost of CHM is additional to the cost of treatment can range from £10 to £15 per week. Herbs are prescribed for short period or until symptoms improve.