Our Services
Alongside traditional acupuncture, I am also qualified in moxibustion, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, auricular acupuncture (including ear seeds as an alternative to needling) and Gua-sha and use these additional tools in treatment when appropriate.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular, or ear, acupuncture is a diagnostic and therapeutic self-regulating homeostatic mechanism of the whole body. It is one of several microsystems throughout the human body, a self-contained system within the whole system. Auricular acupuncture points can be used alongside body points to enhance overall treatment. However, there are specific acupuncture treatments using auricular for the following areas:
- Cessation of smoking
- Weight loss and overeating
- Insomnia
- Gaming and gambling addiction
- Drug and alcohol addiction
Adhesive Ear Seeds can also be used and are an effective way of either maintaining treatment between sessions or as an alternative for those who aren’t able to tolerate needles.
Cupping
Cupping can be used as an adjunctive technique alongside acupuncture or it can be a treatment in its own right. Cupping is not painful, but you might feel a pulling sensation on the skin. The suction causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be drawn into the cup. Occasionally you may have a ‘bruised’ appearance in the shape of the cups on the area of the body stimulated. Research has shown that no blood vessels are broken and the muscles have not been traumatised in any way. The redness indicates there has been an increase in the circulation under the cups. Benefits of cupping include:
- Encourages circulation
- Assists adhesions and scarring by lifting, separating, and hydrating the muscle tissues
- Clears inflammation, congestion and stagnation of the skin, muscle, bones, joints and organs
- Releases tension and reduces pain
- Rebuilds healthy tissue and helps the body to regenerate
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (or moxa) is a therapeutic adjunctive technique of classical Chinese medicine. It is a Chinese herb made from common mugwort (artemisia vulgaris).
Due to its warming nature, moxa has a stimulating effect on the body, helps to build energy levels and enhances the effects of acupuncture by warming and nourishing specific points or areas of the body.
Gua Sha
This is a traditional Chinese healing method, using a smooth-edged tool to stroke the surface of the skin. This can then raise small, red, rash like dots at the surface of the skin called petechiae. These marks are not painful but a good indicator of what is happening in the body and where the stagnation is.
Gua sha can help relieve symptoms including:
- Headaches & migraines
- Neck & Shoulder pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Jaw clenching
- Soft tissue injuries
- Scoliosis
- Spondylosis
- Colds
- Long Covid
Chinese Herbal Medicine
I am trained and insured to prescribe Su Wen Herbs where appropriate. These were created by Giovanni Maciocia in 1994 for use by licensed acupuncturists and herbalists.
The formulas are specifically designed to address the unique health conditions and patterns commonly seen in the West. They are backed by decades of research and experience.
As well as the ‘core’ line of herbal formulas within Su Wen Herbs, there are also specific lines being dedicated to gynaecological and paediatric conditions.
Chinese herbs treat the underlying pattern of disease and the use of a herbal medicine is useful to ‘free’ the acupuncture in some instances which can become simpler and more focused on a specific problem. All herbs are both vegetarian and vegan friendly as well as being sustainable.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Facial Enhancement Acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, was established in 2004 and is now practised worldwide. A totally natural way of reducing the signs of ageing.
What are the benefits of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture?
- Improves facial muscle tone and dermal contraction
- Increases natural collagen production
- Helps to reduce or eliminate bags under the eyes
- Helps eliminate swelling and improves metabolism
- Helps eliminate fine lines on the face and significantly reduces large wrinkles
- Refreshes and brightens the eyes
- Helps in a significant way in rehabilitation following facial paralysis or stroke
- Reduces stress evident in the face
- Promotes general health and wellness in the body
- Helps to reduce skin pigmentation
- Helps to reduce acne
The treatment also includes incorporates Celluma Light Therapy which has anti-ageing properties and the application of healing serums and creams followed by a facial massage.
