Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method of natural healing by inserting extremely fine needles into certain areas beneath the skin and manipulating them. It has been used safely and successfully in treating disease for over 3000 years and recent extensive studies in the UK show there to be no serious side effects. Its rationale is that when the body is diseased and out of balance, the manipulation of needles at certain points located along the body regulates the flow of vital energy (Qi) and blood, and therefore restores balance to the organs and tissues.

To begin with, before any treatment is given, a thorough consultation of your medical history and symptoms, including any medication that you are currently taking, is assessed in order to make a clear diagnosis of your condition. Once a diagnosis has been made, extremely fine, single use sterile needles are inserted at certain ‘acu-points’ along the body. The needles are then left in place for about 15-30 minutes. Once the needles have been removed, people often feel energised or relaxed.

Due to the fact that the needles are so fine, pain or bleeding rarely occur, although some sensations should be felt when the needles are manipulated. These sensations can differ from person to person, and treatment to treatment. The number of treatments for symptom relief vary and are dependent on the condition, however some improvement may be felt after just one to two sessions.

Cupping is a type of therapy that involves the practitioner applying special cups onto the skin of the patient in order to create a suction effect with either heat or air. The vacuum that has been created draws the skin and blood vessels inwards toward the cup, enabling blood and body fluids to be mobilised and to move freely within the tissues – This helps to improve circulation, loosen tight muscles, fascia, and joints, and reduce swelling and discomfort. Cupping is also thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect due to the affect on lymphocyte and platelet count in addition to increasing oxygenation to the cells to increase the body’s own healing response. Cupping has in fact been around for thousands of years, and has been used heavily in both Eastern and Western cultures.

Cupping can be used as a standalone treatment, or in conjunction with Acupuncture and/or Tuina medical massage. Once a diagnosis has been made, glass or plastic suction cups are placed on certain areas of the body. The vacuum that has been created in the cups (either by heat or air) causes the skin to be pulled up slightly into the cup. The cups are then left on for 5-15 minutes whilst the desired effect takes place. The cups are then carefully removed and a light massage may be applied in order to help reduce any bruising that may be caused by the suction on the skin.

Tui Na (pronounced Twee-Nah) is a form of medical and sports massage used largely in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries or pain, much in the same way that physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic is used. Essentially, the principles of Tui Na are to allow blood and body fluids to flow through the body unobstructed, and then the body should recover from injury or disease. This is done through a combination of massage, acupressure, joint mobilisation and manipulation, and assisted stretching.

When muscles contract, they can compress the vessels preventing a sufficient supply of blood to the local or distal areas. This then causes the muscles and tissues to become under nourished, which will lead to more tension and further problems. Tui Na is used to return and maintain stability to the tissues, thus creating a balance between strength and relaxation. Once the muscles and tissues achieve this balance, blood and other body fluids can move freely throughout the body.

Moxabustion is a form of therapy that entails the burning of mugwort leaves. This is a small, spongy herb that enhances healing alongside acupuncture. The practice is derived from Chinese medicine. It’s purpose is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of energy or Qi throughout the body’s meridian lines and maintain good health.

On its own or combined with acupuncture, moxabustion can provide a number of physical benefits, including improving blood flow, boosting the immune system, and chronic pain relief. When using moxabustion, we target specific points on the body and apply the heat to bring about a biochemical response.