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WELCOME
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of health and wellness which has been used in China for thousands of years. Whilst Western medicine focuses mainly on treating parts of the body, TCM looks at your entire well-being and addresses imbalance.
TCM has four branches: herbs, acupuncture, Tui Na & Qi Gong.
Further information about each of these practices can be found below.
Treatments at the clinic can be with needles, cupping, Gua sha, moxibustion & Tui Na massage.
If you have a needle phobia fear not as Tui Na is a non-invasive option.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has developed over thousands of years, with the earliest written records dating back to 3000 years ago. It involves the use of needles which are 0.1mm thick (compared to a syringe needle which is 2.5mm thick) in very specific acupuncture points which are located on meridians.
In the Far East, Acupuncture is used for a very wide range of ailments....from a simple cold to complex conditions such as Bells Palsy and Strokes, women's health, musculoskeletal complaints as well as emotional issues.
Acupuncture focuses on rebalancing energy (referred to as 'Qi' - pronounced 'chi'). Qi can become blocked as a result of physical or emotional trauma. This can result in pain, tiredness or one or more of our systems or organs failing to function optimally.
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Acupuncture doesn't just involve needles. Ancillary methods (cupping, moxa & Gua sha) can also be used as part of a treatment.
Gua Sha
Gua sha involves using an smooth edged tool, such as a jar lid, soup spoon or jade stone.
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By gently scraping the skin blood flow is increased in this area which in turn increases nutrients to the skin. A number of research studies conducted by Arya Nielson and her team have found that Gua sha significantly increases blood volume in the area treated 90 minutes after it is carried out.
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Gua sha has recently gained popularity thanks to a number of celebs and sports personalities talking about this therapy. Gua sha is generally promoted for use on the face but can be used on back , legs, arms and even the chest.
Cupping
Cupping is also used to increase blood flow to the area. This helps to promote healing and can alleviate pain. A vacuum is created within a glass jar using a flame. The jar is then placed on the skin.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, also called Moxa, is used during a treatment to help warm an acupuncture point. The herb artemesia vulgaris (mugwort) is used in 'punk' form to either create small rice grains or cones and can also be used as a stick.
Tui Na massage
Acupuncture without needles!
Tui Na is a massage which predates the use of acupuncture in China. It is thought that acupuncture points were discovered through massage.
Tui Na can be used along acupuncture during a treatment to balance the flow of Qi, clear any blockage and strengthen organs. This, in turn, helps to eliminate pain and illness.
Unlike other massage techniques, Tui Na is performed over clothing as well as a cloth which is draped over the area being treated. The practitioner will apply pressure to varying degrees by feeling for blockages and stimulating acupuncture points.
Tui Na has stages to the massage:
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Adaptive: Techniques to relax the muscles and sinews.
Analgesic: Techniques to move Qi or clear blockages in specific channels or sinews to resolve pain and imbalance. Techniques are also applied to strengthen organs via acupuncture points.
Dissipative: Techniques to move Qi at the end of a treatment.
Please note that this type of massage is unlike other massages as it is adapted to cater for your individual diagnosis. As with acupuncture, Tui Na uses the meridians but has the added benefit that it can move Qi and Blood in the sinew channels.
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