Acupuncture treatments

The Medicine
(TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient medicine originating in China and dating back over 3000 years. It looks at many patterns of imbalances within your body which can then be harmonised using acupuncture and other TCM systems such as cupping, gua sha, moxa and electro. Acupuncturists place extremely fine needles into specific points within the body stimulating the body’s natural healing response, aiding in recovery. Using this medicine allows TCM practitioners to restore balance and promote physical and emotional harmony, treating any imbalances at the root. This means every treatment will be different and bespoke to you on the day and to your specific feedback after each treatment.

Check out some evidence-based research, showcasing how supportive Acupuncture can be on the link → Evidence based acupuncture

What to expect?

For information on what to expect visit out FAQ page.

Cupping therapy

How does it work?

A small vacuum is created using glass cups, which are then applied to the skin, creating a suction to the local area. A warming and comforting sensation is felt with very slight pressure from the vacuum. The tissue underlying the cup is pulled up, breaking small blood vessels in the area and resulting in local bruising.

Downtime?

With Static cupping, the cups are left pressurised and in contact with the skin for up to 15mins on the body. Once removed, the cupped area is left with red/purple/pink circular marks. The marks will gradually fade but could last up to 10 days. The indication of colour in the marks left on the body diagnostically tells us what is happening in the body, while also relieving some of your muscular-skeletal symptoms.

If you are attending events, please inform your practitioner as alternative methods with hardly any downtime can be performed. Check out sliding cupping as one of the alternatives…

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is an ancient technique that is often used to relieve musculoskeletal pain, stimulate circulation, release tension and reduce inflammation. A smooth, hand held tool is used to press and stroke skin lubricated with oil.

What it is used for in the body?

Stimulates blood circulation and helps to clear metabolic waste congestion in the tissues and muscles.
It forces blood out of the tiny capillaries, allowing new blood to flow in.
Highlights areas of stagnation and the practitioner are then able to focus treatment in those areas.

The Colour meaning of ‘SHA’..

In TCM, the colour of the sha helps your TCM acupuncturist diagnose your underlying conditions.

Pale pink sha

May indicate blood deficiency. This may mean that the area is more of a dull
ache, better for pressure and better for resting.

Bright red sha

Indicates blood stasis. This may mean that the area has a sharp strong pain.
May be better for gentle movement.

Dark red sha

Indicates heat. This may mean the area is better for having a cold compress
applied to it.

Brown sha

May indicate blood dryness. This tends to be when the area has historically been
troubled with pain.

Purple sha

Indicates long-standing blood stasis. This will also have historical pain.

Moxibustion therapy

Moxibustion, also known as ‘Moxa ’consists of burning a dried herb called Artemisia Vulgaris also known as Mugwort near or on specific points on the body. This warms the point bringing qi and blood to the area in a very effective way without using needles. Moxibustion therapy is its own modality next to Acupuncture and dates back just as long. Its use is to move qi and blood while warming the body. This is vital for muscular skeletal issues and is well known in the West for the turning of breech babies but is also used for pain, gynaecological problems and for warming and nourishing the body.

Moxibustion therapy predates acupuncture. Earliest known form of Chinese writing mentioning moxibutsion, Oracle Bone Script, indicates that moxibustion might have been applied in the Shang dynasty (1600 BC–1046 BC).

What are the different ways we use moxa at the clinic?

Directly on the skin: Moxa cones or rice grain moxa are placed directly on an acupuncture point. Small cones are tonifying, large cones can be dispersing. When we put rice grain moxa on the skin (a small thread like piece) we create a very quick intense heat before burning out. This is a Japanese technique
Indirectly (away but near the skin): Indirect moxa is not on the skin but placed on salt or ginger. Other alternatives can be a moxa stick or box over areas

Electro – Acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture is a form of acupuncture where a low electrical current is passed between two needles. It is extremely effective for relieving musculoskeletal pain by promoting the body’s own healing process.

Ear Acupuncture

Auricular (ear) acupuncture can be used for a variety of health conditions and is often used in conjunction with body acupuncture. Sometimes instead of putting needles in the ear we can apply ear seeds to the ear which are then left in the point applying pressure to that point throughout the rest of the day and potentially next 2 days if left in. We ask patients to massage these points with the ear seeds in whenever they remember.

Facial Acupuncture

Cosmetic facial acupuncture works by stimulating several crucial healing mechanisms. This stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin which improves skin tone and elasticity, keeping the skin looking youthful. In cosmetic acupuncture we use extremely small and ultra fine needles for all anti-aging purposes. To find out more click here…

Health insurance

If you have health insurance, please check the British Acupuncture (BAcC) website for a list of health insurers which approve BAcC practitioners. You may be required to provide a GP referral. If in doubt, contact your health insurance provider for more details.

Check out other links for more info

→ Evidence based acupuncture

→ British Acupuncture Council

→ Acupuncture Fertility Network

Acupuncture treatments

The Medicine
(TCM)