Get the benefits of Western medicine
experience combined with Eastern medicine skills
Western
I have worked in the emergency medicine field as a Paramedic for St John, for over a decade. During this time I have amassed a tonne of clinical and diagnostic skills.
I have knowledge of your western medical condition (if you are unlucky enough to have one) and know how this impacts on your day to day life. I will know why you take the medications you do (something that not even you may know). But I also have something extra…..
Eastern
……Traditional Chinese Medicine knowledge and skills. I integrate my Western medicine knowledge and Eastern medicine skills (believe me this is not always easy) into a holistic model, aimed at treating both your mind and body. They are connected more the western medicine lets on!
My passion is in treating those conditions that western medicine treats poorly or not at all (IBS, Crohns, fibromyalgia, infertility, period problems, anxiety, fatigue, chronic pain – and this is just the start!).
Services
Acupuncture
This ancient art has been used by Asian cultures around the world for thousands of years. It is something that we in the West are only just beginning to understand and utilize. I tap into your body’s natural energy source and this has the ability to heal.
Cupping
I use the Traditional Chinese method of cupping to invigorate body tissue. Think of it as clearing the debris and increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to the tissue.
Moxibustion
Yes this looks strange, but this wondrous little stick of compressed Chinese herbs (moxa for short) warms and invigorates blood flow. It can actually aid the healing process.
ACC
ACC recognises the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine so Acupuncture, cupping and Moxa are covered under the scheme. Therefore I can treat your sprains, strains and breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The getting to know you bit.
This is where we get to know each other, you tell me about yourself, your history and what has brought you to see me.
This will start with an email questionnaire prior to your first visit, in which you will answer a wide range of questions. You may feel as if some of them are strange….just go with it for now. We will go through this together when we meet and I will explain all.
I find that by completing this questionnaire prior to your first visit, the first session is not as long and drawn out and I have an idea of what you would like to get from our sessions. As a result you will get more out of our initial session.
The getting to know you bit will also include a few things unique to Chinese medicine; asking to look at your tongue (yip weird I know, but it tells me a lot). I will also feel both pulses in your wrists (some of the stuff in Chinese medicine is foreign to us Westerners – again just go with it).
The treatment bit.
After we have chatted then you will receive acupuncture (or acupressure is you prefer) and moxa and cupping if it is indicated. This is done to your comfort level and I will explain everything before I start, so you know exactly what to expect.
Acupuncture needles are very thin, but there is often a small sensation on insertion. I’m not going to lie and say none, but it is (minimal) pain that is worth the gain (I promise).
Once inserted, the needle will be moved to the appropriate depth, with this you may feel a dull ache or tingling, electric-type sensation. The sensation varies between acupuncture points and between people.
This depends on if you have an acute or chronic, mild or severe condition. Some people require as little as 2-3 sessions, others more.
Some people choose to come regularly for health maintenance, in order to fight injury, fatigue and stress, before it becomes a problem.
It really depends on what you want to get out of treatment. We will discuss this when you see me.
The main risks with acupuncture are infection and bruising.
Infection risk is minimal and is combated by sterilising the site prior to needling with an alcohol wipe. I use these in the ambulance too. I have never had a complaint of infection post using this method. However, if this does occur it will be minor and helped by antiseptic and a plaster.
There may be some bruising. Small bruises can occur when a needle is inserted into a vein. As I am inserting needles in the top layer of skin and muscle there is a risk of small bruises, as this is where veins lie. They do not require any treatment and will fade in a few days.
I am very approachable and open to feedback, so if either of these occur just let me know.
Underlying the skin surface of some areas that acupuncture needles are inserted into are delicate organs, like the lungs. The risks with this are that needles are inserted too deeply and the needle is inserted into the lung, causing air to escape out of it. This should NEVER happen and is the result of inserting the needle too deeply. As you are being treated by a paramedic / acupuncturist who knows all the underlying anatomy, I promise never to insert a needle this deep. But it is important that if you are being needled in these places that you do not cough or move too much.
Come on in and have acupressure instead. This doesn’t involve any needles, instead pressure is placed on acupoints using fingers. The benefits of this can be taught so you can do it at home to help improve treatment.
It is my aim to increase the communication between Western and Eastern health disciplines. I feel that keeping your GP in the loop encourages these relationships to grow and conveys professionalism. So if it’s OK with you, I will send your GP a letter outlining my treatment process.
There are a wide range of conditions that can be helped by acupuncture.
Musculoskeletal / Injury: Acute sprains, strains, fractures (covered by ACC), Golfers elbow, Tennis elbow, Sciatica, Low back pain, Frozen Shoulder, Arthritis (both Osteo and Rheumatoid), TMJ issues
Pain: Any kind – Acute and Chronic, Migraine, Headache
Mental Health: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Mood problems
Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Restlessness
Digestive issues: Bloating, Pain, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Nausea, IBS, Crohns, Ulcerative colitis,
Neurological: Migraine, Meniere’s, Vertigo, Bell’s palsy, Chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Stroke Rehabilitation, Tinnitus
Immunological: Shingles,
Women’s Health: PMS , Irregular periods, Painful periods, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, PCOS, Infertility, Pregnancy conditions (nausea/headaches/carpal tunnel/fatigue), Breech baby, Induction of labor, Lactation problems
Men’s Issues: Sexual health, Erectile dysfunction
Other: Diabetes, Hypertension, Weight loss,
Simple, book an appointment with me now! You won’t regret it.