Services
Acupuncture
The Chinese (and many other Asian cultures) have been using acupuncture for centuries. In China today they even use is as a form of anesthetic for some surgeries – Yes, it is that powerful!.
It is thought that by inserting acupuncture needles into acupoints that this increases the flow of Qi to the area and this aids in healing.
I use single use, sterile, disposables needles that are used once per acupoint then disposed of in the appropriate biohazard sharps container. The area will be sterilized prior to needle insertion with an alcohol wipe to reduce the likelihood of infection.
Inserting the needle will cause minimal pain and once inserted will be moved to the appropriate depth. With this you may feel a dull sensation or a tingling, electric sensation. This varies between points and between patients.
If you want a more in depth explanation of how acupuncture works Click here for a more blended eastern/western explanation
Acupressure
If by chance you are anxious about needles, then we can remove the needle insertion and use acupressure instead. This involves placing pressure on the acupoints for 5-10 mins each point. On some points if indicated then moxa (see the blurb below) can also be used. This is still effective but may take longer to see results.
Moxibustion
To westerners this can be a bit strange. Moxa is a Chinese medicine herb that is compressed into a long, chalk shaped stick. It is lit with a lighter and heat is applied to acupoints. This can be done by holding the moxa stick over an inserted acupuncture needle or by using a special box to hold the moxa and applying this directly to the acupoint without a needle inserted.
So even if you are anxious about acupuncture there is something for you.
The idea behind moxa is to warm the area and increase the flow of qi (and therefore blood) to the area.
It is excellent for a turning a breech baby (I know crazy right!) / diarrhoea, colitis, period pain, osteoarthritis, chronic pain and so much more.
Cupping
This traditional technique involves placing either glass or plastic cups onto the skin and then applying suction. They can be left in place, called stationary cupping or moved up and down muscle areas to release tension, this is called moving cupping.
Cupping opens blood vessels and pulls blood to the surface. The suction pulls old blood to the surface and new blood, enriched with oxygen and inflammatory mediators flock to the area. This has the amazing benefit of decreasing inflammation and pain. Think of it like a deep tissue massage. It will decrease muscular tension and make you feel amazing. Therefore, it can help combat the unwanted side effects of stress – we could all do with this!
So to answer the question that is on your mind….Yes it can cause bruises, so I wouldn’t recommend it right before your wedding or other such important occasion. This side effect is the result of getting rid of stagnated blood and moving fresh blood into the area. Cupping will melt that muscle tension away. It’s a small side effect for great gain!