Through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I use acupuncture and other TCM procedures to promote a balanced flow of qi – your vital energy. Stagnation hinders the flow of qi through your body, which can lead to the accumulation of toxins and the development of chronic inflammation, resulting in various health issues. I will identify and work on areas of stagnation, and your treatment plan may involve one or a combination of TCM strands, including:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments balance and support the interconnected systems of your body by promoting a healthy flow of qi. Qi flows through channels known as meridians and I place my needles at specific points along these meridians during a treatment. The insertion of each fine needle causes a tiny microtrauma and the body responds to this by stabilising or moving the qi within that meridian. Acupuncture thereby regulates and restores the flow of qi, which in turn nourishes and balances each body system, improving both your physical and mental health.
Cupping
Cupping has been used within Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to promote healing and to offer both acute and chronic pain relief. Cupping can be a profoundly relaxing experience, used when you need your body’s energies to be calmed. It can also be used to invigorate, helping to combat fatigue and to stimulate the body’s innate healing processes. Cups are placed onto the skin, creating a vacuum suction that alleviates muscle tension and promotes circulation. Cupping has far-reaching benefits across the body, including stress relief, which is an important element when managing women’s health issues.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a TCM procedure that uses a smooth-edged tool to apply pressure and friction to the skin. While gua sha can work wonders for maintaining skin elasticity, I also use this ancient technique to manage pain, boost the immune system and balance yin and yang energies.
Translated, gua sha means "scraping red spots on the skin" and this is because it works on areas of stagnation, which in TCM can be signalled by the appearance of spots and inflammation. A gua sha session releases accumulated toxins to allow for a healthy flow of qi and I find it particularly effective for conditions like acne, insomnia, muscle tension, joint pain and headaches.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (moxa) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves burning the aromatic herb mugwort on or near the skin. The use of moxa over points on the meridians is thought to predate the use of needles. The heat from the moxa balances the flow of qi, boosts the circulation, stimulates healing and reduces inflammation.
Moxibustion can benefit musculoskeletal pain and arthritis by relaxing the muscles and can offer soothing pain relief. I also use this ancient therapy to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Electro Acupuncture
Electro acupuncture is a modern variation of the classic TCM acupuncture treatment. Fine needles are inserted into specific meridian points and these needles are connected to a device that transmits a mild electrical current that stimulates the muscles and promotes healing.
I value electro acupuncture for its ability to move stagnated qi and blood, thereby enhancing circulation, providing pain relief, reducing inflammation, facilitating the body's natural healing process and boosting an overall sense of enhanced wellbeing.
I may recommend electro acupuncture in cases of muscular and arthritic pain in the back, neck, shoulder, elbows and knees, and for headaches, plantar fasciitis (inflammation in the foot), tooth pain and jaw clenching.
Ear Seeds
There are dozens of useful acupuncture points across the ear and in some cases, I will choose to work on these with ear seeds. Ear seeds are tiny seed-like structures (made of metal or actual seeds) that are temporarily taped to bespoke points on your ear to stimulate qi in the corresponding meridians. A form of acupressure, ear seeds have been used in TCM for centuries for pain and stress management and have become particularly well known as part of the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) Protocol for addiction.
In my acupuncture clinic in Dorset, I often work with ear seeds while supporting fertility, using them to help balance the hormones and support overall wellbeing. You may be asked to keep your seeds attached for a number of days to maximise their benefits.
