Treatments
General
Acupuncture is a key component of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is a healthcare system that has evolved over thousands of years to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.
According to TCM, the body's vital energy, known as qi (pronounced "chi"), flows along specific channels called meridians.
When qi is balanced, a person enjoys spiritual, emotional, and physical health. However, when qi is out of balance, disease may occur. Blocked qi can disrupt the balance between yin and yang, two interconnected yet opposite principles in Chinese philosophy.
TCM employs various approaches to create harmony between yin and yang and to restore the proper flow of energy through the meridians. Acupuncture, which involves inserting needles at specific points along the meridians, is believed to improve the flow of blocked or stagnant qi, thereby restoring its movement and enhancing health.
Acupuncture points stimulate the central nervous system, leading to the release of chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may activate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
For more information on acupuncture and the conditions it can treat, please refer to the British Acupuncture Council website.
Abdominal
Abdominal Acupuncture (AA) is a therapeutic microsystem in which specific points and areas on the abdomen correspond to other parts of the body.
AA is becoming increasingly popular in both China and the West due to its effectiveness in treating chronic, long-term conditions such as low back pain, musculoskeletal issues, neurological disorders, arthritis, lumbar pain, sciatica, hypertension, nervous system disorders, dizziness, tension, depression, and digestive disorders.
AA is a very safe and gentle method of needling that patients easily accept. This style of acupuncture has gained popularity in China in recent years and is now spreading internationally.
It requires only a small number of needles, which are placed in the abdomen at a very shallow depth, significantly reducing any discomfort patients may experience.
This has made it highly popular with both patients and practitioners.
Facial Rejuvenation
Cosmetic acupuncture is a viable alternative to Botox, microdermabrasion, photorejuvenation, chemical peels, and other procedures designed to "turn back the clock" and reduce the signs of ageing. Best of all, it is natural and effective.
Cosmetic acupuncture targets the signs of ageing through both local treatments and by addressing the underlying causes. It offers semi-permanent results on wrinkles, sagging chins, and bust lines. This non-invasive procedure can reduce the signs of ageing and is virtually painless. It lifts the skin, removes fine lines around the eyes, lips, and nose, and effectively reduces under-eye bags and firms the jawline. Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific areas of the face, neck, and head. These needles stimulate the skin cells by improving blood circulation, which, in turn, increases the production of collagen and elastin.
Collagen is a vital component of connective tissue, forming the supporting mesh that keeps the skin firm and supple. The improved blood supply to the face strengthens and tightens the facial tissue.
An added benefit of cosmetic acupuncture is its ability to treat underlying health conditions. Needles inserted into distal parts of the body, such as the hands or legs, can balance the effects on the face while also addressing other physical conditions by correcting imbalances in the body.
The needles are left in place for 20 to 30 minutes. After removing them, a face mask is applied, followed by a specialised massage. This massage invigorates blood and lymphatic circulation, enhancing the effects of the acupuncture treatment.
Cupping
Cupping is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to stimulate acupuncture points or larger areas of the body. Rounded cups, made of glass or plastic, are placed on the skin to create a vacuum inside the cup, promoting healing.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves burning mugwort, an herb, to facilitate healing. It has been used for thousands of years to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health. Moxibustion is also used for breech presentation in pregnancy and can be administered at home after proper demonstration.
Infertility
Acupuncture increases blood flow to reproductive organs, balances hormones, decreases stress, regulates the menstrual cycle, and boosts the success rates of IVF and IUI. It may also reduce the risk of miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies.