Treatment

Treatment – Not just needles!

Needling

Acupuncture does involve the use of needles. The needles are very fine, thin and sterile which are superficially inserted into an acupuncture point. There are several styles of needling; the one I practise and was taught is to use minimal insertion of the needles. This means, for the patient that there is no discomfort. However there will be sensation. This is part of the acupuncture treatment and should not be painful or distressing.

Did you know that there are literally enough acupuncture points for every day of the year, with a few left over?

Moxa

Moxibustion involves the burning of the herb Artmesia Vulgaris, commonly known as Moxa, on acupuncture points around the body. When lit, moxa burns slowly providing warmth which positively influences Qi and blood.

Moxa is a deeply nourishing treatment which strengthens your acupuncture treatment.

In some instances it is used in lieu of needling.

People find being treated with moxa a deeply relaxing experience.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient treatment which focuses on moving ‘congestion’ such as stagnant blood, energy and body fluids.

Glass or plastic cups are placed on the affected area to create a vacuum. The suction naturally stimulates the movement of blood to the external capillaries of the body. Cupping stimulates circulation, and drains toxins by drawing them to the skins surface.

After a cupping treatment you will be left with round circular bruises. The bruises/marks are not painful although they can look dramatic in colour. These normally clear after 3 – 7 days.

People find this treatment a highly therapeutic experience.

Gua Sha

Is an East Asian technique used to remove blood stagnation that blocks the surface tissues. You may experience this as having a ‘knot’ in a muscle, or feel stiff and achy. The theory behind Gua Sha is not dissimilar to cupping.

Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is the residual redness left on the skin.

Oil is massaged around the affected area; then I use a gua sha tool to literally gently scrape the skin. You will be left with redness which typically fades after a day or two.

Although it sounds like a form of Chinese torture my clients who have experienced Gua Sha actually ask me to do it again on subsequent appointments!

I have completed a course with Arya Nielson a leading authority on Gua Sha.