Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine is an ancient traditional form of medicine practiced in China for around 3000 years. It is based on the balance of Qi and Blood, Yin and Yang, the balancing forces of the cyclical extremes of everything in nature, i.e. day and night, winter and summer, hot and cold etc. These basic forces are constantly moving or transforming in order to retain the balance of the whole.
The aim of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping and moxibustion, is to treat the person rather than the disease. The treatment focuses on the whole body rather than on symptoms, and this approach can result in a successful treatment and a marked improvement in well being.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture needles on a stone
Acupuncture is a practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine that is over 3000 years old, and uses very thin needles to promote the flow of healthy Qi in the body and mind.
It can be used to treat a vast array of physical, emotional and mental conditions, please see the Testimonials page for examples.
Facial / Cosmetic Acupuncture
Acupuncture needles applied to the head
Facial acupuncture offers a natural alternative to invasive cosmetic surgery, chemical / glycolic peels and botox fillers.
Chinese doctors have been using points on the face for thousands of years to help combat signs of ageing in men and women and to help skin conditions.
Facial acupuncture, otherwise known as ‘facial rejuvenation acupuncture’ increases collagen production, and blood and lymph circulation to the face and scalp.
Facial acupuncture prevents the formation of wrinkles, minimises the appearance of fine lines and improves the process by which the skin regulates its quality and appearance. It helps restructure skin and relaxes facial muscles.
It stimulates the body’s ability to regenerate itself by accelerating anti-inflammatory activity and removing accumulative toxins from the skin.
Qi Treatment
Qi treatment with hands
Qi treatment involves the direct manipulation of the body’s life energy (qi or chi) to powerfully treat and heal specific conditions. The principles are very similar to acupuncture, but the practitioner’s energy is used directly with or without acupuncture needles.
This method of treatment is an advanced practice, and has the potential to have a deeper effect on the body and mind than acupuncture or herbs alone, and can be very effective if a deeper correction is required.
Herbal Medicine
Herbs in glass jars
Chinese medicine can help to strengthen our energy and fix imbalances in our bodies. For thousands of years, Chinese physicians have been using and perfecting herbal medicine to treat many difficult conditions especially gynaecological and gastrointestinal disorders.
Though the mechanics of the body are the same, not everyone’s health is the same. Depending on your diagnosis and problem, a herbal medicine practitioner will design different herbal preparations specifically to suit your needs.
Cupping
Glass cups applied to the body
Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy. A hard or soft cup made of glass, plastic or silicone is put on the skin and either heat or suction is applied to suck the skin and superficial muscles up into the cup. Cups are generally left in place for ten minutes to fifteen minutes.
The effects are like an intense, “reverse” massage which helps the circulation of specific areas and tones the skin. This treatment can reduce stretch-marks, release tight muscles and flush wastes from the body’s lymphatic systems.
Infertility
A successful pregnancy
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can restore the natural balance of the human body and be effective in treating both male and female infertility. Treatment can improve a woman’s chances of conception through regulating the hormones, increasing the body’s basal temperature, thickening the lining of the uterus, and bringing on ovulation.
Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine can be extremely useful during an IVF cycle, both to increase the rate of success and to reduce side-effects. Studies have shown that the benefits may be quite large, a 65% increase in the chance of becoming pregnant, and a 91% increase in the number of live births.