Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
I practise an integrated approach combining Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Five Element Acupuncture and I am a practicing Member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC). Both systems work with the body’s natural energy, or Qi, which flows through channels called meridians. When Qi becomes imbalanced, it can affect physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Acupuncture helps to restore the balance of Qi thereby promoting healing.
- TCM focuses on diagnosing and treating imbalances in Qi across the body.
- Five Element Acupuncture, developed by JR Worsley, addresses deeper constitutional imbalances based on the five elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
Acupuncture is one of the therapeutic methods used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves inserting very fine needles into specific points along the body’s meridians to influence and rebalance Qi, thereby allowing the body to heal. This may be combined with other techniques such as cupping and moxibustion.
Though acupuncture is most commonly used for pain relief including lower back pain, sciatica, knee and shoulder pain, it can also support a range of other conditions such as:
- Migraines and headaches
- Menstrual issues and menopause symptoms
- Fertility and IVF support
- IBS and other digestive issues
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
It treats the whole person— at the physical, emotional and energetic levels.
First session (75–90 mins): I will first discuss your main health concerns, general wellbeing, and any relevant symptoms—even if they seem unrelated. I’ll also assess your pulse and tongue. This helps identify the underlying energetic imbalance(s).
For the treatment you will be asked to lie on a treatment couch (or remain seated, if preferred). I will then gently insert fine acupuncture needles into the required acupoints which will usually then be retained for 15–30 minutes, as needed. Many clients experience deep relaxation during this time.
I will then remove the needles, re-examine your pulse and perform any “fine tuning” if needed. . I will also provide aftercare advice to support your continued healing.
Follow-up sessions (60 mins): I will review your progress, adapt your treatment plan, and continue your care.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may need to remove or adjust some items depending on needle placement, as needles cannot be inserted through fabric.
Frequency depends on your condition, how long you’ve had it, and your response to treatment. Typically, treatments start weekly, then reduce to fortnightly, monthly, or seasonal maintenance. I’ll review your needs with you at each session.
Other Methods of Treatment
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is commonly used to relieve pain and promote relaxation by improving blood flow, easing muscle tension, and reducing inflammation. Glass or plastic cups are applied to specific areas and may be left in place (static cupping) or gently moved (dynamic cupping). The treatment is not painful, though it can leave red marks or light bruising that will fade within a few days.
Moxibustion / Moxa
Moxibustion uses moxa, made from mugwort leaves (Artemisia argyi), which is lit and smoulders to generate therapeutic heat. I typically use a moxa stick, held near the skin to warm and stimulate Qi and blood flow—especially for treating “cold” conditions. Moxa can also be applied directly to acupuncture points or the end of a needle.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture involves applying a mild electric current to acupuncture needles inserted into the body to enhance the effects of acupuncture. It is used to help manage pain, reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle spasms. It is not painful, producing just a light tingling or fizzing sensation around the needles.
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