Treatments

Below are just some examples of the many wonderful treatment modalities of Chinese Medicine that may be used to aid your recovery. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment please contact me to discuss your requirements.

 
 
huanchao.jpg

Traditional and Sports Acupuncture

SPORTS ACUPUNCTURE

Many athletes, including acupuncture ambassador and UK swimming Olympic Gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, use acupuncture to enhance their sporting performance and aid recovery. Acupuncture can be used to treat soft tissue injuries as well as chronic pain complaints. Common injuries include:

  • shoulder pain

  • knee pain

  • back pain and sciatica symptoms

  • neck pain

  • tennis/golfer’s elbow

  • IT band and hamstring tightness

  • shin splints

  • plantar fascitis

Good to know: Trigger point needling or dry needling are also terms sometimes used in connection with the treatment of musculo-skeletal injuries. Whilst these techniques sit within the acupuncture spectrum, when used in isolation they do not constitute an acupuncture treatment.

TRADITIONAL ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has evolved by the rigorous practice and recording of case studies since Chinese written records began. An ancient Chinese physician’s understanding of anatomy and the biological processes of the human body was inspired by observation of nature and an understanding of existential questions and as such was recorded in the context of Chinese culture and philosophy.

Over time a unique narrative emerged describing the flow of qi or energy through meridians or pathways running through the body. Words for natural landscape features such as mountains, lakes and valleys are often used to describe Chinese names for acupuncture points.

Modern and rigorous evidence based research into the effectiveness of acupuncture is now undertaken in universities across the globe and standards for recording and reporting trials and their outcomes have improved significantly.

A recently published BAcC Research Digest (2018) indicates that acupuncture (alone or as an adjunct therapy) is effective or potentially effective in the treatment of the following conditions:

  • chronic pain

  • low back pain

  • osteoarthritis

  • neck pain

  • shoulder pain

  • other musculo-skeletal pain conditions

  • headache and migraine

  • chronic pelvic pain/chronic prostatitis

  • allergic conditions: allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma

  • digestive system: constipation, IBS, dyspepsia

  • urinary incontinence

  • infertility: assisted conception (IVF and ICSI), natural fertility (female), male infertility

  • mental health: depression, anxiety, PTSD,

  • insomnia

Cupping and Gua Sha

CUPPING

Cupping or ‘myofascial decompression’ can be thought of as a reverse massage using suction techniques applied to skin with the aid of a glass, plastic or silicone cups. Once suction is created cups are then left in place for a period or they can be moved over lubricated skin. Many athletes, including USA swimming Olympic Gold medallist Michael Phelps, are regularly seen sporting cupping marks on their bodies.

GUA SHA

Gua Sha or ‘instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation’ involves the scraping of the lubricated skin with a special tool to increase micro-circulation to the tissues and to create a therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect.

Both Cupping and Gua Sha are used to:

  • encourage blood flow and promote tissue repair

  • treat fascia and musculo-skeletal injuries

  • release of muscular and myofascial trigger points, knots and adhesions

  • mobilise scars

  • promote para-sympathetic nervous system activation

  • relieve tension headaches and migraines

In a traditional Chinese Medicine both gua sha and cupping are used in the treatment of lung and respiratory conditions such as:

  • asthma

  • cold and flu symptoms

  • allergies and hayfever

  • bronchitis

cuppingPlasticAoA.jpg
bl67AOA.jpg

Moxibustion and TDP (infra-red light) Therapy

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion is a Chinese Medicine practice where a processed herb product of moxa (also known as artemisia vulgaris, or mugwort) is burned to warm up the tissues of an affected area, or to support wider treatment objectives.

TDP THERAPY

TDP therapy is a wonderful alternative (although not a substitute) to moxibustion. The TDP mineral far infra-red light generates heat that penetrates and warms up the tissues to the depth of 2 to 3.5 inches, increasing micro-circulation and stimulating the body’s own repair mechanisms.