As well as needles, Traditional Chinese Medicine utilises many other types of treatment styles. Here are the ones I currently offer in my clinic:

Acupuncture

By inserting ultra-fine needles into specific acupuncture points selected for your specific needs, we access Qi or energy, moving and redirecting it to flow smoothly where it’s needed around the body. The needles are so fine most are less than 0.02 mm wide.For musculoskeletal problems needles are inserted near the site of the pain to encourage stimulation, new blood flow and healing to the area.

Electroacupuncture

During this treatment a gentle low level of electrical current (the same as a TENS machine) is passed via crocodile clips into the needles to give extra stimulation to the area, a technique often used for musculoskeletal problems. 

Cupping

Cups are placed on the skin with suction, either using a pump or creating a vacuum using a flame (this is extinguished before it goes anywhere near you).  The cups can be left in one place or moved across the skin in a massaging effect. The vacuum effects stimulates fresh circulation to any areas of tightness so is great for  knotted muscles.This technique can leave marks on the skin which clear in a few days, you may have seen athletes with round red/purple marks on their backs as it’s a popular treatment for sports related issues. For facial acupuncture the cup suction is much milder so you won’t get the same marks.

Guasha

Gua means “scrape” and sha means “red spots”. A small blunt tool is used with oil to scrape along the skin, which leaves the characteristic red “Sha” marks, which are an indication of pathogens leaving the body.  This strengthening and stimulating treatment can leave marks on the skin, again for up to about a week depending on how much sha needs clearing. This treatment improves microcirculation to the are being treated and is also a useful diagnostic tool.

Moxabustion

Moxa is prepared from the leaves of the plant artemesia vulgaris latiflora.  This ancient treatment warms and nourishes and has a wide scope of use within Chinese Medicine and will often be used alongside needles during treatment if there is cold present. Moxa is burnt to release the essential oils and can either be placed on the needles to introduce heat deep into an area of cold or poor circulation, placed directly onto the skin or just above it.

Ear Seeds (Auriculotherapy)

I may send you home with a small sticker in your ear, which traditionally would be an actual seed like a black onion seed. Nowadays small metal balls are often used instead. The ear is a microsystem of the whole body, and it is believed that acupressure on specific points can stimulate the associated organ and deliver ongoing benefits.