Treatments
ACUPUNCTURE
The type of needling I practice may be different from what you have experienced previously. I will be in the room with you for the whole session using a variety of techniques as appropriate. Some needling may produce strong sensations that bring palpable changes to the body, while other techniques are much more subtle, creating light sensations of tension dissolving or warmth spreading around the area being needled.
BODYWORK
I employ a variety of massage techniques as well as limb mobilisation and traction in almost all of my treatments. Sometimes this bodywork also takes the form of a very gentle placement of hands on areas of the body (abdomen or upper back) to warm and relax the muscles and trigger a profoundly relaxed state, which is restorative and healing on an almost sub-conscious level.
CUPPING
Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available, affecting layers of the body deep below the skin. By strongly moving the blood it improves flow through the vessels and can help optimise organ function. It can be used to relieve muscle spasms/tension and is favoured by athletes and others who train extensively. The treatment is also beneficial to the lungs, and can clear congestion from a common cold or help to control asthma.
MOXIBUSTION
The burning of dried mugwort leaf (as a loose ‘wool’ formed into cones or compacted into a cigar like stick) warms the area being treated. The warmth and increased blood flow that ensues helps to disperse cold and eases contraction of tissues by promoting circulation. Moxa is particularly good for pain, which occurs when qi or blood stagnate, and can also stimulate acupuncture points (with or without the additional use of needles). Moxa therapy has also been shown to increase immune function, specifically by increasing white blood cell counts, and the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines & anti-bodies.