Treatments
First, we discuss your needs and tailor a bespoke service to suit your particular condition. A full medical history is taken and then a treatment plan is made. Only sterile disposable needles are used, these are so fine that they look like a single strand of hair. You usually do not need to take off much clothing as there are acupuncture points all over the body. Most people are surprised at how painless acupuncture is and many report feeling very relaxed after treatment. Usually a short course of treatments is most effective as each treatment builds on the last.
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Chinese herbal medicine can not only be uniquely tailored to each individual but changes according to the stage of the menstrual cycle where relevant, and for all conditions, the formulae change as the condition improves. I primarily use granules which are quick and easy to prepare – they simply dissolve in boiling water. They are manufactured to the highest scientific standard.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that involves inserting needles into the skin to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue.
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It aims to re-balance the body's energy, or qi, by stimulating the central nervous system and immune system, thereby encouraging the body to heal itself.
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It has been shown to be very successful at treating a variety of conditions including: Chronic pain, headaches, migraines, knee pain, menstrual cramps, sports injuries, face pain, and other nerve discomfort.
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Unlike pharmaceuticals and more invasive treatments the side effects from acupuncture are virtually nonexistent.
Chinese herbal medicine
Herbs are usually prescribed in formulae which match the pattern of imbalance that is causing illness. The formula will change over time depending on an individual’s response. For gynaecological problems the formula is usually also changed according to the stage of the menstrual cycle.
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The hundreds of commonly used Chinese herbs range from food items such as ginger and garlic through to those acting on the body as powerfully as pharmaceutical drugs, so they need to be prescribed by someone with a full training in Chinese medicine.
In the UK Chinese herbal medicines are only plant based, animal products are not used at all. They can be packaged as raw herbs, powders, pastes, lotions or tablets, depending on the herb and its intended use. Currently I mainly prescribe herbs as powders which dissolve in boiling water to make a tea. The advantages of this method are that each batch of herbs is tested for quality and standardised according to active ingredients. Also, they are quick, convenient and easy to prepare.
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