Non-Needling Treatments
Here are the techniques I may suggest which complement acupuncture if I feel it would be beneficial to you.
TUI NA MASSAGE (THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE)
Tui Na (which translates as to 'grasp and push') is an ancient form of Chinese medical massage that dates back to 2,700 BC but has only recently been introduced to the West. It is a medical form of massage has been described as a cross between shiatsu massage and acupressure and is traditionally practiced on fully clothed patients, so it's good to wear loose and comfortable clothing.Tui Na can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with acupuncture to help bring the body back into balance by working with the anatomy, stimulating acupressure points along the meridians with a variety of techniques, such as gliding, rocking, plucking, percussive, vibrating. Tui na relaxes and releases areas of qi and blood stagnation which are causing pain so is excellent for aches and pains, headaches, anxiety, etc. Whilst clearing stagnation via massage can be painful, Tui na can also be very relaxing and can lift your mood.
FACIAL CUPPING
Facial cupping is a relaxing treatment which involves the application of a rejuvenating facial oil prior to gently gliding soft silicon cups across your upper chest, neck and face. The gentle vacuum-like suction effect and gliding action of the cups helps to stimulate your lymphatic system, increase blood flow and boost collagen production, resulting in plump, glowing skin. Aesthetically it's great for those who are looking to brighten their skin, improve tone, and decrease puffiness. It can minimize the appearance of scars and fine lines and tone your jawline. From a health perspective it can help those who suffer from Bell's Palsy, tension headaches, cystic acne and sinusitis.
You can purchase a set of facial cups from me with instructions for £26 so you can continue at home.
CUPPING
Cupping involves the application of plastic or glass suction cups to the skin to stimulate the flow of qi energy. The cups are placed along acupuncture meridians and will be kept in the same place or maybe moved across the skin (known as “moving cupping”). Both methods help dispel stagnation and invigorate qi and blood flow to the area which is naturally healing. Some say it feels like a deep tissue massage. It can leave marks on the skin which will disappear after a few days. The colour and temperature of the marks generated offer useful diagnostic information.
MOXA THERAPY
Moxa or moxibustion is a warming therapy used for nourishing qi and blood and dispersing cold.The technique involves the heating of a therapeutic herb called artemisia vulgaris or mugwort. It can be applied directly to an acupuncture point using tiny moxa rice grains or as moxa cones before needling or instead of needling. Other moxa methods are moxa cigars (as per the photo) or attached to the top of an acupuncture needle to enable the heat to penetrate more deeply.
GUA SHA
Gua Sha is an ancient healing therapy which involves scraping the skin with a tool to improve your circulation in order to help release heat, pain or tension in a localised area of the body. Gua translates as ‘scrape’ and Sha as ‘red spots’. If there is a lot of stagnation in the area red spots will appear on the skin which disappear within a few days.
