Charlie Glover Acupuncture

04/11/2024

Charlie Glover acupuncture gift cards available now!

Looking for a different Christmas gift idea this year?

Gift cards are available from £50 which will offer a full consultation and treatment session at my Canterbury based clinic.

Treatment options include and can combine Acupuncture, Cupping, Tuin Na massage, Moxibustion and Gua sha.

So why not offer someone you love the gift of relaxation, detoxification and wellness this year.

Contact on 07429 348 196 or via e-mail info@charliegloveracupuncture.co.uk to get your gift voucher now !

Offering in depth diagnosis & caring treatment for chronic or acute physical & emotional conditions.

23/01/2024

Acupuncture for long Covid
Acupuncture is just one branch of Chinese or Traditional East Asian medicine. Central to its theories are that good health is promoted by the unimpaired and smooth flow of the bodies life force or energy through specific meridians or channels. When these channels become blocked through physical or emotional injuries including infection by external pathogens, it is then that disease and it’s associated symptoms can occur.

The idea of external pathogenic disease is not a modern concept at all, indeed it has been documented in Chinese medicine for nearly 2000 years, with the Shang Han Lun detailing the pathology of wind/cold infections as early as 200Ce. This ancient theory of treatment involves breaking the progress of the infection down into 6 stages, each representing how deep the disease is penetrating the body. Later written works look at the pathogenic invasion of wind/heat infections and the theory of 4 stages similarly describes the symptoms experienced as a disease progresses from the exterior of the body deeper to the interior.

Having an understanding of these principles will allow a trained and experienced acupuncturist to treat the pathogen at the correct stage or level of pe*******on within the body.

Covid is seen in terms of its symptoms as being an invasion of a wind/cold pathogen that attacks the lungs and their normal function. Lung infections are seen as serious in Chinese medicine as they are the organs that help regulate the bodies immune system, hence lung infections often linger in the body Longer than other types of infections because the immune system is compromised, often leaving the body unable to expel the pathogen fully.

A consultation involves a deep questioning of the specific symptoms of the initial infection and subsequent traits and features that have emerged since.
Lung infections often cause skin rashes, sweating and feelings of heat or cold and in some cases alternating feelings of heat and cold, head aches at the back of the head and neck and an accumulation of phlegm either in the lungs or nose, and shortness of breath.
Infections are further differentiated by how deep they have penetrated the body, lungs are attacked first, then the infection can go deeper affecting other organs often in the order of stomach and bowels, leading to feeling bloated or causing a lack of appetite, irregular bowel movements then follow. The involvement of the Heart and Kidney means palpitations, a disturbed expression of urine and lower back aches are generally seen, while progression to the liver can result in lower chest pain and feelings of anger, or being wound up.

All of the above manifestations are treated with a different prescription of needles depending on the symptoms exhibited, with the ultimate aim of assisting your own immune system to eliminate the residual pathogen that has been causing your symptoms, whether that be shortness of breath, digestive issues, joint or muscle aches, fatigue, lack of energy, brain fog, or circulation problems, acupuncture could prove effective for you. The points most widely used will be found on the arms and hands, legs and feet and in some cases points either side of the spine are used.

It is always beneficial to look at a patients diet and to recommend foods either to add or to avoid that will assist in the healing process. In general terms damp forming foods that make the body more prone to accumulating damp and phlegm such as dairy, wheat, and processed sugars are to be cut down or avoided along with foods that have an inflammatory effect such as red meats, processed meats, and deep fried foods. Foods such as apple, pear, turnips,daikon, radish, onions garlic and ginger are regarded as being good for lung health and it is often appropriate to look to add these to your daily diet in some way.

If you would like to book an appointment, or simply find out more about how acupuncture could potentially help you or a loved one suffering with this condition, then please feel free to contact myself Charlie Glover on 07429 348 196 or via e-mail: info@charliegloveracupuncture.co.uk for a free 15 minute consultation.

17/01/2024

MIGRAINES & HEADACHES
Traditional Chinese medical diagnosis and differentiation performed by an experienced acupuncturist will seek to find and treat the root cause of your migraines or headaches and not just your symptoms of pain.
The precise location and nature of your headache is addressed
by a line of questioning which will concentrate on 5 key areas.

1. What is your type of pain?
Is it dull?
Do you have a feeling of heaviness?
Is it a distending type of pain?
Is it stabbing/drilling or boring in nature?
Does it Include stiffness of your neck?
Or is it a a feeling of emptiness?
Are there any accompanying symptoms?

2. What makes your pain worse / better do you have triggers?
Heat
Cold
Movement/activity
Rest/inactivity
Emotional strain/stress
Food/drink

3. Onset
Recent, acute, short in duration
Long standing, gradual, repeated episodes

4. Time of day
Worse in Am?
Worse in Pm?

5. Location
Occiput (back of head).
Forehead.
Temples and sides of head.
Behind the eyes
Vertex (top of head)
Whole head

This line of questioning helps to lead us to the cause of your headaches, and it is either that deficiency or excess which is treated.

Foods and lifestyle are seen as major contributing factors
In headaches and Migraines for the Chinese medical practitioner
and therefore these areas are looked at in some detail, while the possible and most likely triggers are discussed and evaluated on a personal level.

It should not be overlooked that migraines are more prevalent in women, data suggests that women are approx 3 x more likely to suffer with migraines than men, and that there is often a pattern around an individuals menstrual cycle. Again the role of hormones and the bodies cyclical nature is evaluated with relation to your headaches, where dietary options and exercise principles throughout the monthly cycle are explained.

Often some or even all of these areas are overlooked or regarded as minor contributing factors by conventional medical practitioners, as they often quite simply don’t have the time to spend with each patient. But to a qualified Acupuncturist and Chinese medical practitioner the line of questioning is vital to your true and individual diagnosis.

If you would like to find out more about how acupuncture and the principles of Chinese medicine could potentially help you or a loved one suffering with this condition then please contact myself Charlie Glover on 07429 348 196 or via e-mail: info@charliegloveracupuncture.co.uk for a free 15 minute consultation.

26/11/2023

Charlie Glover Acupuncture is pleased to announce that as of December 1st 2023 we are moving to new purpose built premises at 143 New Dover Road Canterbury CT1 3EG.
No more need to struggle with the traffic of Central Canterbury or with parking charges, as our new location offers plenty of free parking space.
Check our exact location using our website map at
www.Charliegloveracupuncture.co.uk

04/04/2023

Hay fever
This time of year is for many of us associated with the onset of hay fever otherwise known as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, itchy throat, and itchy or watery eyes.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms yourself or know of any family or friends who do, you will appreciate how difficult any one of these symptoms alone can be to manage, never mind those who may suffer from more or all of them.

Conventional treatments include the prescription of antihistamine medication but for those who prefer a non chemical approach or for those for whom this is not enough to alleviate their symptoms fully, acupuncture may offer a complementary solution.

In Chinese medicine Hay fever is regarded as an invasion of a pathogenic factor categorised as wind-cold, which in simple terms is just like a common cold infection, which makes sense as many similar symptoms present themselves such as a runny nose and sneezing.

As a fully trained traditional acupuncturist I will be guided by your specific personal signs and symptoms and look to implement the treatment principles of clearing wind, eliminating cold and stimulating your lungs to improve their descending and dispersal functions, and finally looking to strengthen or tonify your bodies defences against further attack by addressing any deficiencies which are found in your constitution during your consultation.

If you would like to find out more about how acupuncture could potentially help you or a loved one suffering with this condition
Please contact myself Charlie Glover on 07429 348 196 or via e-mail: info@charliegloveracupuncture.co.uk for a free 15 minute consultation.

Offering in depth diagnosis & caring treatment for chronic or acute physical & emotional conditions.

10/01/2023

A Healthy New Year with Charlie Glover Acupuncture.

Looking to get back to the old you, or even a new you, then why not take the step of booking an acupuncture session.
After the Christmas and new year holidays you might want to give your mind, body, or spirit a helping hand to start the new year on the right footing towards a healthier 2023, and at
Charlie Glover Acupuncture based in central Canterbury we can help with each of these areas.

An initial 90 minute consultation and treatment session will follow the ancient and traditional Chinese medical methods of questioning, observing, listening, coupled with a pulse and tongue examination, to determine the best treatment protocol for you as an individual patient, often with your own distinct and personalised symptoms.

This comes at a cost of £65 with any follow up appointments of an hour charged at £50.

Here are a few of the conditions that we have seen in the clinic in December and January
Lower Back ache
Sciatica
Anxiety
Tinnitus
Fertility support (both natural and IVF related)
Pregnancy induction
Shin splints
Arthritis
Trigger finger
Post operative recovery
Cold and Flu recovery
Fibromyalgia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Migraines
Fatigue
Long Covid

Treatment is always unique to you the person and focuses on the mind, body and spirit allowing for positive and long lasting
changes.

To find out more as to how Acupuncture could help you or a loved one, please feel free to call on 07429 348 196 for a free no obligation consultation.

Confidential and compassionate, caring offered at all times.

07/12/2022

Breech Babies Explaining Moxibustion.

Babies that are lying with either their feet down or bottom down inside the uterus as opposed to the more usual head down position are called breech babies.
If your baby remains in a breech position by week 36 of your pregnancy you will in the UK most likely be offered a procedure known as an External Cephalic Version, or ECV, in an attempt to turn your baby into the more natural head down position. An ECV is a manual procedure where an experienced obstetrician places their hands on your tummy and attempts to turn baby by applying pressure to your abdomen so as to move your baby physically from a breech position to a head down position. You may be offered pain killers or gas and air as most patients describe some form of discomfort from the procedure, while in some cases medication is prescribed to help relax the muscles of your womb. Success rates for this procedure vary according to the specific hospital and even practitioner but are widely reported as being approximately 50%. The whole point of this procedure being to reduce the chances of a Caesarean section being advised over a natural vaginal birth plan, should your baby remain in the more difficult breech position.

If you are looking for a less invasive approach for you and your baby that requires no medication and is described by many women as being relaxing and calming in nature,then the alternative gentle but powerful treatment of Moxibustion could be for you.
Moxibustion is a modality of Chinese Medicine practiced for many thousands of years, it is a recognised method by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists who state that there is some evidence that the use of moxibustion (burning a Chinese herb called mugwort) at 33–35 weeks of pregnancy may help your baby to turn into the head-first position, possibly by encouraging your baby’s movements.

What’s is involved in the process ?
In this case Moxibustion involves the burning of a Chinese herb called mugwort which is pressed or rolled into a cigar shaped stick. Once lit at one end it is used to gently warm and stimulatethe specific acupuncture points known as bladder 67, which are located on the extremity of both of your little toes.
At Charlie Glover Acupuncture following a full consultation to assess that both you and your baby are otherwise well and that there are no contraindications for treatment this heat is applied to the exact area of your toes for a prescribed time usually between 15-20 mins.
This warming treatment creates local vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) increasing blood flow, and is also recognised as a possible mechanism for influencing maternal cortisol (stress hormone)levels.
If baby does not turn on this first treatment, do not be alarmed or concerned as not all babies turn there and then, although some do.
You will in this case be provided with a Moxa stick to take home and receive full instructions on how to correctly and safely administer treatment either by yourself or with your partner back in the comfort of your own home environment, continuing treatment for up to 10 consecutive days, stopping once baby has turned.

If you would like to find out more about how Moxibustion could work for you and your baby then please feel free to contact myself Charlie Glover on 07429 348 196 for a free no obligation telephone consultation.

31/10/2022

Acupuncture for addictions including Smoking, Alcohol and other substance abuse.

At Charlie Glover Acupuncture our approach to addictions including those related to smoking and alcohol, is made from multiple angles to assist both physically and mentally with the process of kicking your habit and relieving withdrawal symptoms. It’s suggested that acupuncture reduces cortisol and balances dopamine levels to decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings that come from drug and alcohol detox.

A good starting point is to draw up a personal list of positive reasons to quit, and a similar list of negatives which can be referred to through your treatment to reinforce your own commitment to the process. You will be encouraged to share your undertaking perhaps with friends,family, colleagues and or with other people undertaking the same personal journey as you. Quitting an addiction can often be made easier by sharing experiences with others who are going through similar feelings as yourself.

The style of acupuncture that is used in clinic and that I have found most effective in dealing with addictions is Auricular (or ear) acupuncture, and is based on the NADA protocol. NADA stands for National Acupuncture Detox Association, which through the 1970’s and 80’s developed this simple technique where a selection of smaller fine needles are placed in 5 specific points of the outer ear.
Typically both ears are needled simultaneously, with needles left in place for between 30-40 minutes in each session.

Patients often report an improved attitude to treatment in general, reduction in levels of anxiety or stress, less severe sensations of cravings and improved quality and or quantity of sleep.

The five ear points used are as follows.

1. Shen Men - which is used to reduce levels of anxiety.
2. Sympathetic - helps calm the nervous system thus improving relaxation.
3. Kidney - reduces levels of fear, and restores health and balance to internal organs.
4. Liver - key in detoxification process, helps improve purification of blood.
5. Lung - promotes oxygen uptake, allows patients to let go, and assists with any feelings of loss or grief.

Depending on each patients own personal levels of physical or mental well being these ear points may well be combined with other acupuncture points most commonly located but not restricted to the lower arms and legs.

As part of the broad based approach each patient will be advised upon different breathing techniques to specifically assist in dealing with cravings and general relaxation.
They will also be sent home with small and unobtrusive ear seeds in place along with specific instructions for other acupressure points to used to further assist in over coming cravings, whilst away from the clinical setting.

Each patient is equipped with an armoury of techniques and procedures to fully assist in their aim of quitting their habit and avoiding potential relapse.

All of this is provided in a confidential, non judgemental and supportive environment conducive to positive treatment outcomes.

If you would like to find out more about how acupuncture could potentially help you or a loved one looking to combat an addiction such as smoking, Alcohol or other substance abuse,
please contact Charlie Glover on 07429 348 196 or via e-mail: info@charliegloveracupuncture.co.uk for a free no obligation 15 minute consultation.

14/09/2022

Fatigue and it’s root cause can be addressed by acupuncture if the correct diagnosis is applied.

For patients suffering with fatigue my first priority would be to have a full description of the type of fatigue you are suffering from by asking some simple questions related to your symptoms.
1. Spleen related fatigue may be chronic or long term in nature it could be worse after eating, and affect your limbs in particular which could mean muscle fatigue is experienced after mild exertion.

2. Stomach related fatigue will leave you especially tired in the mornings, with an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach.

3. Lung related fatigue will leave you tired on exertion, you may suffer from repeated colds or chest infections, and find your voice affected.

4. Heart related fatigue would find you with a lack of energy and listless or apathetic, or spiritually weak lacking in joy everyday things, feeling without vitality and often some difficulty getting off to sleep.

5. Kidney Related fatigue comes in 3 forms.
Kidney cold leaves you feeling you have no reserves, you get tired after very limited activity and feel cold accompanied by lower back ache.
Kidney Heat you feel agitated or restless, unable to relax, feeling worse with overwork and after stimulants such as caffeine found in coffee or tea.
Kidney deficiency will leave you feeling weak and pale looking with frail teeth and hair, you feel like your ageing quickly.

6. Liver related fatigue comes in 2 forms.
Liver Blood deficiency (similar to anaemia) leaves you weaker on activity perhaps dizzy or light headed, you feel better for lying down. Worse during your period or after any sudden or prolonged blood loss. Poor memory and or concentration span, accompanied by insomnia (waking during the night) some numbness or tingling experienced in your limbs.
Liver Qi (energy) stagnation leaves you feeling without energy or motivation, worse with stress, vulnerable to mood swings and often depression. Tightness in diaphragm and or across your chest and shoulders.

7. Damp related fatigue shows up with a heavy feeling in your body particularly your limbs, often accompanied by a heavy or woolly feeling in your head. Your body feels slow.

8. Phlegm related fatigue will leave you often dizzy and lethargic, visible phlegm could be produced from your nose throat and or lungs, and you may feel cut off or distanced. This can be a physical and mental type of fatigue.

All of the above fatigue related syndromes are treatable through a different set of acupuncture treatments with needles often administered but not restricted to either your arms or legs. In conjunction to the treatment with needles I may recommend some lifestyle changes to your diet, exercise or work related routines that will assist in making the acupuncture treatment more effective and longer lasting.

If you would like to find out more about how acupuncture can help with fatigue or about acupuncture in general feel free to check out my website (Charliegloveracupuncture.co.uk)as many common questions are answered there, or just give me a call on 07429 348 196 and I will be delighted to assist further.

Charlie Glover BSc (Hons) Lic Ac.

01/06/2022

Acupuncture as an effective treatment of anxiety
Here in the UK the definition of anxiety is best described by the NHS as feelings of unease, worry or fear which have become more constant as to affect one’s daily life.
According to the Mental Health and Wellbeing in England 2014 survey, 6 in 100 people suffer from a General Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
With the recent covid pandemic and the current economic situation throughout the world, that figure is unlikely to have diminished and it is therefore unsurprising that I am receiving many more enquiries from patients suffering with anxiety related conditions.

Common symptoms of anxiety include feelings of agitation and unease, worry and in many cases feelings of fear and of being overwhelmed. Insomnia including the inability to fall asleep, irregular waking patterns or dream disturbed sleep, fatigue, irritability, restlessness, palpitations, and an inability to concentrate, are all recognised as typical symptoms by the NHS.

Other anxiety disorders include panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, (OCD), and post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).

With referral waiting lists in the NHS being pressurised by the Covid pandemic and an increasing willingness by the public to look for alternatives to medications which are commonly prescribed by conventional medical practitioners and which can bring their own symptoms and side effects, acupuncture can offer an alternative less invasive mode of treatment.

What does Acupuncture have to offer ?

Ancient Chinese Medical texts refer to the seven emotions of human mental activity, those being Joy, anxiety, contemplation, grief, fear, fright, and anger. These emotions are said to directly affect the corresponding organs to bring on disease, which is known as an “internal injury” excessive joy impairs the heart, anxiety and excessive contemplation (or overthinking/overwork) impairs the spleen, grief (or loss) injures the lungs, fright and fear impair the kidneys, while anger impairs the liver.
You can now see how the predominant emotion being displayed could lead the trained acupuncturist to explore further a specific organ disfunction.
Here again it’s worth highlighting the holistic nature of an acupuncturists diagnosis, the key is to find out why this particular patient is suffering with this particular emotion, it’s important to treat each patient individually according to their personal needs based on their signs and symptoms.

Acupuncture points for anxiety.

The experienced acupuncture practitioner will have a wide range of acupuncture points available to them to help relieve specific symptoms and return the body and minds natural balance, but their ultimate choice will depend on the specifics of the individuals diagnosis and symptoms. Some of the most commonly used points are:

Spleen 6 (Three Yin Meeting)
Location: 4 finger widths superior to the height of the medial malleolus, in a small depression close to the posterior border of the tibia.
This point has a strong calming influence on the mind, it is often used where there is blood deficiency leading to insomnia, it will tonify the spleen which is said to control blood, nourish blood and calm the mind.

Kidney 6 (Shining Sea)
Location: on the medial aspect of the foot 1 finger width below the height of the malleolus in the groove or depression between the two ligament bundles
Regarded by many as the go to point for nourishing Kidney Yin, and in doing this it will calm the mind where low grade restlessness, agitation and anxiety reside. Useful in treating insomnia as part of the Yin Stepping vessel it brings moisture and energy to the eyes.

Heart 7
Location: On the wrist crease in a depression at the proximal radial corner of the pisiform bone.
One of my favourite points, it calms the mind, and works well for patterns of insomnia and depression, returning joy, lifting sadness and fear. It nourishes heart blood and through this benefits the spirit.

There are many aspects to a full Chinese medical diagnosis, and at Charlie Glover Acupuncture a traditional form of questioning, and observation, play a key role in determining your treatment principles, which are communicated and explained at each step along the way, your consent is requested before any mode of treatment is administered whether that be through acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, or gua-sha.
You will often be offered some lifestyle advice ranging from dietary recommendations, through to specific exercise suggestions or proposals, you may also be instructed with some acupressure points to be utilised at home, as your condition is approached from the position of a proposed partnership between you the patient and myself the practitioner, both working together to resolve your individual situation.

If you would like to find out more about how acupuncture could potentially help you or a loved one suffering with anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, OCD or PTSD, please contact myself Charlie Glover on 07429 348 196 or via e-mail: info@charliegloveracupuncture.co.uk for a free 15 minute no obligation consultation.

05/05/2022

Acupuncture and Back Pain.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine has been around a very long time and can be traced back some 4,500 years in China. Historically it’s discovery is credited to the emperor Huangdi and today is such a common modality of treatment in China and across the continent of Asia that it is said for 25% of the worlds population acupuncture is more commonly used than Asprin.

In conventional western medicine the diagnosis of lower back pain whether it derives from osteoarthritis, disc prolapse, spondylosis, or muscular or ligament strains, the first response will typically be to treat the symptoms of pain through
Pharmacological intervention including the prescription of pain killers or cortisone injections, and potentially referral for physiotherapy.

But what about those who may react badly to medication or for whom the dosage is so high to relieve the pain that other normal life functions are compromised?
Where is the investigation into what is the underlying cause for the back pain?
Can any underlying weakness or deficiency be directly addressed?

Acupuncture offers a potential answer to these questions and a holistic approach to your condition.
Your detailed medical history is taken into consideration, your lifestyle including diet, exercise and everyday working environment are explored to gain an understanding of why lower back pain is specifically affecting you.

The exact location of your pain, the type of pain, the times when you experience the pain, what makes it better or worse, , and do you have any accompanying symptoms, all go into a specific and personal diagnosis of your condition.

In Chinese Medicine pain is firstly differentiated between full pain and empty or deficient pain.

Full: Severe in nature, sudden in onset, better with activity, worse at rest and when pressure applied.

Deficient: Dull or aching in nature, slow onset, better with rest and or when pressure is applied, worse with or following activity.

Full pain with relation to the back can then be further differentiated into seven categories looking at their cause or aetiology.
Wind, cold, damp, heat, phlegm, stagnation of energy or Qi, and stagnation of blood.
While deficient pain is differentiated into 2 categories of energy or blood deficiency and yin or fluids deficiency.

If you would like to find out more about how acupuncture could potentially help you or a loved one suffering with back pain or another type of chronic pain condition.
Please contact myself Charlie Glover on 07429 348 196 or via e-mail: info@charliegloveracupuncture.co.uk for a free 15 minute no obligation consultation.