Eleanor Dearden, Acupuncture

02/10/2025

It's fantastic that we live in times where we can finally talk about the subject of menopause and perimenopause openly (about time!). While menopause is often framed in terms of discomfort—hot flushes, mood swings, insomnia, fatigue and more—it also presents an opportunity to reconnect with the body, restore balance, and embrace a new phase of vitality. The very real physical, emotional, and social changes that accompany this phase of transition can be difficult to navigate. I'm going to use this month to explore menopause in a bit more depth, both for myself and for my clients.

29/09/2025

Hi, I'm Eleanor, and I'm an acupuncturist in the Scottish Borders. I've lived in Stow for 17 years, and love bringing up my two kids in this beautiful countryside and community. I offer acupuncture treatments in Lauder in Professionals For Health, and am passionate about the benefits and potential of acupuncture. If you have any questions or would like a chat, do get in touch. You can visit my website for more info - please find the link in the comments below.
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18/09/2025

14/09/2025

When you catch a cold, your body needs time to recover. Here are some of the things I like to do:
• “Sleep is the Best Medicine” – believe me, my kids are fed up of hearing me say this! But plenty of rest and sleep to allows your immune system to work its magic.
• Stay Hydrated - drink lots of warm water, herbal teas, lemon and honey in hot water and broths to keep your body hydrated and help loosen mucus.
• Eat Immune-Boosting Foods like garlic, ginger, citrus fruits, and leafy greens. Hot soups and spicy foods like black pepper and chilli peppers can also help clear nasal passages (though Chinese medicine cautions against using these too much, since they can create excess heat in the body).
• Use saline nasal sprays to cleanse the inside of the nose where the viral receptors are, and help prevent the cold developing in the first place.

Body Magnets – I also use body magnets on specific acupoints, which can stay on for a few days at the start of a cold or temperature. Instead of using needles, these magnets stimulate points on the body which are useful to reduce heat, boost immunity, reduce coughing and sneezing, and can sometimes nip a cold in the bud before it even develops!

If you feel like putting your secret weapon in the comments, I’d love to hear from you! Let's share some collective wisdom to help everyone feel better as the seasons start to change.

11/09/2025

Meditation is a wonderful way to bring personal peace, and spread a little peace around us. A very real and effective thing which each of us can do at any time. It's also nice to do with others sometimes, which is why I'm sharing this post. A lovely opportunity to gather in Edinburgh on the International Day of Peace, to share and spread some positivity. It's free and open to all over 18 years old.

07/09/2025

A day in the life of an acupuncturist...

✨ Early Morning Bustle: A whirlwind of getting the kids ready, packing lunches, and the all-important school run! 🍎🎒

✨ Clinic Time - My Happy Place: Once they're off, it's straight into the heart of what I love. From helping soothe chronic pain, to easing anxiety, to boosting fertility, every treatment is unique. I love the variety of my work, and it's a privilege to hold space for folk and guide them towards better health.

✨ The Unseen Work: In between clients, you'll find me diving into:
* Admin Magic: Answering enquiries, ordering materials, scheduling, and keeping everything running smoothly. 💻
* Deep Dives: Researching specific client conditions to ensure I'm providing the most effective, personalised care. 🧠
* Herbal Wisdom: Finding time to study traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and expanding my toolkit. 🌿
* My Own Marketing Hat: Crafting posts like this one, connecting with you all, and spreading the word about the power of acupuncture. ✍️

✨ Family First: Amidst all of this, being a daughter and mum is paramount. Taking time to look after my wonderful mum, ensuring she's comfortable and cared for, is incredibly important to me. And of course, cooking a nutritious dinner for the family is a daily self-inflicted must! 😆🍲❤

It can be a lot to juggle, but when I’m in the flow it’s wonderful — from the calm of the treatment room to the bustle of home life — it all fuels my passion for holistic health and helping others. I'm so grateful to have found work that makes me tick, and for this amazing supportive community that keeps me going (along with plenty of tea!).

What does your daily juggle look like?

04/09/2025

Pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia can be challenging to manage. Anyone who suffers from fibromyalgia knows that it is a chronic condition with widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues (eg difficulty with concentration and memory). There can also be other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, noise, or temperature changes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive issues, anxiety and depression, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

While more research is needed, there is evidence to suggest that acupuncture can help alleviate pain, improve sleep, reduce fatigue, and improve the overall quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. It offers a holistic approach that addresses underlying imbalances in the body and promotes overall health and well-being.

31/08/2025

03/07/2025

A great self-help point to use for repetative strain in the wrist, as well as to improve immunity:

Technique: Use the thumb or a knuckle for deeper, controlled pressure
Direction: Press straight down into the groove between the forearm bones
Intensity: Apply firm but tolerable pressure
Duration: Hold for 1 minute, then release slowly
Frequency: Stimulate once or twice daily, especially during immune challenges or joint discomfort
Body Position: The arm should be relaxed and supported, palm down
TW 5 can be used independently or combined with other meridian points for broader immune or musculoskeletal effects.

26/06/2025

22/06/2025

Many high-impact athletes are beginning to incorporate regular acupuncture into their routines, to enhance performance, accelerate recovery from workouts and injuries, and even prevent injury.

Consistent acupuncture treatment can provide several unique long-term health benefits that combat both cumulative damage and acute injuries, or just help you recuperate from intense exercise.

https://marathonhandbook.com/acupuncture-for-athletes/

Acupuncture can be a great way to increase circulation and support healthy healing in the body. For this reason, acupuncture for athletes can potentially help