Acupuncture TCM

05/04/2020

SPRING TREATMENTS (and covid 19 update)

We are still open for business for anybody who would like a treatment. We understand that people are still suffering from problems like chronic pain, stress, headaches, insomnia and many more and may be getting worse with the added pressures of the global pandemic.

I am also offering special treatments to help people cope during this time:

1) optimise health and boost the immune system
2) control stress, insomnia, addiction problems
3) treat conditions that may have 'flared up' during the stressful last few weeks

Of course, do stay at home if you are strictly self isolating for protection or because you have symptoms of coronavirus, as per the governments instructions.

We are taking steps to protect our patients:
The appointment slots are spaced out and far fewer so no patients will ever be in the clinic at the same time

The clinic room is disinfected and well ventilated between patients

Hand gel is provided and handwashing is as regular and thorough as ever

If you have any questions or concerns, please dont hesitate to give me a ring at the Jack Chan Clinic and I'll be happy to help.

30/11/2019

Alternatives to Acupuncture in Chinese Medicine: Tui Na! The most dynamic and energising of massages...

Pronounced TWEE NAH, Tui literally means 'pushing' and Na means 'grasping'.

Whats it all about? It is a traditional Chinese massage that works along the same principles as acupuncture - removing stagnation from the body and improving energy flow along the meridians or 'channels'.

What's the difference between Tui Na and a regular massage? In Tui Na...
1) You remain clothed
2) Acupressure points are heavily used - these are the same as acupuncture points but they are firmly pressed instead of needled
3) The joints are passively stretched and manipulated to open them up
4) There are many varied 'techniques' used: pushing, pulling, kneading, rolling, grasping, pounding, plucking, pressing, shaking, vibration and traction.

You can just imagine how much better your muscles will feel after all of that!

What are the benefits?
1) Improved energy levels, patients usually report a huge energy boost straight after the treatment
2) Improved immune function - protection against colds and infections
3) Deep relaxation
4) Removal of build up of stress which naturally gets stored up in the body over time
5) Improved mood and sleep
6) Pain relief - head, back, muscle and joints

If you want a firm, energising, detoxifying massage then Tui Na is for you.

06/11/2019

Alternatives to Acupuncture in Chinese Medicine - Moxibustion!

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM comprises a range of treatment modalities. Most people are familiar with acupuncture - but what about some of the other options?
Today we look at MOXIBUSTION or 'moxa':

Moxa is a compressed block or stick of herbs (predominantly mugwort) that are burned like an incense stick and held over parts of the body that are sore or diseased.

Why use herbs, is the heat not enough? The particular herbs in moxabustion have special properties of warming, stimulating and penetrating the deeper tissues.

What is it good for? Moxa is used to remove 'cold' and stagnation in the tissues. I mainly use it to treat joint stiffness, joint pains, back pain. It warms up the tissues and improves blood flow.

It is usually an adjunct to acupuncture but it can be used as a full treatment in its own right.

What different types of moxa are there?
Moxa stick - as seen on the photo, used to warm a local area.
Direct moxa - the herb is rolled into a cone and applied directly onto the skin.
Indirect moxa - moxa is placed onto a slice of ginger and then onto the skin to restore yang deficiency.
Moxa with acupuncture - a tiny cube of moxa is placed onto the acupuncture needle creating a synergystic effect, penetrating deep into the tissues.

How does it feel to have moxa? Moxa is a lovely, warming, relaxing treatment to have. Clients feel relaxed and warmer inside long after the treatment has finished.

06/11/2019

Alternatives to Acupuncture in Chinese Medicine: Electro-acupuncture!
Hang on a sec - how is that an alternative to acupuncture? Ok yes, it is still an acupuncture treatment - but its so much more than that...

What exactly is electro-acupuncture? It is a modern adaptation of traditional acupuncture which has quickly been adopted into the world of Chinese Medicine over the 20th Century. Once the acupuncture needles are in place the practitioner attaches mini electrodes to 2 needles and passes a small current between them.

How does it work? The current further stimulates the acupoints (moreso than just the acupuncture needle) and the current flowing between the 2 points stimulates the muscles and nerves in that region. It is an excellent treatment for severe pain - particularly pain caused by trapped nerves.

Will I be electrocuted?! No, the current flowing through the electrodes is extremely small - just a few milli-amps. It is very safe and does not cause pain or injury.

What conditions is it used for? Electroacupuncture is the best treatment in TCM for severe pain caused by trapped nerves and muscle spasm. I use it for sciatica, severe neck pain, lower back pain, trapped intercostal nerves (around the ribcage). It can also be used to encourage healing following a stroke.

Nerve pain is notoriously painful and difficult to treat, but electroacupuncture produces excellent results in a short amount of time (between 1 and 4 treatments).

24/10/2019

Alternatives to Acupuncture in Chinese Medicine: Gua Sha!

What is Gua Sha? The TCM practitioner uses a round edged object (traditionally made out of Jade) to press and gently scrape the skin until redness appears.

Why on earth would anybody want this?! The process dramatically increases blood flow to the treated area and this flushes out toxins and, crucially, reduces inflammation.

Gua Sha has general benefits of relaxation, better sleep and improved immune function. It is also an excellent treatment for tendon disease - tendonitis is notoriously difficult to treat and takes a long time to completely heal with conventional methods.

Gua Sha is a great alternative to treat inflamed and damaged tendons to improve blood flow to the area and speed up the healing process.

If you have stubborn tendon or muscular problems or would like to try Gua Sha for general wellbeing as an alternative to acupuncture then do give me a call for a free consultation.

12/09/2019

T’ai Chi is being taught in primary schools to help children overcome exam stress.

06/09/2019

18/07/2019

Can acupuncture cure hot flushes?
Yes, it certainly can!

Its time for... an *Acupuncture Super Point*

Name: ZHAOHAI
Translation: Shining Sea
Location: 6th point of the kidney channel

If, like many women, you are plagued by menopausal symptoms it can be difficult to find relief without strong hormonal treatments which are unfortunately not suitable for everyone. So what does Chinese Medicine say about the menopause?

In TCM its all about having the right balance, particularly yin and yang, the balance of feminine and masculine energy, respectively. As we age, and especially at menopause, a woman's yin energy weakens, allowing yang energy to increase and 'take over' to some extent.

Yin is responsible for cooling, soothing, night time, restoration, moisture, peace of mind. The deficiency of yin at menopause naturally leads to the opposite of this! Hot flushes, feeling too warm, too dry, anxiety, insomnia and fatigue. The body's yin and yang energies are totally out of balance and the symptoms are often quite dramatic.

ZHAOHAI is an acupoint that precisely works to strengthen Yin and treat menopausal symptoms. It clears away the deficiency and can significantly reduce the frequency of hot flushes in just a few treatments.

I believe it is a fantastic treatment for any woman who is approaching or going through the change and can thoroughly recommend it for hot flushes, anxiety and insomnia associated with the menopause.

22/06/2019

Do I have symptoms of 'Lung Heat'?

In Chinese Medicine excessive heat in the body is one the main imbalances we see. It causes unpleasant symptoms and diseases depending on which channel the heat is most affecting.

Lung Heat (excess heat in the lung channel) causes the following problems:

Throat issues - dry throat, sore throat, loss of voice

Lung issues - coughing even when there is no infection, coughing up blood, feeling hot all the time

Emotional symptoms - agitation, anxiety, sadness, fearfulness

Stomach problems - vomiting, acid reflux, difficulty eating due to stomach pain

Wow, thats a lot of trouble from excessive heat in the body. How do you get rid of it...? Fortunately there are acupuncture points specifically designed to drain heat from the various channels. Thank goodness for that!

*Acupuncture Super Point*

Name: YUJI
Translation: Fish Border
Location: 10th point on the Lung channel, a superficial point on the back of the hand near the thumb
Action: to clear excessive heat from the Lung Channel

So if you recognise some of the symptoms above and fancy getting back into a state of health and balance then consider a course of acupuncture.

06/06/2019

Would you like a nice clear head? Its time for another...
*Acupuncture Super Point*

Name: FENGCHI
Translation: Wind Pool
Location: Gallbladder channel GB-20, where the head and neck meet

There is nothing worse than having to put up with a fuzzy, aching, congested head while you try to get on with your life. GB 20 or FENGCHI is the best acupoint for removing stagnation in the whole area of the face, eyes, nasal passages, throat and head.

Lets have a look at some of the conditions it alleviates:

Headaches - of any description
Hayfever and rhinitis
Conjunctivitis and sore eyes
Sore throat
Nosebleeds
Earache and tinnitus
Lockjaw
Speech loss following stroke
And of course.. neck pain!

If you feel you would benefit from a clearer head, nasal passages and all round sharper and brighter senses then FENGCHI is the point for you. It can be activated with acupuncture or acupressure massage.

Feel free to book an appointment at the acupuncture clinic by email or phone for a treatment or free consultation.

04/05/2019

"Stop all physical activity and sit naturally at ease. Remain silent and let sound be like an echo. Do not think about anything look at experience beyond thought; open minded like space. Let go of control and stop and rest at ease in that state. Awareness without projection is the greatest meditation. Train and develop like this and you will come to the deepest awakening."
Tilopa

02/05/2019

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