Acupuncture by Daria Masterman

31/08/2025

It's September tomorrow! This time of anticipation of a new cycle in school and work life can somtimes be overwhelming. So I thought I thought I'd share this self-tapping technique to help calm anxiety: https://youtu.be/UEtACSQM_BM.
Or better still - come have some acupuncture with me at my treatment room in Tilehurst.

13/08/2025

As we are currently transitioning from Fire to Earth element, I thought I'd share some tips how to look after our Earth.

Find your centre - the Earth element is about stability, nurturance, caregiving, and bounty. Seek activities that keep you centred and grounded; focus on what nourishes and fulfils you and those you care about.

“Knowing how to treat the centre is knowing how to bring all networks into balance.” - Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644)

As summer draws to a close, it’s time to phase out your consumption of cold raw foods, including smoothies, ice water, and salads. Dairy, refined sugars, and fatty and greasy foods also contribute to dampness. Do include warm, cooked meals. Aromatic spices like ginger, fennel, coriander, caraway, and cardamom help to warm things up, resolve dampness, and strengthen the spleen Qi.

Sweet flavours, in small amounts, favour the Spleen and Stomach (sadly, we are not talking about ice cream). Sweet foods that strengthen the Earth element include whole grains, like millet, rice, and root vegetables, such as yams, sweet potatoes and carrots. Enjoy the sweet fruits and vegetables that are in season and available in the late summer harvest.

According to the Chinese Medicine clock, the Stomach has optimal digestive capacity between 7-9am. Your meal should be substantial and fortifying. A good breakfast strengthens the stomach and spleen qi and yang for the day. Optimal breakfast foods are energetically warming foods, prepared with warm cooking methods that stimulate the body and do not spread dampness.

As our focus turns to the health of our Spleen and Stomach organ systems and its relationship to the "Yi"- our mind and intellect- we need to be mindful about what we MENTALLY ingest, as well. This is a perfect time of year to think about our relationship with social media and the news and to create boundaries around screen time.

And finally- sing like no one’s listening! Every element has an associated sound, through which it expresses itself. The sound of the Earth element is "singing". Whether your stage is the shower, the car, or a stage, get those vocal cords warmed up and sing your heart out!

29/07/2025

It is so uplifting and yet humbling to receive validation from my lovely clients, here is one of the recent ones:

"I have been visiting Daria for almost a year now. And every time 100% of the time I always feel grounded, balanced and in full harmony with myself after our sessions. I highly highly recommend her. She is kind, caring, very knowledgeable and can read a body better than anyone I know - physically and energetically. She is one of a kind and truly amazing!"

Feeling blessed to be able to share the journeys and hopefully lift up my beautiful clients.

30/05/2025

As we are at the hight of allergy season, I though I'd post this simple Qigong excersise for chest opening which supports our lungs and helps improve our breathing. For best results do it regularly, preferably in the morning during your wake up routine. It sets me up for the day nicely!

16/05/2025

Honouring Mental Health Awareness Week: Understanding Shen in Chinese Medicine
Embrace Balance, Nourish the Spirit
This , let’s explore a profound connection between mental health and the ancient concept of Shen in Chinese medicine. 🌿✨
In Chinese medicine, Shen is often referred to as the "spirit" or "consciousness," residing in the Heart. It encompasses our emotional well-being, mental clarity, and sense of purpose—essentially the light that gives life its meaning. When our Shen is balanced, we experience joy, serenity, and focus. However, when disturbed, it can manifest as anxiety, insomnia, or a feeling of being disconnected from ourselves.
How can we nurture Shen? 💛
- **Mindful Breathing**: Connect to the present moment and calm the mind.
- **Heart-Centred Practices**: Meditation, gratitude, and acts of kindness can foster inner harmony.
- **Restorative Sleep**: Quality sleep is crucial to maintain mental clarity and emotional balance.
- **Balanced Nutrition**: Eating nourishing foods helps support the Heart and, with it, the Shen.
This week, let's honour the vital link between mental health and our inner spirit. By tending to our Shen, we cultivate not only emotional resilience but also a deeper sense of fulfilment and peace.
Join me in spreading awareness and compassion. Together, we can illuminate the path to holistic well-being. 🌸💬
Sending hugs from my Shen to yours ♥️♥️

10/05/2025

Spring has sprung, and so have allergies! 🌼 Are you struggling with asthma, allergies, or skin issues this pollen season? Discover effective coping strategies to ease your symptoms and live your best life: https://wix.to/ukv7W1e

11/04/2025

It's Parkinson's awareness day. In normal brain, dopamine helps to regulate the speed, size and smoothness of your movements. For some reason, the cells which create this chemical messenger, start to die off. Different people may experience the disease in different ways. Some people may have very noticeable tremors while others have a really blurred speach and frequent falls. The progression speed also varies.
One of my first patients has bravely faught with Parkinson's and whlist acupuncture couldn't cure her, it provided welcome releif. It was also a valuable lesson for me that sometimes a small win makes a big difference.

01/04/2025

It's been a while since I've introduced myself - the face behind Aculives Acupuncture. So here goes: https://youtu.be/HGV6HOa9xYE.

11/03/2025

Just had my second session with Daria Masterman at Aculives, and wow—I feel amazing!

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started, but after just two sessions, I can already feel such a shift. More energy, more balance, and just a real sense of feeling like myself again.

If you’ve ever thought about trying acupuncture, I highly recommend Daria. So glad I took this step!

23/01/2025

New year – new you 😊. With many of us focussing on New year resolutions why don’t give acupuncture a go? Here are the conditions I’ve treated at the clinic last week – all reported various degrees of improvement:
✨Anxiety/fear of exams
✨Fibromyalgia
✨Ulcerative colitis and IBS
✨Hormonal imbalances
✨Sinus problems
✨Headaches
✨Sciatica
✨Stiff shoulders/neck
✨Irregular periods
✨Mood swings
✨Fertility support

Message now to book your appointment and see how acupuncture can help on your health journey.

15/01/2025

08/01/2025

Winter is a realm of Water element and with Kidneys being it's Yin organ, I though this Qigong exercise for nourishing this vital organ would come handy. Aim to do this short sequence at daily to acheive best results. I find it really helpful to combat "winter blues".
What's your winter routine?