Ela Pękalska - Zest Acupuncture & Wellness

07/10/2025

A SUMMARY:
I am a well-rounded Chinese medicine practitioner at Zest Acupuncture & Integral Wellness.
I founded this holistic health clinic with a single focus:
- to provide effective, integrated solutions for those struggling with chronic pain and complex health problems.
Our goal is to restore physical, mental, and emotional balance.
I am fully qualified, insured and registered with ATCM (The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture). I am committed to the highest possible standards.
At Zest Acupuncture, we specialise in resolving chronic health issues that have not responded to conventional treatment.
Before I studied Chinese medicine, my scientific work in mathematics and data science taught me how to solve complex puzzles.
This analytical thinking, paired with deep intuition and a diagnostic approach of Chinese medicine, allows us to move beyond surface-level symptoms to identify the underlying root cause of your discomfort.
We integrate this understanding with time-tested healing practices, creating a truly modern and effective form of acupuncture and holistic medicine.
We take a multi-faceted approach to treating pain, illness, and emotional well-being. Most sessions are a customised blend of modalities. Our methods combine targeted acupuncture, therapeutic bodywork, and holistic nutrition or herbal medicine. By integrating a discussion of lifestyle, we create a tailored pathway to your well-being.
Our modalities:
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, Dry Needling

- Manual Therapies: Acupressure, Massage, Myofascial Release, Cupping, Gua Sha, Lymphatic Drainage, Visceral Therapy

- Lifestyle & Herbal Medicine: Nutritional Guidance, Herbal Prescriptions, Breathwork, Sound Therapy​
Our goal is your lasting well-being, helping you build a foundation for a balanced and more vibrant life.
Ela
zestacupuncture.neetocal.com

05/10/2025

Acupuncture can help alleviate pain and address complex health issues.
But sometimes, a link to research is needed:

Acupuncture delivered three times weekly produced substantially larger reductions in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) scores than sham acupuncture in adults with refractory IBS, with benefits sustained through eight weeks and no serious adverse events.

25/09/2025

A Note on My Practice

Over the years, I've gained a wealth of knowledge and skills, and today, I can confidently say I can help with complex health problems.
Can I help everyone?
Honestly, no.
But I have been able to help the overwhelming majority of people who have walked through my door.
For me, success isn't always a total cure—sometimes that's not possible. It's about transformation. It's the difference between an 8/10 pain that dictates your life and a 4/10 discomfort you can live with. It's the shift from sheer survival to truly living.
How do we get there?
It usually takes a few sessions.
We start with a thorough 2-hour visit where we look at everything—your diet, lifestyle, and posture. I'll analyse your pulse and tongue, and listen to your body's story.
I have the most experience with physical pain, migraines, emotional struggles (anxiety, OCD, trauma), digestive issues, allergies, and women's health. I love working with all ages, from children (using gentle massage and cups) to adults.
My toolbox is diverse: acupuncture, bodywork, cupping, herbs, and sound therapy. I use what feels right for you.
If you're in or near High Peak (SK23 7HE) and are looking for a compassionate partner for your health journey, I would be honoured to work with you.
Ela

17/09/2025

KNOW THYSELF
I have delved deeply into numerology. I even rediscovered my own numerological portrait from over 25 years ago (in my computer files.) I was inspired to revisit numerology two years ago, but I needed more time.
Lately, I've been into astrology. I've surrounded myself with knowledge and materials, but ultimately, I have been contemplating them myself.
I meditate on the layout of my birth chart.
And other birth charts.
For me, the patterns revealed in numerology align perfectly with what I see in astrology, be it Western and Chinese. I'm also exploring Vedic astrology. All of these systems describe the same core trends and patterns about me.
You may think "
Oh, what nonsense! How can the arrangement of planets and stars, or a birth date, possibly have any significance on a person's life?"

And yet, we can all observe that life unfolds in cycles.
Annual, monthly, and daily cycles.
The night transforms into day, and there are periods when the night is longer, and others when the day is longer.
There are seasons.
There are times when everything is a struggle and times when everything flows smoothly.
A wise person observes these cycles.
These processes and cycles co-create us and our experiences. They follow a natural path: from a seed falling on the right soil, to its initial invisible growth, until it sprouts, grows, develops, bears fruit, produces new seeds, and finally dies—so it can be reborn again from a seed.
Therefore, I see the planets not just as physical bodies, but symbolically as archetypes from our subconsciousness or the collective unconsciousness, describing certain cycles and their aspects (e.g., Mars - activity, warrior spirit, action). They influence us, or rather, we mirror these archetypes within ourselves.
Just consider: why are the days of the week named after planets?
- Sunday - Sun's day

- Monday - Moon's day

- Tuesday - Tyr's day (Tyr = Mars)

- Wednesday - Mercury's day (Mercoledi)

- Thursday - Thor's day (Thor = Jupiter)

- Friday - Freya's day (Freya = Venus)

- Saturday - Saturn's day

Isn't this the influence of these patterns subconsciously encoded into Western culture?
These aren't the only archetypes at play, which is wonderfully illustrated by my identical twins. They were born 2 minutes apart with practically identical birth charts, yet they are vastly different.
Astrology and numerology map the paths of our personality, our burdens, our generational or family blessings, and the influences of the subconscious.

But they do not touch the soul (they may refer to the astral part, but that is not the soul. Meditate on this if you disagree!).
This is why there can be such colossal differences between identical twins.
The same variables are input into the same family, yet different life stories will unfold because different souls are involved. The differences between twins begin from the moment they are in the womb.
Anyway, one must first develop the personality and understand the patterns life brings before the soul can fully reveal itself.
The interesting part is that many of us know deep down what our path is, but we "run away" from it because we think we should be like everyone else. Our true path can "prick" and "chafe" us. Usually quite severely.
In my case, the message has been clear in a hundred different ways.
My path is research: delving into difficult, secret, and hidden knowledge and simplifying it into practical, concrete results. Medicine. Astrology. Patterns. Mathematics. Geometry. I move both in depth and in breadth. I am here to find unusual connections, to investigate everything.
To discover new paths in health, philosophy, mathematics, and art.
I enable transformation, and I operate near the transformation between life and death.
My task is to face difficult cases.
I myself may not always be the easiest person in a relationship, as this immersion in abstract and philosophical thinking causes me to jump into interactions and then withdraw. My communication is direct—I like to be concrete and straightforward, not necessarily sweet. That's the so-called "Scorpio rising"; as a Scorpio, I can surprise. But that same Scorpio gives me my power.
I am not here to be sweet, but to shake others up, because my path is about bringing order to chaos and guiding transformation when things are falling apart.
And so, I embrace who I am.
If you're curious about what your birth chart reveals about your unique purpose and health, I offer personalised one-on-one online consultations to guide you.
Ideally, we would combine this with acupuncture sessions to allow the understanding from the patterns to integrate into the Body.
Contact me for details if you are interested.
zestacupuncture@gmial.com
whatsupp : 0777 580 6677
3 online meetings + 3 body sessions (acupuncture, fascia, abdominal work)
or 6 online sessions
Or, some for "regular" sessions where you will begin your transformation.
Appointments: zestcupuncture.neetocal.com

Ela

16/09/2025

AN OLD REVIEW.
The headaches did not return.

"I have suffered terrible headaches for about 10 years. After neck & brain scans, nothing was found. I was prescribed various tablets (some with horrible side effects).
I was told about Zest Acupuncture & gave it a go. I booked a block of five treatments.
Ela was extremely professional, both in her treatment & advice. I was treated with massage & acupuncture, each time, on leaving feeling comfortable and relaxed.
After concentrating on specific areas of the neck, my headaches have reduced massively. So much so that I have come off my prescribed medicine & still no regression.
I will be going again for maintenance treatment.
Thank you very much Ela"

07/09/2025

Cupping Therapy: Less is USUALLY More
When you're learning cupping as a complementary approach to massage, you might think that the more marks left on the body, the BETTER the session.
You can see the evidence - the marks - meaning - a job well done!
And it's true, after a session with significant cupping marks, you might initially feel fantastic for the first day. All the stagnation feels moved!
The thing is, it's often moved too much.
It's as if you were standing on a steep hill and someone sent you flying down in a wheelbarrow. Sure, you moved from your stagnant point, but you did it a few times too fast.... and you might derail in the process.
After those initial good feelings, your body can often feel worse, not better. Sometimes, much worse.
Moderation is key... unless you're an athlete who needs to be back on feet "here and now."
Everything I learn, I test on myself multiple times before I offer it to others. I know what hurts and how; I understand the effects and consequences of seemingly powerful, high-impact techniques.
I have experienced this type of "black marks" cupping on myself (as in the photo below) and I know it will not serve the majority of people.
Why?
Because most of us, besides having so-called stagnation and excess (e.g., inflammation), also have deficiencies.
If the goal is to harmonise the body, then an "aggressive approach" to cupping is a bad idea.

If you are focused on symptomatic musculoskeletal relief, then such an approach might be OK, given that it's targeted to the area of pain and your body can handle a rapid return to its "normal state."
Most people learn cupping from an allopathic medicine perspective, as a symptomatic approach. However, from the ancient Daoist and Eastern medicine perspective, this is a limited view and may become a harmful practice.
After over a decade of practice within this medicine, I know that the more dedicated and precise you become, the gentler your intervention.
Because LESS IS MORE.
The more conscious you become, the more you understand, feel, and develop "understanding in your hands," the more gently you work.
Powerful cupping may be necessary for a high fever or after an accident, but with the focus on a specific body part. However, placing cups all over the body to achieve such intense marks when what we need is harmony will have the opposite effect.
Yes, I know this is how some are taught to cup, and there are many approaches. And some clients request it.
Sure.
But as a therapist who understands what she is doing and how, if a client demands specific points or an approach I know to be counterproductive, I will refuse.
I take responsibility for the intervention, and my goal is to help and, at a minimum, to do no harm.
Contrary to appearances, helping is not trivial, even when you have the expertise and experience.
Every person is a puzzle.
Every problem is different.
Each time, I must stand humbly in my knowledge, allowing the solution for how to proceed to emerge in the here and now.
So, if you go "for cupping" and afterwards look like a ladybug with dark splotch (SEE PHOTO) ask yourself: do I feel progressively BETTER in the days following the session (more energy, vitality, concentration, body awareness) or NOT?
If yes, that's great. It serves you.
If not, the session was too strong for your system.
The body has its own consciousness, and it communicates. You know if something serves you or not, if you start listening to its signals.
There are situations where aggressive cupping or gua sha is justified. For example, with very powerful inflammatory conditions with heat and dampness (e.g., the flu with a 39°C). However, in many cases, it is "style over substance."
A much better approach is acupressure, fascial work, and gentle cupping massage.
THE RESULTS LAST.
If you're not fond of acupuncture, I'm inviting you to a session of fascial, meridian, and acupressure work.
MY level of acupressure and fascial and lymphatic work has reached the level of acupuncture.
Wherever acupuncture can go, acupressure can go, too.

Possibilities are:
https://zestacupuncture.neetocal.com/initial
or
https://zestacupuncture.neetocal.com/calm
or
https://zestacupuncture.neetocal.com/noneedle
Any questions? Ask me.
Ela

01/09/2025

Hi,
I'm excited to announce that I am now booking consultations starting from September 3rd.
You can schedule your appointment here:
zestacupuncture.neetocal.com
For complex health issues, please select "Initial Consultation and Acupuncture".
zestacupuncture.neetocal.com/initial

For a minor issue or pain in a single area, please select "Acupuncture".
zestacupuncture.neetocal.com/acupuncture
Every session is personalised.
If you are nervous about needles, I offer a needle-free approach. Instead of acupuncture, your session can include acupressure combined with visceral therapy and massage along the meridians zestacupuncture.neetocal.com/noneedle
I almost always combine acupuncture with elements of massage, visceral therapy, breathwork, and more. For example, thanks to Chinese Tuina massage—aspects of which I integrate into my treatments—my twins are now healthy, despite a very difficult start in life.
I've been through all hardships concerning most illnesses, be it emotional, mental or physical..
I've seen transgenerational trauma, emotional burdens, and many other aspects.
If you are for a transformation instead of accepting the same stuckness, I am here to help you change.
Move towards well-being.
I look forward to working with you!
Ela

24/07/2025

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16/07/2025

"THE BODY IS A GARDEN"
Sign up for the newsletter:
https://somaticconsciousness.carrd.co/
It's a well-known metaphor, but reflecting on it can yield some interesting insights.
My clients usually fall into two categories:
TYPE 1:
Those who "take nothing"—no supplements, herbs, vitamins, or functional medicine—just prescribed medications (e.g., antidepressants or statins).
TYPE 2:
Those who self-experiment with "everything"—loading up on supplements, detox protocols, probiotics, minerals, and adaptogens.
The latter often struggle with digestive and emotional-mental issues while consuming complex blends.
For example:
Products like Better Greens, with 50+ ingredients per dose:
- Moringa, chlorella, spinach, broccoli, kale, green tea...
- Vitamins A, B, C, D3, E, K2, minerals (zinc, selenium, magnesium)...
- Digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase)...
- Ashwagandha, ginseng, maca, shiitake...
Or Wellwoman Vitabiotics, with an ingredient list straight out of a chemistry textbook:

Microcrystalline Cellulose, Starch (Pregelatinised Maize Starch) & Potato Starch, Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Tablet Coating (Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Polydextrose, Talc, Medium Chain Triglyceride, Colours [Iron Oxides & Calcium Carbonate]), L-Carnitine Tartrate, Niacin (as Nicotinamide), Ferrous Fumarate, Zinc Sulphate, L-Methionine, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Vitamin E (D Alpha Tocopheryl Acid Succinate) (from Soya), Anti-Caking Agents: Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide & Purified Talc, Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, Guarana Extract, Thiamin (Vitamin B1 as Mononitrate), Citrus Bioflavonoids, Ethyl Cellulose, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl), Betacarotene, Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium Salt), Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), Manganese Sulphate, Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin), Riboflavin, Green Tea Extract, Copper Sulphate, Vitamin K1 (Phytomenadione), Coenzyme Q10, Folic Acid (as Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid), Chromium Trichloride, Sodium Selenate, Potassium Iodide, Biotin.
Science confirms these ingredients are beneficial! You could also add:
- Omega-3
- NAC
- Creatine
- Probiotics
- Collagen
- Herbs like nettle, turmeric + black pepper, cinnamon, garlic...
Occasional parasite or liver detoxes...
But wait—
THINK OF YOUR BODY AS A GARDEN.
Plants thrive best on natural compost—broken-down organic matter that has been processed by microorganisms. Sometimes, targeted fertilisers help (e.g., for tomatoes), but only in the right doses.
Each plant has unique needs:
- More or less water
- Acidic or alkaline soil pH
- Specific nutrient balances
(Potatoes prefer pH 5.5–6.5; parsley thrives at 6.5–7.5.)
If you mix fertilisers haphazardly, nothing grows well.
Overwater? Fungi and parasites take over.
Gardening is the art of observation.
You don’t water during a rainstorm! If it’s too wet, you plant species that absorb excess moisture.
YOUR BODY IS THE SAME.
If you dump 50+ ingredients into it just because they’re "healthy," what happens?
People rave about supplements—but do you actually feel better?
New studies hype NAD+, omega-3s, or the latest probiotic strain—but were they tested on people with your genetics, microbiome, or climate?
If you live in Poland or the UK, but the research was done in Texas, how relevant is it?
Your tongue is a window to your oral and gut microbiome.
A thick white/yellow coating (dampness syndrome) means greens and dairy might worsen your condition—they’re "cooling and dampening."
Who promotes them? Often, people from hot, dry climates, that these foods make sense. However, in humid regions (such as the UK), they can exacerbate imbalances.
In my practice, I see desperate people with severe digestive and mental issues, chugging multi-probiotic-mushroom-elixirs because "everything helps."
Supplements are trendy—"Can’t hurt to try, right?"
But how do you measure results?
Do you have clear criteria to track their impact?
I’ve spent 15 years studying health approaches.
Before Chinese medicine, I worked in data analysis—I know how to scrutinise research.
I review studies, attend functional medicine lectures, and even test protocols on myself.
Yet, I’ve never found a supplement that helped me more than precision-prescribed herbs or medicinal mushrooms.
When clients arrive with 5-6 supplement "combines" (20+ ingredients each), I ask:
"How can the body’s garden thrive when we throw in opposing forces?"
HEALING STARTS WITH SUBTRACTION.
We remove unnecessary supplements (ideally, all of them, gradually).
We align diet with the body’s signals.
We retrain the nervous system and fascia.
Then—breakthroughs happen.
Health is body awareness, or somatic consciousness.
A well-functioning digestive system.
A body that heals itself when we remove obstacles.
I prefer Chinese medicine because it simplifies nutritional and herbal choices based on:
Symptoms & Tongue analysis, Your unique context (microbiome, stress, sleep, climate).
No one else can do this work for you.
Understanding your body’s needs and dysfunctions is key.
I’ll gradually share:
- Insights from Chinese medicine practice
- Online programs on tongue analysis (for you/your kids)
- How to tailor food and herbs to your issues
- Stress reduction techniques
- How to live simply and healthily
Sign up for the newsletter:
https://somaticconsciousness.carrd.co/
Less guessing.
More observing.
Better health.
Ela

P.S. Want to start?
Check your tongue in the mirror.
Thick coating? Maybe skip that green smoothie today..

18/06/2025

I possess a rare ability: the skill to uncover the core of any problem.
Trained as a scientist, I’ve spent years analysing patterns and data (PhD cm laude and postdoc in pattern recognition, machine learning & statistics).
Now, I blend that rigorous approach with the wisdom of Chinese medicine.
What sets me apart is my capacity to detect issues others miss, because:
- I think "outside the box"
- Explore with both depth and breadth


MY recent review:

"Having had various physio sessions over many years with moderate success, I decided to try an alternative route and that is when I met Ela...

She has identified the issues that no one else had and after my first session there was a marked improvement. after 3 sessions, I felt better than I had in years.

Ela, is a highly intelligent, informed and skilled practitioner and I would HIGHLY recommend her to anybody looking to get pain free."
THANK YOU!
Ela