CONDITIONS WE TREAT

PAIN MANAGEMENT

MASCULAR/ SKELETAL PAIN

Whether dealing with a frozen shoulder, a sprained ankle, or a broken leg, acupuncture proves to be highly effective in aiding recovery from injuries and alleviating aches and pains.

It's been more common for physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and doctors to incorporate acupuncture as an adjunct to their treatments recent years. The reason behind this widespread adoption is the evident effectiveness of acupuncture. However, when administered by a fully trained and skilled acupuncturist dedicated to the profession, the results can be even more remarkable.

Acupuncturists have a comprehensive understanding of Western anatomy and the insights of traditional diagnosis, considers not only the location of the pain but also its nature, the timing of occurrences, the influence of weather, and various relieving and aggravating factors. This holistic approach provides a thorough overview of the condition, contributing to the success of the treatment.

The treatment typically involves acupuncture or Shiatu/tuina or cupping, with the option to introduce herbs in more severe cases. Initially, treatments may be scheduled weekly or more frequently to address the acute phase of the condition.

Common pain conditions we treat:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Shoulder pain

• Frozen shoulder

• Sciatica

• Tennis/ golf elbow

• Knee pain

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

​

HEADACHES /MIGRAINE

Regardless of the type of headache and the accompanying signs and symptoms, the primary goal is to restore equibrium by regulating hormones and neurotransmitters. The pituitary gland, located in the brain, produces endorphins – natural painkillers known for their mood-elevating properties, hence often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone. Individuals with high endorphin levels tend to be happier and more energetic. Another key chemical influencing mood is serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to the brain and nervous system, playing a crucial role in determining whether we feel depressed, content, or anxious.

Research on acupuncture demonstrates that the insertion of acupuncture needles at specific points on the body induces the release of endorphins. Consequently, acupuncture can have a pain modulation effect similar to that of endorphins, leading to almost immediate relief. This explains why individuals often feel energised.

Chinese medicine states, "where there is pain, there is no flow; when there is flow, there is no pain." Acupuncture emphasises ensuring the free flow of energy and blood in the body, releasing physical and emotional blockages that contribute to pain.

After taking the case history, we will decide a treatment plan, which may involve acupuncture, acupuncture paired with herbal medicine, ahitau/tuina massage, and lifestyle/dietary advice. We have witnessed significant success in addressing stress/tension headaches, migraine headaches, and PMS headaches, having positive effects in our patients' lives.

​

STRESS & ANXIETY

Roughly one in six adults suffer with a neurotic disorder (ONS, 2000), the most common condition is anxiety and depressive disorder. Despite its widespread impact on careers and relationships, Anxiety UK suggests that over two-thirds of the UK's estimated three million anxiety sufferers do not seek treatment for their condition.

Anxiety can manifest various physical responses, including sweating, nausea, diarrhea, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and body aches. Emotional responses may encompass disturbed sleep, irritability, fear, and poor concentration, alongside behavioral and cognitive reactions. The mental strain of a fast-paced modern life often leads to this array of unpleasant symptoms.

Conventional treatments for anxiety disorders involve psychological therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and applied relaxation, as well as medications such as certain antidepressants and benzodiazepines (NICE, 2007). However, drug treatments have associated side effects, and many may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for anxiety, supported by research indicating its ability to alleviate anxiety by influencing areas of the brain responsible for reducing sensitivity to pain and stress, thereby promoting the relaxation response. Acupuncture regulates hormones and neurotransmitters affecting mood and well-being, including endorphins, serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine. It can be safely and effectively used in conjunction with conventional drug treatments, minimising unwanted side effects. Treatment plan may involve acupuncture, herbal medicine, lifestyle, and dietary advice.

 

​

DIGESTIVE ISSUES

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has increased significantly in recent years, marking it as a contemporary Western condition. However, Chinese Medicine has recognised and addressed this ailment for thousands of years. In Chinese medicine, IBS is perceived as a disharmony between the Liver and Spleen, with associated symptoms such as heightened sensitivity to stress, worsened conditions after specific dietary intake, alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, exacerbation during emotional upheaval, and variations in stool consistency.

IBS is a functional problem, making acupuncture a suitable treatment choice when combined with appropriate dietary and lifestyle guidance. In Chinese medicine, IBS is identified as the 'Liver invading the Spleen.' The Liver's role in ensuring the smooth circulation of Qi throughout the body is crucial for the proper functioning of other organs, particularly the Spleen or digestive system. Imbalances in the Liver, induced by stress, or emotions such as anger, bitterness, frustration, or resentment, can disrupt the harmony and affect the Spleen, leading to digestive issues.

The disharmony between Liver and Spleen explains the fluctuation between constipation and diarrhea in IBS. Individuals with a robust digestive system (Spleen) may still function adequately despite Liver imbalances. Consequently, IBS manifests when there is an imbalance in both the Liver and the Spleen. Effective treatment involves restoring the smooth flow of Liver energy and enhancing the digestive process. Acupuncture plays a crucial role in achieving this balance, complemented by a diet that facilitates easier digestion. While stress may be inevitable, incorporating exercise into one's routine is a key strategy for improved coping mechanisms.

IBS, often diagnosed when other explanations are elusive, encompasses a spectrum of digestive disorders, including bloating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain. Chinese medicine can distinguish between these variations, allowing for targeted treatment. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, or a combination of both have proven to be effective in addressing IBS. It is essential to underscore the significance of dietary and lifestyle modifications in managing all digestive disorders.

 

BLOATING

Bloating is an uncomfortable condition characterized by abdominal distension and swelling, often linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and premenstrual symptoms, among other factors. According to the principles of Chinese medicine, bloating can stem from various internal causes. One possible origin involves an imbalance in the Liver, responsible for facilitating the smooth flow of energy and blood throughout the body, ensuring optimal bodily functions. Factors such as the consumption of toxins (like alcohol) and the stresses of modern living easily disrupt the equilibrium of the Liver, leading to energy and blood stagnation in the digestive tract and resulting in bloating, pain, and digestive disturbances.

Another form of bloating arises within the digestive system itself, particularly the Spleen-pancreas in Chinese medical terms. Symptoms such as bloating after meals and a feeling of being swollen, puffy, and sluggish during the menstrual cycle indicate suboptimal functioning of the digestive system. Irregular eating patterns, excessive consumption of cold, raw foods, sugar, dairy, and heightened levels of worry often contribute to this condition.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer effective solutions by addressing stagnation and enhancing the digestive process to alleviate bloating. To bring about lasting improvements, recommendations often include adopting a suitable diet and acquiring stress prevention and management techniques alongside acupuncture treatment.

 

CONSTIPATION

Bowel patterns vary significantly among individuals. Some may perceive themselves as constipated if they have a bowel movement once every other day, while others might only consider it constipation if they go a week without one. Constipation can manifest in various ways, including stools with a normal frequency that are dry, hard, or even painful to pass. Regardless of the specific nature of constipation, a sluggish bowel not only leads to local discomfort but also a sensation of fullness and overall lethargy.

To tailor an appropriate treatment for you, an acupuncturist will inquire about your bowel habits, seeking a broader understanding of your digestion and diet. Through the combined use of acupuncture and herbal medicine, this approach aims to facilitate smoother bowel movements and restore a sense of regularity. The synergy of acupuncture and herbal medicine proves beneficial in enhancing the overall digestive process, encompassing food metabolism, nutrient absorption, and bowel evacuation.

The effective treatment of constipation often involves a positive response to acupuncture and herbal medicine.

 

DIAORRHEA

Regardless of the underlying cause or nature of diarrhea, the outcome involves inadequate absorption of nutrients and the loss of water. Diarrhea may manifest acutely, such as in the case of food poisoning, or indicate a food intolerance leading to difficulty digesting certain foods. It could also stem from a chronic weakness in the digestive system, presenting as loose stools or watery diarrhea, and may even alternate with episodes of constipation.

To devise a suitable treatment plan, an acupuncturist will inquire about the frequency, timing, and characteristics of your diarrhea, aiming to gain a comprehensive understanding of your digestive system and dietary habits. Acupuncture helps in reducing both the frequency and severity of diarrhea episodes, preventing further depletion of water and nutrients. When combined with herbal medicine, acupuncture contributes to the overall strengthening of your digestive system.

 

​

NAUSEA

While acute nausea and vomiting are not commonly seen in acupuncture clinics, these symptoms are prevalent among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy and post-operative cases. These distressing symptoms significantly impact the overall well-being of the patient, leading to weakness, wasting, and emaciation.

Extensive research in this field demonstrates acupuncture's efficacy, with several trials confirming its effectiveness comparable to anti-emetic drugs while presenting minimal side effects. The Cochrane Library unequivocally supports the positive impact of acupuncture on nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture's effectiveness lies in its capacity to regulate gastric muscle activity, modulate the autonomic nervous system, and reduce peristaltic contractions. In situations where immediate treatment is not feasible, self-administered acupressure on the Neiguan P-6 acupuncture point has shown a protective effect against acute nausea and can be easily taught to patients.

Also acupuncture is effective in managing nausea (morning sickness) and vomiting during early pregnancy..

 

 

WOMEN'S HEALTH & MENOPAUSE

PERIOD PROBLEMS

A woman's menstrual cycle holds a central role in her life. Gynecological disorders are common complaints that we address through herbal medicine and acupuncture in our practice.

Unfortunately conventional treatments for menstrual issues are limited. Many women facing menstrual irregularities, period pains, PMT, or absence of periods are often advised to use the contraceptive pill as a primary treatment. While this approach may be effective in some cases, the notion of applying a singular treatment for diverse conditions seems odd. Similarly, for menopausal women experiencing similar problems, the suggestion of a hysterectomy often emerges too hastily. Chinese medicine rejects the removal of any body part without acknowledging the potential disharmony it may introduce to the rest of the body. Acupuncture and herbs have been addressing menstrual irregularities in the East for centuries.

A woman's menstrual cycle hinges on a delicate hormonal balance. When external stresses and life's strains disrupt this delicate equilibrium, and issues arise. Chinese medicine examines the specific imbalance, making it particularly effective in addressing gynecological disorders.

To understand how acupuncture and herbs address menstrual problems, it is essential to understand Chinese medicine's perspective on women's physiology.

 

Common complaints treated include:

• Painful periods

• Irregular periods

• Amenorrhea

• Heavy periods

• PMT/premenstrual bloating

• Headaches

• Breast tenderness

• Polycystic ovaries (PCOS)

• Fibroids

• Cysts

• Endometriosis.

 

 

MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

Chinese Medicine is a gentle yet highly safe and effective treatment for addressing menopausal symptoms. The primary focus of this treatment is not to artificially boost specific hormone levels; instead, it aims to restore balance during the natural changes the body undergoes, facilitating a smoother transition through times of adjustment. Whether it's during the menstrual cycle, conception, pregnancy, or menopause, Chinese medicine optimises a woman’s endocrine system, regulates the nervous system, stimulates the release of endorphins (the "feel-good" hormones), and promotes a calming effect on the mind.

Although each person is born with a certain level of estrogen inherited from parental genes, a woman's lifestyle and dietary habits from childhood to the cessation of menses can significantly influence how she experiences menopause. Seeking balance for both the body and mind at an earlier stage can contribute to a more manageable and symptom-free journey through menopause.

We conduct a meidcal history assessment to create a personalized plan tailored specifically to you. This plan may encompass acupuncture alone or in combination with herbal remedies, along with essential lifestyle and dietary guidance crucial during this transitional period. Our patients often report not only a more comfortable journey through menopause but also an enhanced overall sense of well-being.

Common signs and symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, depression, , muscle spasm, forgetfulness, heart palpitations, loss of bladder control, frequent urination, joint pains, allergies, dizziness.

 

 

COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE

Cosmetic acupuncture, often referred to as facial acupuncture or acupuncture facelift, is gaining popularity as a holistic and natural approach to enhancing skin health and reducing the signs of aging. This non-surgical procedure involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the face to stimulate collagen production, improve blood circulation, and promote overall skin rejuvenation.

Unlike invasive cosmetic procedures, cosmetic acupuncture addresses both the external signs of aging and the internal factors contributing to skin health. By promoting circulation and collagen synthesis, it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. The treatment also aims to improve muscle tone, offering a subtle lift and enhanced facial contour.

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, cosmetic acupuncture follows the principles of balancing energy flow, or Qi, throughout the body. By addressing the underlying imbalances, practitioners believe it contributes to overall well-being, which is reflected in the skin's appearance. The holistic nature of cosmetic acupuncture makes it an attractive option for those seeking a natural and harmonious approach to skincare.

While individual results may vary, many people report not only improvements in their skin texture and tone but also a sense of relaxation and vitality. Cosmetic acupuncture offers a unique blend of aesthetic benefits and overall wellness, making it an increasingly sought-after alternative in the realm of non-invasive facial rejuvenation.