Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is probably even older than acupuncture. Having started as nutritional therapy in ancient China it developed into the advanced, complex herbal medicine that we know today. Herb medicines are made of leaves, stems, bark, roots or seeds, and each has a unique action. Often they are processed and prepared to enhance their therapeutic effect. Cleverly combined together they perform a multitude of positive tasks within the body and help bring a holistic balance back to the mind, body and spirit.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is made from a specific herb that is lit and placed on certain acupoints to heat them. It is only used in conditions where there is cold or a blockage in the body. Moxibustion is not painful, just a little hot, and it may leave a red mark on the body for a few days. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that up to 75% of women suffering from breech presentations before childbirth had foetuses that rotated to their normal position after receiving moxibustion. (This procedure should only be carried out by a qualified doctor of Chinese medicine.)
Cupping
Cupping is the placement of glass cups on specific areas of the body, using a vacuum that is created by putting a flame inside the cup before it’s placed on the body. They are only used in certain conditions, for example, if there is too much heat or too many toxins in the body. They act by drawing out bad Qi. Although cupping is not painful, it leaves a dull mark on the body that remains for about 7-10 days before disappearing.
GuaSha
GuaSha is a special form of treatment that uses a jade or plastic comb to scrap the body. Oil is applied to the area before it is scraped. It is used as a diagnostic tool, as well as a form of treatment to remove blockages in the body. It isn't painful but does leave marks similar to cupping. These last for 7-10 days before fading away.
Tuina
Tuina is an ancient Chinese massage art. It involves unique massage and manipulation techniques on tired, tense muscles as well as on specific acupuncture points and meridians. A typical Tuina massage session can last from 30 minutes for the back to one hour for the whole body.
Q: How herbs work?
A: Herbs work by balancing the eight different parts of the body, Yin-Yang, Qi-Blood, Excess-Deficiency and Interior-Exterior. This balance is achieved within the different organs of the body. One organ may be deficient in Yin for example, whilst the other excessive in Yang. A formula is made up of a number of herbs, each one having a specific action. Together they help each other re-balance the mind, body and spirit to achieve a holistic harmony.
Q: What is cupping?
A: Cupping is the placement of glass cups on specific areas of the body using a vacuum to move stagnant Qi (energy) and detoxify. It isn’t painful and may leave a small mark on the body for a few days.
Q: What is moxibustion?
A: Moxibustion is a special herb that’s lit and placed above certain acupoints to draw heat into them. Moxibustion is not painful, just a little warm and is very effective for turning breech babies.
Q: What is Gua Sha?
A: Gua Sha is a special form of treatment that uses a jade or plastic comb to dredge the meridians. A special oil is applied to the area to help move blockages. It's used as a diagnostic tool as well as a form of treatment to remove blockages in the body. It isn't painful and may leave a small mark for 7 days before fading away.
Q: What is Acupressue?
A: Acupressure is the ancient massage art form from China. It involves unique massage and manipulation techniques on tired, tense muscles as well as on specific acupuncture points and meridians. A typical acupressure massage session lasts up to 30 minutes.
Rogerian, Adlerian, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and othertherapies available.
A range of specialised treatments available, provided by fully qualified and recognised professionals.
