Chinese Medicine Care
Within the framework of Eastern healing traditions, Chinese Medicine provides a diverse array of therapeutic approaches.
Therapies
-
Acupuncture, involves stimulating specific points on the body with fine sterile needles.
Aiding in activating biochemical, sensory nerve, and signalling pathways, helping to trigger a therapeutic effect.
Acupuncture regulates the flow of Qi (vital energy) through the body’s meridian pathways, removing blockages and promoting natural healing. It is considered a safe and non-invasive treatment when administered by a registered, degree-qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner.
Extensive research over the past two decades has provided strong evidence for its effectiveness in treating a wide variety of conditions.
-
Moxibustion, also known as Moxa, involves burning Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near the body to promote healing.
Moxa has been used in Eastern culture for centuries and is valued for its ability to warm the body through its infrared properties to help improve circulation, and support overall well-being.
Moxibustion works by stimulating the flow of Qi and blood, making it especially beneficial for a variety of conditions, such as menstrual cramps, some women’s health conditions, digestive complaints, muscular pain, swelling, oedema, lodged cold or damp in the channels, pregnancy including breech babies and emotional support.
In your treatments we will determine if Moxa is right for you based on your pulse, tongue diagnosis, and symptoms.
One of the unique aspects of Moxa is its distinct scent which is said to have its own calming effects. The smell reminds me of burning sage mixed with rain.
-
Chinese cupping may be recommended to promote circulation, release muscle tension, remove stagnation, and support the body's natural healing process, making it beneficial for pain relief, detoxification, and overall well-being.
Cupping is often used alongside acupuncture to enhance its therapeutic effects.
Chinese cupping is performed by placing specially designed cups on the skin to create suction, which helps stimulate blood flow, release muscle tension, and promote healing.
We can use both fire cups where suction is created with a a flame into a glass cup briefly heating it or plastic cups to create a vacuum like suction. The cups are placed on specific areas or meridians of the body where necessary.
Stationary techniques, dispersing techniques or even sliding techniques with oil can be used.
Once the cups are carefully removed, often can leave a temporary mark or discolouration due to increased blood circulation in the area. The marks will fade within a week.
Post treatment it is super important to hydrate, stay warm and keep the area away from cold or wind exposure.
-
Gua Sha is a traditional healing technique in Chinese Medicine that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to promote circulation, release muscle tension, and improve the flow of Qi and blood. The technique is often used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall healing.
The use of Gua Sha may include, muscular tension, pain, improving circulation, inflammation, immune boosting, detoxification, respiratory issues (colds, coughs, hay fever), and used in facial treatments to reduce puffiness and promote circulation.
The area is lubricated first with oil or liniment to allow a smooth movement over the skin. The tool is gently scraped over the skin in a long, firm stroke. A moderate amount of pressure is generally needed to encourage blood flow.
Gua Sha is usually formed in areas that hold tension. Including the back, neck, arms, abdomen and face depending on diagnosis. The treatment usually lasts for about 5-15 minutes and is generally combined well with acupuncture.
You may notice after the treatment red or purple marks on the skin, known as sha. These marks are the result of increased circulation and are a natural part of the process, indicating the release of stagnation. These marks typically fade within a few days to a week.
It is important after treatment to avoid exposure to wind or cold, keep area warm and covered and hydrate.
Gua Sha is generally non-invasive and safe when performed by a trained practitioner.
-
Chinese Dietary Therapy is an essential component of Chinese Medicine that can complement the manual therapies to support health. Rooted in the belief that food is medicine, this approach emphasises mindful eating and using food therapeutically to restore balance in the body.
Unlike conventional nutrition, Chinese Dietary Therapy considers not only the nutritional value of food but also its energetic and thermal properties, how it interacts with the body, and its impact on an individual’s unique constitution. This therapy could involve providing more personalised food choices and habits, consideration into the five flavours and thermal nature of food choices, seasonal eating, education around food and cooking preparation.
In Chinese Medicine, digestion is primarily governed by the Spleen and Stomach, which thrive on warm, cooked foods and can be weakened by excessive raw, cold, or greasy foods. The goal of dietary therapy is to optimise digestion, regulate Qi and blood flow, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Chinese Dietary Therapy is tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring that diet becomes an integral part of their treatment plan to nourish, strengthen, and heal the body holistically.
The practice of Qigong is an ancient form of movement connecting body and spirit with the cosmos. Qigong techniques may be included into your treatment plan to encourage balance, peace and nourishment.
-
Chinese herbal medicine is an integral aspect of Chinese Medicine, offering a holistic approach to health. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with acupuncture to enhance a patient’s healing process and address their specific symptoms.
For patients who are averse to needles, Chinese herbal medicine provides an alternative treatment option that can still yield therapeutic benefits.
Please note that the cost of your herbal prescription is separate from the consultation fee. Some Chinese herbal formulas interact with certain medications, so it is important to list current medications. Chinese Herbal formulas are used as a prescription based, therefore not to be taken long term.
