Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that has over 3,000 years of history. In recent years, public awareness on acupuncture has improved, leading to its integration into western medicine.
Many people use acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions, others choose acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution, help with their emotional well-being or because they just feel generally unwell. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies and children, elderly and the chronically ill.
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, to maintain good health and wellbeing our qi or chi energy that flows through the body must be balanced and flowing freely.
For those who simply do not like the thought of needles, there are alternative forms of treatment such as Cupping, Tuina, Gua Sha and Moxibustion.
Moxibustion (Moxi)
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy involving burning moxa, a cone or stick made of ground mugwort leaves. Moxa is burnt on or near your body’s meridians and acupuncture points. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.
Cupping
This treatment involves using cups (glass, plastic or rubber) that are applied to your skin’s surface and stick by removing the oxygen. While it can leave marks on your skin that resembles bruises, they are not painful and will disappear in several days. The theory behind cupping is that it brings circulation and blood to the surface and muscles, removing the toxins that cause pain.
Tuina
Tuina is a form of Chinese therapeutic medical massage based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is intended to be both relaxing and invigorating. Some techniques and strokes used in tuina are much like those used in a relaxing swedish massage, such as gliding, kneading, rocking, pulling, friction, and rolling.
Gua sha
Gua sha literally means ‘scraping’, and is performed using a smooth tool rubbed over the skin. The red rash is intentionally brought to the surface to stimulate blood flow and cell regrowth, similar to the idea of cupping. This therapy is typically used for muscle tightness or stimulating the immune system.
If you wish to speak to our acupuncturist for more information, please get in contact.
