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Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to restore the body’s energy (Qi) to promote natural healing and wellbeing. Acupuncture is recommended by both the NHS and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points along the body’s meridians. These points correspond to different organs and systems, also known as Zang Fu, which help to move stagnation, improve circulation, and support the body’s self-healing processes.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system, encouraging the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin. It also regulates blood flow and reduces inflammation, making it an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions. Many patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing and experience a sense of calm and wellbeing after their treatment.

TCM acupuncture is a comprehensive treatment that not only treats symptoms, but also addresses the root cause of imbalances.

When carried out by a BAcC member, acupuncture will be based on TCM or 5-Element theories where your acupuncturist has carried out degree-level training. When carried out by other healthcare professions such as a GPs, Physiotherapists or other healthcare professionals, unless these professionals have also completed a BSc degree and are BAcC members, the acupuncture is not TCM and is known as ‘Dry Needling’ which targets painful areas and trigger points, also known as ‘knots’.

Benefits of acupuncture

Patients often come for treatment for relief from a wide range of conditions such as:

• Pain relief – arthritis, sciatica, headaches, migraines and back pain.
• Mental health support – stress, anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, PMDD, PTSD.
• Support fertility – support when trying to conceive naturally and IVF support for fresh and frozen transfers.
• Relief from digestive disorders – acid reflux, nausea, and conditions such as IBS and IBD, including Crohn’s disease and Coeliac Disease.
• Boosting the immune system – cupping, moxa and acupuncture have been used to boost the immune system for centuries, promoting overall resilience.
• Improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.

Cupping is a traditional therapy used in Chinese medicine to release tension, improve circulation, and promote healing. This technique involves placing glass, silicone, or plastic cups onto the skin to create gentle suction, which helps to increase blood flow, loosen tight muscles, and encourage the body’s natural detoxification process.

The suction draws fresh, oxygenated blood and lymphatic fluids to the area, which may reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness. This makes cupping an effective treatment for conditions such as muscle tension, back pain, arthritis, and sports injuries. Cupping is also used to support lung health, helping with conditions like coughs, colds, and asthma by promoting better circulation in the chest.

Benefits of cupping:

• Relieves muscle tension and stiffness to promote relaxation.
• Improves circulation and oxygenation to muscles and tissues.
• Reduces inflammation which supports the body’s natural healing response.
• Aids in detoxification by stimulating the lymphatic system.
• Supports respiratory health, helping with colds, congestion, and asthma.
• Boosts energy and overall vitality by encouraging better blood flow.

Cupping often leaves temporary, relatively painless circular marks on the skin, which fade within a few days. These marks indicate areas of stagnation where blood and toxins have been drawn to the surface for removal. The depth and color of the marks can provide insights into the patient’s circulation and overall health.

Gua Sha is a hands-on healing technique used in traditional East Asian medicine for centuries. “Gua” means to rub or press-stroke, while “Sha” refers to the temporary redness that appears on the skin during treatment. This redness, known as petechiae, is a sign of improved circulation in areas of stiffness or pain. As the treatment is applied using smooth, repeated strokes, blood flow increases, tension releases, and pain often eases immediately. Redness fades in hours, petechiae fades within five to ten days, and the colour and rate of disappearance provides insight into the patient’s condition.

Benefits of Gua Sha:

• Relieves pain and muscle tension by promoting circulation.
• Reduces inflammation and supports the immune system.
• Increases microcirculation, improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
• Supports respiratory health, helping with conditions like coughs and wheezing.
• Balances body temperature, cooling those who feel too warm and warming those who feel too cold.
• Promotes relaxation, easing tension and reducing anxiety.

Moxibustion, or Moxa, is a therapeutic technique that involves burning dried Mugwort on acupuncture points. Moxa is a warming and stimulating herb which is used to enhance circulation and promote healing. Moxa is used to stimulate acupuncture points, warm muscles, and improve blood flow, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery to different areas of the body.

Benefits of Moxibustion:

• Boosts the immune system which helps the body defend against illness.
• Relieves joint pain associated with cold and swelling, such as arthritis, frozen shoulder, and tennis elbow.
• Increases blood flow to areas affected by injury, tension, or tightness.
• Warms and relaxes muscles by easing discomfort from cold-related conditions.
• Eases symptoms such as cold limbs, frequent urination, fluid retention, fatigue, common colds, diarrhea, and menstrual pain caused by cold in the uterus.
• Helps turn a breech baby, studies show a high success rate when applied to acupuncture point Bladder 67.

During your treatment it may be beneficial to use a heat lamp. The heat lamp is designed to provide deep, soothing relief by harnessing the power of far infrared light therapy. Emitting wavelengths between 15µm and 1mm, this specialised lamp helps alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing.

Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy

The heat lamp delivers targeted warmth, allowing for precise application to areas in need of relief. It is ideal for use during treatment to support recovery from:

• Muscle pain
• Arthritis
• Inflammation
• Sciatica
• Period pain
• Feeling cold
• Fertility treatments

By stimulating the release of nitric oxide, infrared therapy enhances blood circulation, bringing oxygen and essential nutrients to the affected tissues. This process helps to reduce discomfort, support tissue repair, and accelerate recovery, making it a valuable addition to holistic pain management and wellness treatments.

Ear seeds are a form of auriculotherapy, a technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Ear seeds apply acupressure to the desired location which can stimulate specific acupressure points to support physical and emotional wellbeing. These small seeds, often made of gold, silver, or natural Vaccaria seeds, are placed on key points of the ear with hypoallergenic adhesive tape.

Benefits of Ear Seeds:

• Reduces stress, anxiety, and emotional tension
• Aids in pain management, including headaches, chronic pain, and joint discomfort
• Supports sleep and relaxation, helping with insomnia
• Enhances focus and mental clarity, beneficial for ADHD and concentration difficulties
• Helps with digestion and gut health
• Supports weight management and cravings control

Ear seeds can be used alongside acupuncture to extend the therapeutic effects between sessions. They are discreet, painless, and can be applied professionally for the best effect, offering continuous stimulation for long-lasting benefits. Patients are encouraged to gently press on the vaccaria seeds throughout the day to activate their effects further. Gold and Silver seeds to not require any further pressure. When applied professionally, ear seeds can be a fantastic tool to help children cope with their emotions and pressures of school or exams.

I exclusively use Rocktape, a premium kinesiology tape designed for superior performance. Rocktape features a tighter weave, greater elasticity (180% stretch to match the skin), and a stronger, hypoallergenic adhesive that stays in place during movement, exercise, sweat and even water exposure. It provides support without restricting motion, promoting a full range of movement while reducing pain, improving circulation, and enhancing recovery. Commonly used for sports injuries, muscle tension, and postural support, kinesiology tape is also highly effective in pregnancy as it helps to support the body and alleviate discomfort from postural changes. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or seeking pregnancy support, Kinesiology tape delivers durable, long-lasting relief between treatments.