In Chinese Medicine Qi is the energy which flows freely through our bodies when optimum health is achieved. The Qi can be disrupted and become “stagnant” by injury, illness, or emotional issues causing physical or emotional pain. Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate the Qi/energy to start flowing and relieve the pain. This encourages the body’s natural self- healing processes.
A specific ear acupuncture protocol which was developed at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital, New York in the 1960s to help treat addiction. It involves the gentle placement of up to 5 very small needles into specific sites on each ear. The recipient then sits or lies quietly for 30-45 minutes. Many patients report feeling relaxed and more energised after the treatment.
NADA is used in many settings to help people with a variety of complaints. It is used to treat patients suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy within some NHS hospitals. It has been used to treat emergency service personnel with PTSD post 9/11 and Grenfell and after many other major disasters. It can also be used to help to treat a variety of conditions including general stress and other mental health issues.
NADA can also help with smoking cessation and with help weight loss as part of a wider management programme.
After the treatment is complete, very small ear “seeds” can be placed on certain points in the ear. These “seeds” are on clear plasters so are almost invisible and stay on the ear for up to 1 week. They can be stimulated by the patient to help prolong the treatment effects.
More information can be found at: http://www.nadagbacupuncture.co.uk/home
Cupping is an ancient treatment which has been used for thousands of years by many different cultures. It involves the use of suction cups which are either moved across specific areas of the body where there is an old injury or pain or they are used in stationary positions. The suction creates an upward stretch within the muscles and fascia, pulling the toxins which have accumulated in the muscles to the surface of the skin allowing the body to ore easily eliminate them. Cupping produces marks on the skin called “petechiae” , these are not bruises and the marks usually last 3-7 day. Most people find this a very relaxing therapy and it can help speed up the healing process. It is a therapy which has come to the public attention over the last few years with many Olympic athletes, such as Michael Phelps using it to aid muscle recovery.
Gua Sha is a treatment with effects very similar to cupping. It involve the gentle scraping of a small flat tool over the skin which helps to breakdown muscle adhesions and increase blood flow to an area to help with the healing process. As with cupping it is not a painful treatment to receive and the marks left after treatment will fade over a few days.
Moxibustion (moxa) is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the use of a prepared substance derived from the leaves from the mugwort plant. The gentle warmth from the “moxa” permeates the skin and encourages the flow of blood and Qi increasing the healing process. The moxa is usually in a stick form and is moved around just above the skin. It can also be put directly on the needles so the gentle heat can penetrate directly into the body. Most people find the gentle warmth produced to be calming and relaxing.