Tag on Techniques and Treatments
MOXA (+£5)
Moxa (Moxibustion) is a type of heat therapy where Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) is burned close to the surface of the skin. Mugwort is a medicinal plant that is celebrated for promoting circulation, relieving pain and fostering a sense of calm and relaxation. It is believed to enhance the body’s Qi (vital energy), contributing to a strengthened immune system and overall wellbeing. Moxa is a complementary technique that I use where necessary in conjunction with other treatments, such as massage, reflexology and acupuncture. It has a characteristic, strong and lingering smell.
CUPPING (+£10)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that pain and disease are caused by the stagnation of Qi (our vital energy) and Blood within the body. Various factors can cause this stagnation, including tight, stressed muscles and when muscles are tense, the meridians (energy lines) become blocked, impeding the free flow of Qi and Blood, which are necessary for good health.
Cupping involves small, plastic ‘cups’ being placed on the skin with a vacuum force. This force draws impurities to the surface for elimination and simultaneously invigorates Qi and Blood. It is a technique that is widely indicated for muscular pain relief.
Depending on how tense the muscles are, and how stagnant the energy beneath the skin surface is, cupping can leave visible, circular marks on the skin.
AURICULAR BEADS (Ear seeds) (+£10)
TCM considers the ears to be a microsystem of the body: that is to say, it is believed that the outer ear contains a ‘map’ of the whole body and that specific points on this map correspond with related body parts. While Auricular Acupuncture is typically applied with needles, as a ‘take-away’ treatment I use beads that are secured with medical tape to the points. I typically apply the seeds to relaxation points which can be stimulated with self applied pressure several times per day.
FLOWER REMEDIES (+£15)
If during the course of any treatment it becomes apparent that a Flower Remedy may be appropriate to give support to your current circumstances, I can make a blend for you to take home. Flower Remedies are invaluable for providing psycho-emotional help during times of turbulence and can help ‘lighten the load’. You will be provided with instructions on how to use them.
ESSENTIAL OILS (+£5)
Essential oils are considered to be the ‘essence’ of a plant, and contain therapeutic benefits. They are extracted from the leaves, flowers and bark of plants and herbs and are not in fact particularly oily! Each oil has characteristic uses, some can be calming (think Lavender, Sandalwood and Chamomile), while others can be uplifting (for example Orange, Ylang Ylang and Bergamot). Many of the oils contain anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, so are great for the immune system and all round health. Some oils fall into the category of ‘warming’ (like Ginger and Black Pepper) so in small amounts can be useful to address muscular pain, which results from contracted muscles.
ACUPUNCTURE (+£10)
I do not practice Acupuncture as a stand-alone treatment, but can offer it as an adjunct. Since my area of interest is in mental health and emotional wellbeing, I can select and needle acupuncture points that will beneficially address symptoms such as anxiety and stress.