Cupping Therapy:
Cupping therapy is used in Chinese Medicine as a non invasive treatment. A vacuum is created inside the cups when they are placed on the skin and this gently draws up the skin inside the cups. This is believed to open the skins pores which helps stimulate the flow of Blood and breaks up obstructions in the flow of energy, helping to restore balance. Cups may be left in place for 5-10 minutes or they can be used in conjunction with oils that allow a sliding motion over the body. This produces a comfortable and relaxing massage sensation.
In china cupping is used primarily for the treatment of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and congestion. It is also used for arthritis, pain and musculoskeletal conditions.
Cupping is a safe non invasive treatment. As skin is drawn up under the cups, blood vessels at the surface of the skin expand. This may result in bruises that are usually painless and disappear within a few days of treatment.
Electro acupuncture:
Electrotherapy aims to stimulate the body’s healing processes by sending electrical impulses through acupuncture channels, muscles and nerves. Electro acupuncture is a modern variation of acupuncture most commonly associated with pain management and musculoskeletal trauma as it promotes the release of endogenous neurotransmitters such as beta-endorphin, a natural analgesic.
Electro acupuncture (EA) differs from transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). With EA the transmission of electric current goes through acupuncture needles allowing greater depth of stimulation. TENS is a non invasive technique where electrode pads are placed on the skin. Both EA and TENS are available here at Bournemouth and Poole Acupuncture.
EA is a safe and effective treatment that uses different settings in frequency and intensity to produce different responses in the body. Your practitioner Mark at Bournemouth & Poole Acupuncture has undertaken further training in the use of electro acupuncture and only uses EA machines that meet the CE mark requirements for use in the UK and Europe.
Moxa Therapy:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine moxa is used for people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to a smoother flow of blood and Qi. In western medicine, moxa has been successfully used to turn breech babies into a normal head down position. There are two types of moxabustion: direct and indirect. Direct moxa places a small cone shaped piece of moxa on to an acupuncture point and is burned. The patient feels a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin. Moxa can also be placed onto an inserted needle that allows heat to penetrate the acupuncture point and surrounding area. Indirect moxabustion uses a cigar shaped stick and moves this over acupuncture meridians in the area being treated. The benefit of this method is that a practitioner can teach the patient how to use moxa themselves and provide a moxa stick for the patient to continue treatment at their own home.
What is moxa? Moxa is a spongy herb from the mugwart plant (artemesia vulgaris) that has a reputation for healing in many traditional esoteric cultures. It acts as an emmenagogue, that is, an agent that increases blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus and stimulate menstruation. Moxa is a safe therapy that your practitioner has been trained to use. Smokeless moxa may be used for patients with respiratory problems as an alternative.
Acupressure Kinesio Taping:
Kinesio tape was developed in the 70's by Dr Kenzo Kase, a licenced acupuncturist and chiropractor in the US and Japan.
Over recent years it has seen a growth in popularity and is now used by physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, physiotherapists and nurses for many musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
When applied properly, the tape is believed to relieve pressure on the lymph channels in the area between the muscle and skin, improving lymph drainage and circulation. This space between the muscle and skin has various receptors that send information to the brain relating to touch, pain, heat, cold and pressure. Under stress/injury this information causes the brain to send out certain signals to the body on how to react to stimuli. Taping alters the information that these receptors send to the brain and cause a less reactive response in the body, allowing for the body to work in a more normal manner.
The tape is flexible and allows for a complete range of movement when applied correctly. It is hypoallergenic (so it shouldn't irritate or cause rashes) and is waterproof. The tape tends to be left on for several days at a time.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team I am able to advise and refer patients on to other practitioners when I feel this will help the patients health. The Broadstone Clinic Natural Healthcare team offer services such as Podiatry, Naturopathy & Aromatherapy, Osteopathy, Nutrition, Massage, Hypnotherapy and EFT among many others.
Need an individual consultation?
Simply call Mark for Winton on 07583 354677 or use our contact form.