Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years in the prevention and treatment of diseases. TCM includes, but not limited too, herbal teas and food as medicine according to your body's constitution, acupuncture, guasha, moxibustion and cupping therapy.
Diseases is viewed as imbalances within the body. During the assessment you will be asked specific questions about eating habits, sleeping patterns, bowel movement and about emotions, to name a few. This is to better understand the root cause of the imbalances so I can tailor a treatment for your specific needs.
As part of the diagnosis, you will be asked to show your tongue. Yes, your tongue! TCM views the human body as an "organic whole". Meaning, all parts are connected and influence one another. Therefor, I will look at the coating, shape, colour and texture of the tongue along with taking your pulse by applying light pressure on your wrist. This allows for greater insight as to what is happening within the body and more importantly, in which organ the imbalance is.
One of the beautiful aspects of TCM is we do not need a Western diagnosis in order to treat a patient because we have our own process of diagnosis and treat according to these findings.
The goal of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to discover the root cause and help bring your body back to balance.
Some of the conditions I can assist you with, but not limited to, are:
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Pain Management: Acute and Chronic pain (Sprain, Strains, Degenerative Disk Disease)
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Women's Health/Gynaecology: Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS) and menopause symptoms such as hot flashes
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Women Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction: Prolapse organs, incontinence
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Rehabilitation: Pre/Post-Surgery (Hip Replacement, Knee and Shoulder)
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Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety, Sense of Overwhelm, Stress Management, and Trauma (PTSD, CPTSD)
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Headaches: Tension and Migraines
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Digestive System Issues: Abdominal Pain, Constipation, Diarrhea and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
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Overuse Injuries: Tendinitis, plantar fasciitis
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Weight Loss Support
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Insomnia
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Gout
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Long Covid Symptoms Management
As a Registered Acupuncturist, I offer the following services:
TCM - Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin needles in specific points along the meridians to help stimulate "Chi" within the body. They are twelve (12) main meridians along with extra channels recognised in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
I only use sterilised needles which are properly disposed off after each treatment.
Electro-Acupuncture
Electroacupuncture (EA) uses a low-frequency microcurrent which is applied between two (2) needles. This can be an effective approach in working with muscles who are atrophied instead of using manual needling techniques. The electrical current can stimulate a muscle contraction and help in the recovery of the soft tissue.
EA helps to increase blood flow and oxygenation of the skeletal muscle and assist in muscle fatigue and various musculoskeletal disorders. It's also used in treating pain, inflammation and decrease muscle tightness.
Fire Cupping
Fire Cupping is safe to practice on almost all individuals however does have some contraindications such as if you are on blood thinners. It is often known to create discoloration on the skin where the cups are applied and may take up to 2 weeks for the body to clear up.
A flame is used to create heat within the cup and once applied to the skin, creates negative pressure, and the skin is lifted. This action helps to stretch the fascia and muscles, and increase circulation in tight muscles. It will also assist in dispelling stasis which is known to create pain in the body.
GhaSha
Guasha is a TCM technique in which the scraping of the skin is done while using a tool such as jade.
It helps to improve and stimulate circulation, release myofascial restrictions and decrease muscle tightness. Can be especially useful in chronic pain conditions.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is 100% dried mugwort herbs which has been used for centuries. It is safe to use and inhale some of the smoke of the burning herbs. I only use the highest quality of herbs and also have a smokeless option.
It can be applied directly to the skin, on the needles or in a bamboo box.
Often used to treat cold and damp syndromes according to TCM principles. Can be used to help relieve certain types of pain, heaviness sensation in the body or help support your "Chi" energy.
Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture
Auricular Acupuncture can be a standalone treatment or be added along a TCM acupuncture treatment to treat various conditions.
I practice and follow the Chinese Auricular Points and The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol. The NADA auricular acupuncture protocols are used specifically to help people deal with and recover from substance abuse. It helps with the emotional, physical and psychological aspects involved in addictions. I focus on the following NADA protocols for:
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Addictions (Smoking)*
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Weight Loss
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)*
*To best support you through your healing during treatments for addiction (smoking) or PTSD, please note that I highly recommend all clients to be followed by a mental health practitioner and/or medical doctor. Going through the process of healing an addiction or trauma, offers various challenges and best be guided by a team of health professionals.