Acunique Health Clinic
Treatments
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back many thousands of years. In the Han Dynasty 200BC-200AD this knowledge was compiled into a book called the“Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine ''. This is one of the main foundational texts from which today's Chinese Medicine theory has developed. Over the years many schools of thought developed and refined the knowledge but little has changed in the fundamental understanding of living in harmony with nature, observing the seasons, using food to nurture the body and acknowledging that the diet and activity levels need to adapt at different stages of life. Therefore, TCM is a truly holistic way of understanding the body as an entire organism, living within its environment.
Acupuncture is a huge part of TCM. Acupuncture is an umbrella term that covers more than needling, it includes other therapies such as: Acupressure, Moxa, Tuina (Chinese Massage), Auricular Acupuncture, Laser Acupuncture and Electro Acupuncture. Acupuncture is much more involved than dry needling trigger points to release muscular pain.
While the theory behind TCM is very different to Western Allopathic medicine, both work well together. Western Medicine is very good at treating acute and traumatic events, while TCM is good at treating chronic conditions that often baffle Western Medicine practitioners. Therefore, rather than seeing that one works better than the other, we can embrace each for what they bring to our health. Thereby, ensuring the best health outcomes for our clients.
Moxa
Moxa is the application of heat to an acupuncture point. There are several ways of doing this and the most common and convenient way is to direct a heat lamp over the painful area. Other techniques include Sparrow pecking, direct skin moxa or hot needle moxa. Sparrow pecking is when an acupuncturist uses a stick/roll of moxa to apply heat. The practitioner will move the roll backwards and forward toward the skin in a pecking motion to warm the area. Vicki prefers to use a heat lamp or in a few circumstances sparrow pecking moxa.
Cupping
Cupping is used for several reasons. It feels relaxing and helps to relieve muscular pain. The suction cups are placed in stationary areas or can be mobile. The cups are moved up and down the muscles to provide a reverse massage as the muscles are lifted away from the underlying structure. Cupping increases blood supply to an area whilst pulling toxins to the surface and releasing them. The residual circular marks are often seen on Olympic athletes especially our swimmers but in some cases cupping does not leave a mark.
Tuina (Chinese Massage)
Tuina uses several methods to massage. The massage is designed to bring blood to the area and therefore release any painful muscles. I also do Swedish massage which is more of a relaxation massage.
Auricular therapy
Auricular Therapy was developed by Paul Nogier in the 1950s. Though his knowledge we are able to treat the whole body from the ear lobe. Each section of the ear lobe represents a body part or organ.
While the NADA protocol are well known to treat Drug and Alcohol addictions. This therapy is also being used to treat PTSD. Known as Battlefield Acupuncture it has been developed to help returned soldiers, refugees and people affected by natural disasters. Auricular therapy uses very fine needles or ear seeds. The ear seeds are small metal balls or herbal seeds which come on adhesive tape that sticks to the ear in specific points to address different conditions. The ear seeds can be worn for a few days.
Scalp Acupuncture
Scalp Acupuncture is another system of treating various conditions by area on the scalp. Vertigo, tremors, and limbs dysfunction are a few of the specialities of this modality.
Laser Acupuncture
Laser Acupuncture is great for children or needle phobic adults. A While light lased acts like a needle by stimulating the underlying tissue of the acupuncture point. This gives the same effect without breaking the skin.
Electro Acupuncture
Electro Acupuncture is like a TENs machine. It gently stimulates the acupuncture point when electrodes are attached to the needles. The sensation is a tingling sensation which releases muscular tension.
