TREATMENTS

Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted through your skin at strategic points on your body for therapeutic or preventative purposes. It is used in many NHS GP practices, as well as in most pain clinics and hospices in the UK. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management. Acupuncture points are thought to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes might stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Cupping is a technique used throughout Asia and also historically in the Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and European countries to move blood and Qi, and expel pathogens from the body. Cups are placed onto the skin after creating a vacuum within them. They are often used in musculoskeletal conditions. Furthermore it can help with eczema, cough, early symptoms of flu. The patient should not experience pain, just a warm, stretching or pulling sensation on the skin. Normally there will be slight redding or a ring mark after the treatment, which will fade within 10 days.

Moxibustion is a type of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves burning moxa, a cone or stick made of ground mugwort leaves, on or near your body’s meridians and acupuncture points. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel pathogens. Moxibustion is maybe best known for being an alternative way to help with breech presentation. It’s usually done around 34 weeks with indirect moxibustion around an acupuncture point called UB 67 (Zhiyin or reaching Yin). This spot lies on the outer part of your pinkie toe. For safety and effectiveness, it’s best to have this done by a professional.

Tui Na is a form of Chinese massage that gets to work on your muscles for major tension relief. Literally translated as 'pinch and pull'. In Tui Na, manipulations are used to stimulate points or other parts of the body surface to correct a physiological imbalance in the body and achieve a healing effect. Tui Na activates the acupuncture channels, promotes blood circulation, and regulates yin and yang. Tuina massage can be used to treat pain and illness or to maintain good health. The technique is effective in encouraging relaxation, reducing stress, and deepening sleep. It's often used for conditions and injuries related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing method in which a smooth-edged tool is used to stroke your skin. This motion raises small, red, rash-like dots that show under your skin. The benefits of Gua Sha are numerous. It resolves pain and spasms and promotes normal blood circulation to the muscles, tissues, and organs beneath the area that is treated. Research has shown that Gua Sha causes a four-fold increase in microcirculation of surface tissue and can reduce inflammation. The patient experiences instant changes in pain and stiffness with improved mobility.

Electroacupuncture uses two needles in each acupuncture point and then connects to a machine that passes a mild electric current between these needles during treatment. Electroacupuncture helps to block your pain by activating bioactive chemicals in your body. This process may decrease your sensitivity to the pain you’re feeling. It’s also been shown to help reduce inflammation in your body. There are some studies that point to electroacupuncture as a useful method of treating a variety of conditions. These include muscle spasms, pain relief, and nausea caused by cancer treatments. When you receive electroacupuncture, it activates your sympathetic nerve fibres. By activating these fibres, your body produces endogenous opioids such as endorphins, which help to reduce inflammation. The activated nerve fibres may also help to reduce feelings of lasting pain. This makes it a good treatment for chronic pain and stress. Studies have also found that electroacupuncture might help your body release mesenchymal stem cells into your bloodstream. MSCs are adult stem cells mostly found in your bone marrow. They help your body create different types of tissues, and also have healing properties.

Ear Acupuncture

The NADA treatment model follows the NADA U.S. five-point training protocol, developed at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Recovery Centre in New York. The process involves the gentle insertion of up to five fine, single use, steralised, stainless steel disposable needles into specific energetic points in the outer ear. No electrical stimulation is used. The five ear points: (1) Sympathetic – calms the nervous system and helps with overall relaxation. (2) Shen Men / “Spirit Gate” – reduces anxiety and nervousness. (3) Kidney Point – for calming fears and healing internal organs. (4) Liver Point – for detoxification, blood purification, and to quell aggression. (5) Lung Point – promotes aeration and helps clients let go of grief. ln the 1970’s the NADA protocol was developed to help addicts with their recovery dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, irritability and cravings. Since then NADA protocol has been found effective for a wide range of conditions. Acupuncturist Without Borders has used it extensively in treating trauma during and after hurricane Katrina and have begun a national military outreach to veterans.

Facial Acupuncture

1. Facial Acupuncture TCM Perspective: Qi and blood circulation: Stimulates the flow of Qi and blood to the face, promoting nourishment and skin vitality. Meridian balancing: Addresses internal imbalances by treating related meridians, potentially improving overall health. Anti-aging: Believed to reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, and enhance radiance by stimulating collagen production. Organ connection: Facial zones correspond to internal organs; treating the face may help systemic conditions. Western Perspective: Increased microcirculation: Tiny needle insertions increase blood flow, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery. Collagen stimulation: May promote fibroblast activity and collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity. Muscle tone improvement: Stimulates facial muscles, possibly reducing sagging and fine lines. Stress reduction: Promotes relaxation and may reduce stress-induced skin conditions. ⚡ 2. Electro-Acupuncture on the Face TCM Perspective: Enhanced Qi movement: Electrical stimulation amplifies the movement of Qi through meridians. Deeper treatment: Targets stubborn facial conditions more effectively (e.g., Bell's palsy, facial paralysis). Facial rejuvenation: Considered more potent than manual needling for toning and lifting. Western Perspective: Neuromuscular activation: Mild electrical impulses help retrain muscles—beneficial in facial palsy and muscle weakness. Increased tissue repair: Electrical stimulation may promote healing through enhanced circulation and ATP production. Pain modulation: Useful for chronic facial pain by interfering with pain signals. 3. Facial Cupping Therapy TCM Perspective: Promotes Qi and blood flow: Gently pulls skin upward, encouraging healthy circulation and detoxification. Lymphatic drainage: Helps clear stagnation and toxins from the face. Skin rejuvenation: Thought to reduce puffiness, lift the skin, and improve complexion. Western Perspective: Improved lymph flow: Gentle suction stimulates lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and inflammation. Enhanced circulation: Brings oxygen-rich blood to the skin surface, aiding in cellular repair. Relaxation and tension relief: Relieves muscle tightness in facial structures (e.g., jaw, brow). 4. Facial Gua Sha Therapy TCM Perspective: Qi and blood movement: Gently scraping the skin stimulates circulation and disperses stagnation. Clears heat and toxins: Helps release trapped wind, heat, and dampness in TCM theory. Facial sculpting: Used traditionally to lift and contour the face, reduce puffiness. Western Perspective: Lymphatic drainage: Improves lymph movement and reduces water retention. Tension relief: Breaks up fascia adhesions, easing muscle tightness in areas like jaw or forehead. Boosts circulation: Encourages blood flow to enhance skin glow and collagen production. Facial Acupuncture Balances Qi, nourishes skin, organ harmonizationImproves circulation, collagen production, stress relief Electro-Acupuncture Stronger Qi movement, treats deeper issuesMuscle reactivation, healing boost, pain relief Facial CuppingMoves Qi/blood, detoxifies, reduces puffiness Lymph drainage, circulation, muscle relaxation Facial Gua Sha Dispels stagnation, sculpts, clears toxins Boosts lymph flow, releases fascia, improves skin tone Facial Acupuncture Qi/blood circulation, internal balance, anti-aging. Boosts collagen, improves blood flow, stress reduction. Fine lines, dull skin, holistic facial rejuvenation 1–2×/week Electro-Acupuncture. Deep meridian activation, facial tone, palsy recovery. Muscle retraining, improves nerve function. Facial paralysis, sagging, stronger lifting effect 1–2×/week (clinic only) Facial Cupping Detoxification, moves stagnation, lifts Qi. Enhances lymph flow, circulation, relieves tension. Puffiness, tension (TMJ), dull complexion. 2–3×/week (home safe) Facial Gua Sha Disperses stagnation, contours, improves glow. Lymphatic drainage, fascia release, collagen boost Sculpting, fluid retention, stress relief. Daily or 3–5×/week 🧴 Suggested Routine (Home Use) For general skin maintenance and glow: Morning: Light gua sha or cupping (5–10 minutes). Apply facial oil first. Evening (2–3×/week): Deeper gua sha massage or full cupping session. Focus on jaw, cheeks, and under-eyes. Once per week (or clinic visit): Facial acupuncture or electro-acupuncture for skin tightening and overall balance.