Acupuncture and Naturopathy in Chorleywood and Rickmansworth (SERVICES PAGE)

The word Acupuncture comes from the Latin words ‘acus’ -needle and ‘pungere’-to prick. Acupuncture is an ancient alternative medicine that treats patients by the insertion and manipulation if needles in the body. Different variations of acupuncture are practiced and taught throughout the world. However, acupuncture typically incorporates traditional Chinese medicine as an integral part of its practice and theory. Acupuncture is based on the theory of ‘qi’ or energy in the body. The body can manifest wellbeing problems and disease states when the qi is out of balance. The body has 12 pathways, channels or meridians in which the qi flows. A complex map of the meridians exists along which there are specific point locations which have various functions and relate to the Chinese organ system.

Acupuncture is able to access this qi at these acupuncture points located on these meridians. By needling acupuncture points, the practitioner aims to create harmony in the body and to essentially balance the qi using the diagnosis made in your consultation. At your initial consultation you will be given a treatment plan which will include an approximate idea of the length of time for which you will require treatment in addition to the regularity of sessions. It is recommended that you follow the treatment plan wherever possible in order to optimise the success of your sessions. You will be given supporting dietary and lifestyle advice to further enhance you treatments.

Examination of the tongue and pulse are among the principal diagnostic methods in traditional Chinese medicine and will be observed at each of your treatment sessions. The surface of the tongue can provide information on the body and is used to determine acupuncture points. The pulse is taken from both the left and right wrist and can give an indication of imbalances in specific organ systems in addition to vital general information about the health of the patient consequently guiding the practitioner to choosing relevant acupuncture points. The acupuncture points can be in different areas of the body and are sometimes/often chosen on areas away from the site where the symptom lies. There maybe occasions when electro-stimulation used with agreement from the patient. Electro-stimulation can be particularly useful for pain related conditions, losing weight etc.

You may be asked to either lie on your back or on your stomach and the needles will be placed accordingly. The selection of the points along with the suitability of treatment for the patient will determine whether you will receive acupuncture lying face up or face down. The length of duration for needling and the types of needles used will also vary, as will the way in which the needles are manipulated and removed; usually dependant on the diagnosis made

by the practitioner. The practitioner will want to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your treatment.

Treatment time: 1st treatment upto 1 hr 30 mins, follow-ups 1hr approx

Cosmetic acupuncture  is a natural alternative to botox fillers, cosmetic surgery or chemical peels. For thousands of years, ancient Chinese medicine has used facial acu-points to prevent ageing to beautify the skin in both men and women. So how does it work? It increases collagen production and both blood and lymph flow to the head and scalp area, therefore increasing the body’s ability to regenerate itself by improving anti-inflammatory activity, stimulating an increase in the supply of oxygen and nutrients and removing accumulative toxins.

Cosmetic acupuncture may help provide a face-lift or help with the reduction of wrinkles. A more detailed list of the uses of cosmetic acupuncture is provided below.

• – wrinkles
• – forehead furrows
• – frown lines
• – laughter lines
• – sagging skin
• – drooping jaw line
• – sagging muscles
• – crows feet
• – drooping eye lids
• – eye puffiness or bags
• – dark circles under the eyes
• – dark/age spots
• – facial skin rejuvenation (see facial rejuvenation service)
• – oily, dry, dull skin complexion
• – redness or blotchy skin tone
• – scar tissue including post-operative
• – burn marks
• – facial acne, eczema, rocaccia
• – aloplecia

The finest hair like high-end, quality acupuncture needles are used in all cosmetic acupuncture sessions. Your treatment will also include facial massage and facial gua sha. In addition to using needles on the face you will also have some body needles to support your well-being. This is because the state of your health can indirectly affect the appearance of your face. Further to this, you will be provided with lifestyle advice as there are certain ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ which can influence the results from your sessions. During your first session you will have a detailed consultation after which the progress will be monitored through each visit. Cosmetic acupuncture has been featured extensively in the media and has been received positively and with great enthusiasm. Articles published include those by the Telegraph, Glamour, Vogue, Marie Claire, Tatler and Cosmopolitan. Cosmetic acupuncture has also found fame in the TV series ’10 Years Younger’.

Other treatments which are often considered to be cosmetic but are not facial treatments are also offered. These include but are not limited to weight loss, cellulite removal and support with hair growth.

Treatment time: 1st treatment upto 2hrs, follow-ups 1hr 30 mins approx

In ancient times, cupping was also known as ‘horn cupping’ and ‘bamboo jar therapy’. Traditionally cupping therapy has been practiced in most cultures. Cupping is a therapy in which a hollow vessel is attached to the skin surface by suction to both prevent and cure diseases. From a biomedical perspective it can be viewed that mechanical stimulation due to negative pressure in the jar activates local tissue metabolism, intensifies phagocytosis and promotes a healing response. According to Chinese theory, cupping is guided by channel theory and choosing appropriate points for treatment can generate a significant and rapid treatment effect of balancing ying, wei, circulating qi and blood and dredging the channels.

There are several types of cups which may be used, the most common of which are glass and vacuum. There are a number of ways of creating a vacuum, the most common of which are fire and air suction. The level of cupping can be altered using a number of variables such as number of cups, degree of suction, duration, size of cups, movement of cups and the speed at which the cups are removed. Cupping pulls skin into the cup without drawing blood. Cupping benefits conditions likely to be encountered in clinic ranging from detoxifying, disorders of the head, cardiovascular disease to obesity and cellulite.

A thorough diagnosis is made before deciding on cupping and this, along with suitability of the patient determines the type of cupping employed. For example certain styles of cupping may be considered draining and therefore are not appropriate for those who are considered weak or vulnerable. The cups can be applied to specific areas and remain fixed in location or oil may be applied to the body and spread in a thin layer to allow for slide cupping. In general slide cupping increases the size of the area treated and the therapeutic efficiency of a single cup. Cupping can leave marks which look like bruises which can be light pink/dark purple in colour. These marks do not cause discomfort and will generally fade within 2-5 days. Treatment sessions last for approximately half an hour. Depending on the complaint follow-up appointments may be required.

Treatment time: 30-45 mins approx

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique which has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. Infact, when the Chinese symbol for acupuncture is translated literally is means “acupuncture-moxibustion”. It involves the burning of a herb called Mugwort otherwise known as artemesia vulgaris or ai ye in Chinese. Mugwort acts as an emmenagogue and as such acts as an agent which increases blood flow.

There are two types of moxibustion; direct and indirect. The more popular form is indirect moxibustion. This is where the practitioner lights one end of the moxa stick which is in the shape of a large cigar, and then holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes. Another form of indirect moxa is when a needle is inserted into an acupoint and the tip of the needle is either wrapped in moxa or has a moxa cap placed on top and ignited. This generates heat to the acupoint and surrounding area and after the desired effect is achieved, the moxa is extinguished and the needle is removed.

In direct moxibustion, a small cone shaped amount of moxa is placed onto a relevant acupuncture point and burned. It alternatively may involve placing a stick-on mini moxa roll on an acupoint and the igniting accordingly. Generally, the patient will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, but should otherwise not experience any pain, blistering or scarring unless the moxa has been left to burn on the skin for an excessive time.

Although moxibustion is redeemed a safe treatment technique, it is not for everyone. It is specifically used for patients suffering from Cold or stagnant conditions and should not be used on anyone diagnosed with too much heat. Moxibustion is well recognised for its use in turning around Breech babies into the correct head down position prior to childbirth. Burning moxa can also produce alot of smoke and a pungent odour. Smokeless moxa sticks may be used as an alternative which is especially useful when treating patients with respiratory problems. You should expect only qualified acupuncturists to perform moxibustion.

Treatment time: 30 mins approx

Acupuncture and acupressure both use the same points and meridians. The difference lies in the fact that whilst acupuncture employs the use of needles, acupressure uses gentle to firm finger pressure or by hand or elbow. Alternatively, pressure may be applied to the acu points with the aid of various devices or body tools. Acupressure is often regarded as the ‘mother of acupuncture’ as it predates the use of needles in balancing the body’s qi. The points selected may or may not be in the same area as the target symptom. When these points are stimulated, they release muscular tension, promote circulation of blood, and enhance the body’s life force energy to aid healing. Acupressure therapy can be used to relieve pain, strengthen the reproductive system, detoxify the body for improved health and beauty and tone facial and back muscles. Stimulation of the meridian system in the body is one the oldest healing systems and infact many other therapies utilise acupressure techniques including Tuina, Shiatsu and Qi gong.

Treatment time: 30 mins approx

The term gua sha can be divided into two. Gua meaning to scrape or rub and sha is a reddish skin rash. In traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha is most commonly used for both acute and chronic conditions such as stiffiness, pain, muscle and tendon injuries, sluggish circulation and treating headaches. Common areas of the body for which gua sha is used include the back, legs, shoulders, arms, neck and sometimes the chest and abdomen. Gua sha promotes circulation and helps to normalise metabolic processes.

Gua sha involves repeated pressured strokes or scrapping over lubricated skin with a smooth edge. Various different tools may be used and these may be shaped differently such as fish or comb shapes for use of different areas of the body. The materials from which the gua sha tools are made may include jade, buffalo horn or wood. The smooth edge is placed against the pre-oiled skin surface, pressed down firmly and then moved in strokes about 4-6 inches long. This then causes extravasation of blood from the peripheral capillaries (petechiae) and may result in sub-cutaneous blemishing which usually takes 2-4 days to fade. If the sha are very slow to fade this may indicate poor blood circulation.

The sha rash does represent capillary rupture as in bruising. The colour of sha varies according to the severity of the patients’ blood stasis which may correspond to the nature and type of the condition being treated, but it is most often a shade of red. If there is no blood stasis then the petechiae will not form and the skin will only turn pink. The sha colour is both diagnostic and prognostic. Very light coloured sha can indicate blood deficiency, dark red sha can indicate heat and purple sha can indicate long-standing stagnation. Although the marks on the skin may seem to look painful in actual fact they are not. Most patients typically immediately feel a sense of relief or change. Knowing when to use it and what to expect from treatment is important and you should expect a qualified acupuncturist to administer the treatment.

Treatment time: 30 mins approx

Facial rejuvenation and can offer a natural alternative to botox fillers, cosmetic surgery or chemical peels. For thousands of years, ancient Chinese medicine has used facial acu-points to prevent ageing to beautify the skin in both men and women. So how does it work? It increases collagen production and both blood and lymph flow to the head and scalp area, therefore increasing the body’s ability to regenerate itself by improving anti-inflammatory activity, stimulating an increase in the supply of oxygen and nutrients and removing accumulative toxins.

Facial rejuventation acupuncture can be used as a preventative treatment, helping to delay and minimise the formation of wrinkles and fine lines and enhancing the way in which the skin regulates its appearance. It helps to restore and restructure the skin whilst relaxing and smoothing facial muscle tones.

The finest hair like high-end, quality acupuncture needles are used in all facial rejuventation acupuncture sessions. Your treatment will also include facial massage and facial gua sha. In addition to using needles on the face you will also have some body needles to support your well-being. This is because the state of your health can indirectly affect the appearance of your face. Further to this, you will be provided with lifestyle advice as there are certain ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ which can influence the results from your sessions. During your first session you will have a detailed consultation after which the progress will be monitored through each visit. Cosmetic acupuncture has been featured extensively in the media and has been received positively and with great enthusiasm. Articles published include those by the Telegraph, Glamour, Vogue, Marie Claire, Tatler and Cosmopolitan. Cosmetic acupuncture has also found fame in the TV series ’10 Years Younger’.

Other treatments which are often considered to be cosmetic but are not facial treatments are also offered. These include but are not limited to weight loss, cellulite removal and support with hair growth.

Treatment time: 1st treatment upto 2hrs, follow-ups 1hr 30 mins approx

We can look to treat children using a combination of any of these methods: acupressure, supplements, ear acupressure (seeds and magnets) and using an e-pen. Children are very active and also accident prone! We can help with musculoskeletal pain and healing bruises etc. They may also suffer from anxiety (exam stress) or digestive issues. Beyond these common causes of concern, children are individual just like us and deserve to be treated uniquely and so if there is something that concerns you as a parent please ask to see what we can offer.

Microsystems are a niche of Acupuncture where the whole body is treated for a wide variety of disorders using a single anatomical part. There are a number of different Microsystems of Acupuncture practiced in the UK, however, Ear Acupuncture otherwise known as Auricular Acupuncture is the most recognised growing steadily since the 1970’s. Auricular Acupuncture whilst primarily based on ancient Chinese acupuncture theory, also has roots which stem from Western Europe, France. The conditions for which ear acupuncture may be used to either treat, assist with or alleviate symptoms encompasses a wide range, a sample of which includes general well-being, anxiety/stress, womens’ health, digestive issues or musculoskeletal pain. Ear acupuncture is a holistic therapy which can easily been used alongside many other complementary treatments. You can have ear acupuncture in a seated position or whilst lying down.

There are over 200 points on the ear, named after anatomical locations on the body or conditions. The various points on the ear have been based on the concept of an inverted foetus. Each acupuncture point needled, triggers electrical impulses from the ear via the brain to the specific part of the body being treated. Needles are used on the outer ear portion, and either one or both ears may be needled. The number of needles used can vary from 1-5 per ear. The needles used in treatment are generally specific to ear acupuncture and differ from those used in other acupuncture treatments.

The nature or technique in which the needles are administered onto the ear is also a variation from the other forms of acupuncture such as in cosmetic or body treatments. Electro-stimulation maybe used if required and agreed to by the patient. Ear magnets, pellets or seeds on small, pale skin coloured plasters can be used during or after treatment wherever appropriate. These are particularly useful on occasions when either needling is not considered an option perhaps when treating children or may be used as part of your treatment once needling is complete. The first treatment includes a detailed consultation and follow-up sessions include shorter consultations. The frequency of treatments as will the number of treatments required will vary according to individual cases.

Treatment time: 1st treatment 1hr-1hr 15 mins, follow-ups 45 min approx

The same meridians and points are used as for the traditional approach. The laser is a hand held device with point accuracy and uses an infrared laser beam. Infrared laser therapy is administered using a 650nm, 5 mW laser contained in the device. This is next generation technology and can be used in combination with e-stimulation.

Advantages:

• Painless stimulation and without sensation of numbness
• Harmless, no tissue damage
• Complete sterility

There are over 200 different points on the ear. We use a very small pressure bar to stimulate the relevant points. Towards the end of your treatment we will put ear seeds, pellets or magnets on a couple of the same points. These are on tiny skin coloured plasters. They are great as they can extend the length of treatment time for you. Our latest and more exclusive ones are Swarovski.

As a core part of the Naturopathic service we provide a range of natural supplements and products. Initially a naturopathic consultation will be carried out where an in-depth analysis will be made on your wellbeing and lifestyle. Your consultation may include analysis of the nails and tongue, examination of your medical history and techniques such as iridology. You will then be recommended the most appropriate course of supplements. Additionally advice on your life style and diet will also be given to support your treatment. The supplements are chosen from quality practitioner brands and may include vitamins or herbal capsules, liquid, tablets or tinctures. Natural products include toiletries such as shampoos and alike. You will be directed on how to take your supplements and you will also be provided with some information about why and how they will be chosen for your specific needs.

As we benefit from practitioner discounts we are able to offer our patients good prices whenever possible. Patients who need to take supplements for a long duration can re-order through us.

Treatment time: 1hr-1h 30 mins approx

Ear candling also often referred to as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, can help with general well-being. Patients may find it particularly useful for conditions such as tinnitus, excessive ear wax, certain headaches, stress and nervousness, ear pain, ear infections, troublesome sinuses and improving pressure in the inner ear. The physical effect is often described directly after treatment as either hearing may improve or as a soothing, pressure, pain relieving sensation is experienced predominantly in the ear and head region. The treatment may also simultaneously contribute to more free nasal breathing and even an improved sense of smell.

Ear candles may pull a small amount of flaky ear wax, dead skin cells or yeast cells from the external part of the ear. The heat from the ear candle and the vibration created help to soften and break up any ear wax or mucus that is blocking the head and ears, and once broken down the body finds it easier to flush waste through the lymphatic system. The treatment is this regard is detoxifying and may be working on the body for upto 48 hours after treatment.

The patient is asked to lie down, a hollow ear candle is placed into the ear canal and the practitioner ignites the other end. Either a single or pair of candles may be used per patient. Generally one candle is used per ear except in children. There is the added benefit of essential oils which are incorporated into the ear candles. These essential oils transfer through the skin and into the blood stream and to help to relax and calm or the patient may benefit from their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Oils which are often used include Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood, Orange, Bergamot or Teatree oil and sometimes Propolis is used. The total burning time for each candle is approximately 10-15 minutes.

Treatment time: 30 mins approx

Wonderful as it may seem, relieve your patient of the mood or moods such as given in this system of healing, and your patient is better ~ Dr Edward Bach, 1936.

Bach Flower remedies were originally discovered by Dr Edward Bach an English physician and Homeopath who isolated 38 different remedies in total. Their uses are characterised and directed to specific emotional states including but not limited to stress and anxiety, depression, loneliness, insomnia and overburden. The only exception to this is the flower remedy Crab Apple which is tended for use on the physical body in addition to the emotions. The remedies contain a very small amount of flower material in a solution of water and brandy. As the remedies are extremely diluted they do not have a characteristic smell or taste of the plants.

The most common combination of flower remedies is known as Rescue Remedy or five flower remedy containing Rock Rose, Clematis, Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem and Cherry Plum, which is often taken in emergency situations or under circumstances of panic or stress. However, although this formula can prove useful in general, it is important to acknowledge the importance of individuality and that the states of minds people will differ.

Each remedy is used alone or in conjunction with other remedies upto a total of 5 of which are generally used. As the human mind and body is complex, it is more likely that more than one remedy will be individually chosen and selected after a consultation. The prescribed remedies are then given to the patient in a dropper bottle. Depending on how the patient feels follow up consultations can then take place and the remedies prescribed and adjusted accordingly. The remedies are safe to be used alongside other methods of treatment.

Treatment time: 30 mins approx

We offer a special rate for children and we suggest seeing them in the comfort of their own home. We can look to treat children using a combination of any of these methods: acupressure, supplements, ear acupressure (seeds and magnets) and using an e-pen. Children are very active and also accident prone! We can help with musculoskeletal pain and healing bruises etc. They may also suffer from anxiety (exam stress) or digestive issues. Beyond these common causes of concern, children are individual just like us and deserve to be treated uniquely and so if there is something that concerns you as a parent please ask to see what we can offer.

To be used within a 6-month period.