Treatments

For over 20 years we have searched the world and have studied with some of the leading authorities in their fields to provide the most effective and tested alternative therapies to help you to improve your health.

Our Treatments
(for more detailed information on each therapy please click on the link).

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive system of medicine based on thousands of years of cross-cultural and knowledge and medical experience of the human body and mind.  It is accepted around the world as a safe, effective and holistic alternative or complement to modern western medicine.

All About Balance
The fundamental understanding of TCM is that when the body is in a state of balance you will experience good health. Modern western medicine also has this understanding, and calls this state of balance homeostasis. When the body is out of balance it is then that you will start to experience symptoms of dis-ease. Rather than try to just remove the symptoms of imbalance TCM aims to address the root cause of the condition.

The Energetic Channels
TCM has an understanding the flow of energy, or Qi (pronounced chee), that flows around the body. These channels are understood to be related to the internal organ system as well as the muscles. When the Qi is flowing smoothly and evenly the person experiences good health. When the Qi is disrupted, by, for example, poor diet, trauma, stress, medication, or other factors, the result is pain and illness.

There are a number of different approaches we, as TCM practitioners can use to help redress the imbalances:

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a very effective way to release the energy flow and restore the body to a state of balanced “Qi.” Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles into carefully selected points along the body which correspond directly to the energy channels.

When the needle is correctly inserted in the proper location, your body’s energy will actually “grab” the needle and the needle will stand firm. Sometimes you will feel very little, sometimes you  will feel a dull sensation, and sometimes you will literally feel an energetic sensation flow briefly through the meridian as a blockage is cleared. You may be surprised at your ability to “sense” the acupuncture working as the Qi starts to move in a more normal and healthy way.

Cupping
Cupping is an ancient technique practiced in both China and the West. The process traditionally uses glass jars, heated to create a vacuum, and placed on the upper back to relieve acute illnesses such as colds and fevers.  Cupping can also be done all over the body to invigorate the flow of Qi and to relieve tension and pain. It is often used for treating upper and lower back ache, chronic nausea & vomiting, sciatica, frozen shoulder and more. It has also traditionally been used in the West to promote detoxification.

If cupping is considered beneficial for your condition, it will be done as part of your acupuncture treatment. You can also come in separately for a cupping treatment if you wish.

Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic Acupuncture or Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation, is also sometimes referred to as an “acupuncture face lift”. This is a safe and effective way of improving the health and vitality of the face. Both clinical experience and research has shown that facial acupuncture can improve muscle tone, tighten facial muscles, significantly reduce superficial wrinkles, and improve the texture and look of the facial skin. Deeper wrinkles can be reduced, and skin around the neck, eyes, mouth, and face may be firmed.

Cosmetic or Facial Acupuncture is a genuine TCM treatment. The treatments are tailored for you as an individual, and treat the whole body as well as the face.

Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the burning of Common Chinese Mugwort (commonly called Moxa) to produce a therapeutic effect. Moxa is said to have a warming and strengthening characteristic and when burnt either on the needle or above the skin it helps to increase the Qi and clear cold and excess moisture from the body. As well as using Moxa we also have special heat lamps developed in China that mimic the effects of moxibustion. Most people enjoy this sensation of warmth and find it very relaxing. The heat never gets close enough to the skin to burn.

Moxibustion, or Heat Lamp treatment, where appropriate, is included within an acupuncture session. Moxibustion treatments, by themselves, are also available.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It can help in a wide range of conditions – from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives. The literal translation of the word Shiatsu is finger pressure and the treatment session involves the practitioner applying pressure to the acupuncture points and channels, as well as stretching and moving joints.

Food Intolerance Testing
Over two thousand years ago the Chinese observed that some people responded badly to certain foods causing deterioration in physical and mental health. Some food intolerances are caused by an enzyme deficiency or chemical sensitivity, while others are an immune response caused by food specific IgG antibodies. We have two types of food intolerance testing: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) (IgG Blood Test) and Electro-Dermal testing. As soon as you know which foods you are having a reaction to, you can remove them from your diet and start to experience positive changes in your health.

NST – NeuroStructural Integration Technique / Bowen Technique
Bowen Therapy, is a soft tissue remedial therapy, based on the later style of Tom Bowen, the Australian physical therapist who developed the now familiar Bowen Technique. The technique involves the practitioner using fingers or thumbs to move over muscle, ligament tendon and fascia in various parts of the body.

Nutritional Counselling
We all know the importance of diet and nutrition in maintaining good health! During your consultation we will look at your diet and make recommendations based you’re your TCM diagnosis. If appropriate we will also recommend specific nutritional supplements.

Bio-Impedance Analysis
Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is a valuable tool for measuring your body composition – the measurement of body fat in relation to lean body mass. Research has shown that body composition is directly related to health. A normal balance of body fat to lean body mass is associated with good health and longevity.  Excess fat in relation to lean body mass, a condition known as altered body composition, can greatly increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and more.  BIA enables early detection of an improper balance in your body composition which allows for earlier intervention and prevention.  BIA also provides the measurement of fluid and body mass that can be a critical assessment tool for your current state of health. It is also a great tool to monitor your progress towards good health.