TCM Therapies
In addition to acupuncture treatment, Annabel may incorporate other forms of Chinese Medicine such as Chinese Herbs, Tui-Na, Cupping, Guasha, Moxibustion & Chinese Nutrition.
Cupping
Cupping encourages your own body to restart the healing process by creating better blood flow and circulation to the area being treated. In Chinese Medicine we describe this as moving “Qi” or “Blood” in the muscles, joints and channels. We may be looking at expelling Pathogenic Factors known as “Wind” “Cold” “Damp” and “Heat”.
When using traditional cups, a vacuum is created inside the cup by a flame inserted into the cup which is then removed and quickly placed onto the skin where treatment is needed. The cups are left in place for anything between 5-20 minutes. Cups can either be placed statically in one spot or sliding cupping can be used on larger areas for particularly tight muscle groups or tendons. Light massage or TuiNa can be applied to spread and loosen the area being cupped.
Cupping can be used for conditions such as back and shoulder tension, colds and respiratory issues, digestive motility and menstrual disorders. There are some contraindications to cupping, so please contact Annabel to discuss before your session.
IS CUPPING PAINFUL?
Cupping shouldn’t be painful, although it can leave reddish/purplish circular marks for around 3-7 days, depending on how much “qi” or “blood stagnation” is present in the area being cupped. Annabel will alter the strength of the cupping depending on the condition and constitution of the individual.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE AND AFTER OF CUPPING
• Eat a light meal at least 2 hours before
• Refrain from eating rich and greasy foods after
• Rest in a warm environment and stay out of the cold or wind as the pores will be open
• Avoid swimming, saunas/steam rooms, excessive exercise, or prolonged exposure to the sun for approximately 24 hours
• Drink at least 20% more water to help with the metabolism and the detoxification process
• Drink warm fluids should you feel cold, shivery or extremely tired after treatment and rest.
TUI-NA
Tui-Na is a type of massage practiced in China and compliments acupuncture. The pressure applied on the area requiring attention varies from gentle to heavy depending on the needs and comfort level of the patient.
A variety of hand techniques are used and mostly Tui-Na is practiced with the patient fully clothed or a cloth over the area to facilitate even movement.
As well as using hand and finger pressure to resolve the tension in muscles, Annabel uses her knowledge of the acupuncture channels and points to help smooth the flow of energy, enabling the healing process.
Moxa
Moxa is a plant (Artemisa argyl Folium) that is used in Chinese Medicine as a heat source to stimulate acupuncture points, strengthen the qi and nourish the blood.
Moxibustion can be used for a number of conditions where appropriate, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, emotional wellbeing, fertility support, breech presentation, and after childbirth.
It comes in different forms and can either be applied directly to the skin, or the area can be heated with a moxa stick.
GUASHA
Guasha is a technique employed where a stroking action and pressure is applied along the skin with a specialised round-ended instrument. This technique causes small red or purple spots (petechiae) called “sha” to appear. The skin is not damaged in any way and the redness fades in a few days.
Guasha is used to move blocked “qi” (energy), which is considered to be the main cause of pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints.
Annabel will assess whether Guasha or Cupping is more appropriate for the area being treated.
CHINESE NUTRITION
In Chinese nutrition, food is described in terms of its energetic influence, based on the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water). It is thought to have a specific energetic action on the body, where certain foods can have a therapeutic affect where foods are categorised as Yin (cooling) or Yang (warming). They can also help address any patterns of disharmony where an individual may present with excesses or deficiencies.
A balanced diet is one that includes all 5 tastes; sweet, pungent, salty, sour and bitter, along with eating according to the seasons. Foods that have a particular taste have certain properties. Each flavour moves the body’s energy in various directions.
When Annabel assesses your constitution in her TCM diagnosis, she will look to see whether you have a particular tendency towards particular foods and tastes which may or may not be appropriate for your constitution, health condition, lifestyle and unique needs. We can then make a plan and certain foods or flavours can be recommended to promote health.
