Treatment
- Acupuncture
- Scrubbing (Gua Sha) and Cupping
- Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Sho-Ni-Shin - No Needle Treatment for Children
Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that was developed thousands of years ago in China and other parts of East Asia. The ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life energy called Chi or Qi present in every living creature. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained, but once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain and illness occur.
Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific areas on and below the skin (acupuncture points) to release blockages in this energy flow, thus relieving symptoms and helping the body restore health and balance. Acupuncture can provide drug free pain relief as it balances both underlying causes and symptoms, and can be used to prevent disease.
Consultation & Diagnosis
During your consultation you will be asked questions about your health, including your medical history, current symptoms and your general diet and lifestyle.
The practitioner will look at the colour and shape of your tongue and its coating, and will feel pulses in different positions on each of your wrists to give information about each of the internal organs, as well as the body as a whole.
The acupuncturist may also press different acupuncture points, for example on your stomach or back, to check for tenderness or pain.
Treatment
Your acupuncture session will be tailored specifically from your diagnosis and aims to clear energy blockages or increase energy in depleted areas and encourage the normal flow of Qi (energy) through the individual. The state of imbalance of the body dictates how quickly an individual recovers.
Acupuncture is excellent in that it is a very specific tool, for example if the pain is in your foot we are able to focus on the exact area of your problem.
Small fine acupuncture needles will be inserted via a guide tube, at different points on your body, often on the wrists, ankles and feet, back and abdomen. As the needles are inserted, you shouldn't feel anything apart from a mild sensation or slight soreness. The needles are used only once and are disposed of safely and hygienically.
A typical acupuncture session lasts an hour, including consultation, with the needles in place for 20-30 minutes.
Scrubbing (Gua Sha) and Cupping
Scrubbing is one of the therapeutic techniques used in Chinese Medicine treatments. The technique involves repeatedly scrubbing the surface of the skin in certain parts of the body with a tortoiseshell comb. This technique is non-invasive and it effectively brings deep blockages and toxins to the surface of the body to be released.
Scrubbing helps to dredge the meridians, activate the flow of Qi and Blood, invigorate the Qi, remove old blood and toxins stuck at the site of trauma, regulate the internal organs and enhance the body's resistance to disease. It can therefore be used not only to treat local disorders but also various diseases affecting large parts of the body. Scrubbing strengthens the body's constitution and increases the body's immune system.
Scrubbing usually has a very quick effect on painful disorders, such as stiff necks, acute and chronic back pain, shoulder pain, and leg pain. Scrubbing can give a 60-70 % improvement to the painful area almost immediately.
Cupping is similar to scrubbing but is more point specific. This method stimulates the acupuncture points by applying suction through a glass cup. Cupping produces blood congestion at the site, and therefore stimulates the circulation and removes blockages. The cups are left on the body for 10-15 minutes.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
The origins of Chinese Herbal Medicine can be traced back at least five thousand years, making it one of the oldest health care systems in the world. Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to understand the body's functions and the disease process. Chinese herbs are prescribed by specifically matching and treating your individual health problems.
There are over 450 substances commonly used in Chinese Herbal Medicine, with most of plant origin. Some are found in your kitchen, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, while others, such as chrysanthemum and dandelion can be found in your garden. Traditional remedies that are derived from endangered species are not used at East Meets West Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Herbal Medicine provides effective treatment for a wide range of health disorders, as well as assisting in general health maintenance, disease prevention, boosting the immune system, enhancing normal body functions, and promoting a sense of well-being.
East Meets West Chinese Medicine utilises processed herbs in the form of tablets and powders. The herbs in this form are much easier to ingest for children and adults and have proven efficacy. All pills and powders come from well-respected suppliers in China.
Sho-Ni-Shin - No Needle Treatment for Children
Sho-Ni-Shin is a Japanese no-needle acupuncture technique specifically designed for children. It is safe and gentle, and is typically used on children between the ages of 0 to 12 years.
It involves use of light touch diagnosis and non-invasive techniques like rhythmic rubbing, tapping and scraping, using blunt instruments.
Sho-Ni-Shin is effective in treating various childhood diseases like colic, digestive problems, asthma, skin rashes, earaches, hayfever, recurrent cold and flus, coughs, ADHD and irritability, and night terrors. It is very effective in maintaining health and improving growth and development.
Children respond to the treatment quickly, especially when combined with herbal medicine.
