The 8 Limbs of Oriental Medicine

"The body never lies. Physical discomfort and pain is related to energy blockages. These become stuck in what TCM refers to as ‘the meridians'. The correct identification of stagnation and its specific location makes it possible to effectively harmonise disease states. A supple body is nourished by a flexible mind."

Acupuncture, Cupping & Moxibustion

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a system of healing that focuses on improving the overall well being of the patient. Health problems are treated by the insertion of fine, disposable needles into the body at specific points. Originating in China, these points have been mapped out over two thousand years.

Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy) and Xue (blood) through distinct pathways or meridians that cover the body. Acupuncture stimulates and enhances the free flow of Qi therefore regulating the harmonious energetic balance of the body. This consequently relieves pain and restores health. Needles are left in anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated, during which time the patient is able to relax, rest and enjoy the effects of the acupuncture.

Cupping: The purpose of cupping is to create a vacuum or negative pressure on the surface of the skin. Drawing up the skin is believed to open up the skin's pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of Qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. Cupping is an enjoyable treatment and will leave you feeling relaxed and invigorated.

Moxibustion: Is a method in which the herb mugwort (artemesia vulgaris) is burned above the skin or on acupuncture points. It can be used as a cone, stick, loose herb, or applied at the end of the acupuncture needles. The purpose of moxibustion is to expel cold, remove stagnation and warm the meridians by applying heat to the acupuncture points. This leads to a smoother flow of blood and Qi around the body, increasing good health and wellness. Moxa is an extremely pleasant and grounding experience leaving you with a feeling of calm and overall wellbeing.

Chinese Patent Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbs are an important part of the treatment and healing process. Herbal formulas have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of illnesses safely and naturally. The herbs that are prescribed are used to complement the overall treatment strategy and are prescribed in accordance with the signs & symptoms. Herbs work not only to alleviate symptoms; they also address the condition that is causing the symptoms and continue the effects of the acupuncture between treatments.

Massage / Bodywork

Massage & acupressure is one of the oldest and most widespread healing methods in the world. By using deep finger pressure at certain points, tension can be reduced and circulation increased, offering relief for many complaints. These points are located along the same meridians described in Chinese Medicine and relate directly to organs and glands of the body. Constrictions in the flow of energy at these points cause pain, disease and discomfort. The gentle pressure applied to these points removes blockages promoting health and harmony throughout the body. The healing touch of massage relieves stress thus strengthening resistance to disease and supporting a longer, healthier, more vital life. It also increases blood circulation and aids in the removal of toxic wastes.

Oriental Nutritional Medicine

Food is a primary energy source and we certainly require it to live! In Chinese medicine, foods are classified according to the 4 major food groups, the five tastes and their natures. Thus, a food or a combination of foods can either aggravate conditions or be used to harmonise.

"Of the four pillars of health (i.e. lifestyle, nutrition, exercise and mind), diet is generally regarded as the most important and urgent because food is understood to be the primary cause of sickness, as well as the pivotal source of longevity."
Geoffrey D Wilson, "Take This Pebble From my Hand"

Nutrition and the energetics of food are discussed in a treatment to assist in incorporating the principles on a daily basis for both maintenance and remedial purposes.

I-Ching Astrology

We all face problems and challenges in daily life. The Ancient Chinese classic I-Ching is used to identify harmful, habituated patterns of behaviour and discover practical solutions to the resolution of conflict. It is a practical resource tool that helps facilitate personal transformation and the ability to adapt effectively to change. We all want to know what it means to live a more creative, productive, balanced and harmonious life.

Oriental Counselling

"Therefore those who know themselves do not resent others;
those who know their destiny do not resent heaven."

My training has included a comprehensive study of the processes of the mind. It is said in the classic literatures of Chinese Medicine that the beginning of the healing process is through self-awareness - which is the beginning of meditation. Self-awareness is the art of passively watching one's intentions, pursuits, urges, cravings and motivations. It is quite clear that a responsible approach to healing must include encouraging an awareness of the process of the mind.

Feng Shui - Inner/Outer alignment

Our inner world (the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being) is a mirror and a reflection of our outer world (environment and personal space). Applied Feng Shui means harmonising and balancing people with their environments. This is achieved by investigating the INTERNAL: your body and the functions it performs, including organ functions; and the EXTERNAL: the qualities of energy you attract into your life, including relationship, money, love, career, nourishment, family, guidance and creativity.

Exercise Therapy / Meditation / Contemplation, Sound Therapy

Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Dao-Yin - all comprehensive, therapeutic exercise systems that combine integrated physical movements, mental cultivation and regulate both breathing and posture. These activities are designed to guide and induce the free flow of energy Qi throughout the body, maintaining the harmony of Yin and Yang, which promotes health and a greater sense of well being.