Complementary Therapies

Although the needles used in acupuncture are so fine - almost as thin as a hair - and rarely hurt, some people are nevertheless put off by their use, so there are various alternative techniques based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the meridian system of acupuncture. These chiefly include the following:

ALTERNATIVES TO NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE
1. ‘Tui-Na’ and Acupressure - Acupuncture point energy stimulation - a form of massage.
2. Cupping - used in cold conditions and stagnation. Also used in conjunction with Magnetic Therapy, the addition of positive and negative magnets to cupping
3. Moxibustion - the use of ignited herbs with a strong fragrance
4. Auricular Therapy - for the patient to continue treatment at home using the ear points
5. Conscious Thought therapy - taught to the patient in the form of Visualisation
6. Chinese Herbal Therapy - now come in capsule form, or herbs to brew as an infusion [severe and mild conditions]
7. Laser Therapy - a hospital only treatment

1. TUI-NA ENERGY POINT STIMULATION OF THE MERIDIAN POINTS
We are all familiar with everyday massage in the home as it is natural to rub a hurt place better, and through this the movement of the underlying tissues will benefit by moving the energy, blood or fluids.

In Tui-Na or Acupressure the therapist manipulates the acupoints in much the same way as the professional physiotherapy massage, and depending on the age and tissue condition of the patient the amount of stimulation will vary a lot: Children, babies and old people need special considerations so find this gentler treatment more suitable.
Techniques can be taught for self-help in the home. ETF or ‘tapping’ as it has become known, is another straight forward treatment for self help, empowering the patient to assist in his/her own healing, which I teach and apply very frequently in the clinic and for use at home. I find that daily ;’tapping’ is most beneficial, both for myself, family, and all my patients.

2. CUPPING / MAGNETIC THERAPY.
Cupping was more common in this county in the days before anti-biotics, the drawing out of impurities from perhaps a boil or carbuncle was a tried and true method. A jar, bottle or cup was used in those days with a heat source.
But cupping in this context is a little different, it is used to move fluids and energy within the whole system. The modern way is to use a vacuum suction cup made of lightweight plastic, this is far more hygienic. Magnetic additions to assist the Human Energy Field are added for some treatments to add another dimension to meridian therapy.
Not all cupping is going to leave marks which have been shown in the popular press and below - it just depends on how they are used, for instance I use the sweeping movement far more than the static for the obvious reasons of unsightliness.

3. MOXIBUSTION
Heat treatment is a natural recourse in the form of a hot water bottle, but the moxa herb applied with or without the acupuncture needle is far more accurate in its curative effect. There is evidence that from 50,000 yrs BC the application of fire in the form of wood branches, was used for inhibiting cold and promoting warmth on the human body, in controlled circumstances for medical purposes.
The incense stick is a familiar purchase at any local store, and the gentle aroma is similar to the burning of the Moxa herb, which is used to heat parts of the body and can be applied in many ways.

4. AURICULAR THERAPY
Acupuncture without the needles sounds like an oxymoron but the use of seeds or metallic balls has the stimulating effect very close to that of needles, so both of these objects / tools may be used on the ear surface. Illustrate below each ’seed’ or metalic ball is attached with a very small sticky-plaster.

The ear has a very thin layer of underlying tissue beneath the skin, and because of this a hard object like a seed or metallic ball held close to the surface with the smallest possible surgical plaster when tapped lightly with the finger actually works very well. Also this method of treatment is left on the ear for the patient to take home, and so will also be present throughout the week between treatments to enable the patient to continue the stimulation and so, as it were, treat himself!
A little care in cleanliness is all it takes - whereas the insertion of ear needles left in place carries a far greater risk of infection, which I prefer not to risk.

5. ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE
The stimulation of the needles is most often done by hand, however the electro pulse machine stimulates in a far more effective way. The ‘tingling’ sensation is quite pleasant, I have experienced all these treatments for myself over the years from fellow practitioners, and would not say this if it weren’t true.

6. CONSCIOUS ENERGY THERAPY
Energy Medicine, the use of visualisation to release problems on all the levels of ill health, is often used together with acupuncture to enhance the effectiveness, visualisation and meditation can take many forms, this conscious therapy is a ’sister’ treatment of the hypnotherapy and NLP discipline. An example of this is Emotional Freedom Treatment - EFT - which can be used alone or in conjunction with the other options., the ‘tapping’ previously mentioned.
There are quite a few methods of ‘energy medicine’ and the effective ones all focus the attention of the patient onto the diseased area and thus bring the conscious awareness into the part for the patient themselves to take a more active role in their own healing. Directing the energies and releasing pain through the use of visualisation and meditation has long been used either for a stimulating or sedative effect.
This interesting therapy is very empowering, it shows us how we have the resources and - yes - the power within ourselves to heal., and can be practiced at home with visualisations most often using the colours of the chakras, illustrated in the picture below.

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Is now in the capsule form which cuts out the boiling and drinking of the liquid, this modern form of herbal therapy is less bother - I always prescribe herbs in this form because so many people have told me that they cannot abide the strong smells that is emitted in the preparation. The traditional formulas are grouped into over a hundred capsules, and can be very stimulating or calming as the case may be.  Below you see two capsules with some of the very fine needles displayed.

CAN ALL THESE HELP STRESS?
We are coming to understand in the western world how stress and tension cause a ‘knock-on’ effect on the physical body, whereas in Chinese medicine is was long ago recognised that the emotions, when overly stimulated, can cause distress to internal organs, e.g. nightmares causing bed-wetting in children, stress causing stomach ulcers in adults. Many patients have commented that the empowering methods of self-help that I teach, bring back a most welcome element of control into the everyday life.

Location: Reepham in Norfolk, East Anglia, is about 20 minutes from the outskirts of Norwich. Appointments are made by telephone: 01603 879126

The cost of treatment is dependant on the monetary resources of the client. I have helped many people through the holistic healing approach, from the busy man working all day in his office, who has a hidden fear of public speaking, to the retired farmer who’s back pain has troubled him all his working life.

If unable to answer the phone I will ask you to leave a message speaking slowly and clearly, and give your contact number so I can return your call as soon as is possible.