The practice of acupuncture is based on the concept that the body has a system of meridians, or pathways, through which energy, known as Qi, flows. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when this energy flow is disrupted or imbalanced, it can lead to various health issues. By inserting needles at precise acupoints along these meridians, acupuncturists aim to restore the balance of Qi, promote the body's natural healing processes, and improving overall health.

Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction is typically created by heating the inside of the cup, often through a flame or a vacuum pump, and then quickly placing it on the skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum that draws the skin and a superficial layer of muscle upward into the cup.

Cupping is believed to promote healing by improving blood circulation, loosening muscles, and encouraging the flow of Qi in the body. It is often used to alleviate muscle pain, stiffness, and tension, as well as to treat respiratory conditions like coughs and bronchitis. It can also be used to assist with conditions such as anxiety, fatigue, menstrual issues and digestive disorders.

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning dried mugwort, known as moxa, near specific points on the body. The moxa can be used in various forms such as sticks, cones, or loose material, and it is burned either directly on the skin (with appropriate precautions) or held above the skin.

During a moxibustion session, the moxa is positioned at or near acupuncture points or areas of the body where the intention is to stimulate the flow of Qi and promote healing. The heat generated from the burning moxa penetrates the skin and is believed to stimulate circulation, warm the meridians, and encourage the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.

Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture or as a standalone therapy to address various health issues, such as:

Pain Management: It is used to alleviate pain, especially related to conditions like arthritis, muscle stiffness, and menstrual cramps.

Improving Circulation: Moxibustion is thought to enhance blood flow and circulation in the body.

Strengthening the Immune System

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves scraping the skin with a tool to improve circulation and promote healing. The term "gua sha" translates to "scraping sha-bruises" in Mandarin Chinese, where "sha" refers to stagnant energy or blood that is believed to be the cause of various ailments in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

During a gua sha session, a practitioner applies oil to the skin and then uses a smooth-edged tool, often made of jade or ceramic, to scrape the skin in a downward motion along specific meridian pathways or area of tension.

The scraping action of gua sha creates redness (petechiae) or small bruise-like marks known as "sha," which typically disappear within a few days. Practitioners believe that this technique helps release stagnant blood, toxins, and energy trapped in the muscles and tissues, promoting improved circulation and reducing inflammation.

Gua sha is commonly used to address various health issues, including muscle pain, stiffness, headaches, fever, respiratory issues, and even to boost the immune system. It's believed to help relieve tension, promote relaxation, and support the body's natural healing processes.

Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years in China and other parts of East Asia. It involves the use of various medicinal herbs, minerals, some animal products and plant extracts to address a wide range of health conditions.

These herbal remedies are often prescribed in combinations, known as formulas, tailored to an individual's specific health needs based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine .

Chinese herbal medicine is used to assist in a wide variety of health issues, some including:

Internal diseases: Such as digestive disorders, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances.

Pain management: Herbal remedies can be used to alleviate pain caused by conditions like arthritis, headaches, or menstrual cramps.

Skin disorders: Including eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Mental and emotional well-being: Chinese herbs are often used to support mental health by addressing stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Reproductive health: Herbal medicine may be utilised to address fertility issues, menstrual irregularities, and menopausal symptoms.

Chinese herbal formulas can be dispensed in a few different ways, these include: raw herbs, granulated herbs, patent herbs and liquid decoctions.

Remedial massage is a therapeutic form of massage that aims to treat specific injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and chronic pain issues. It involves different techniques which includes deep tissue massage, trigger point release, myofascial release, joint mobilization, and stretching. These techniques aim to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, incre se range of motion and promote healing.

Claire often includes these techniques within her Acupuncture appointments, however appointments can be booked for as stand alone Remedial Massage sessions.

Motor point acupuncture involves needling and stimulating the motor nerve of a muscle with electrical stimulation (similar to a TENS machine but connected to the needles). This technique is used to either activate a muscle that has become weak or to decrease tension within a muscle. Depending on the root cause of the muscle dysfunction, a certain frequency of electrical stimulation will be applied to the needle.

Cosmetic facial acupuncture is a holistic approach to skincare and anti-aging that combines traditional Chinese medicine principles with modern techniques.

During a cosmetic facial acupuncture session, a full consult will be done before the treatment begins to determine what you’d like to focus on and understand your health history.

The treatment will involve Facial massage & facial Gua Sha to stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve cirulation.

The acupuncture part of the treatment involves inserting very fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the face as well as into any wrinkles that you want to address. The needles help reduce wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating collagen production & improving skin elasticity. They also help to tighten sagging skin and firming facial muscles, especially around the jawline and cheeks.

A session will also include acupuncture points on other parts of the body to target the underlying causes of any imbalances in the body.

Needles will typically be retained for 20 minutes. The treatment will end with some some facial cupping where small suction cups are glided across the face to increase blood flow and release tension in facial muscles. Facial cupping also helps drain the lymphatic system to decrease any puffiness around the face.