What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Mind-Body-Soul

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic system of medicine originating in ancient China that focuses on balancing the body's energy flow and promoting overall well-being through practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping. It views health as a state of harmony between the body, mind, and environment, emphasizing individualized treatments tailored to restore balance and promote self-healing. At the initial consultation, I determine which plan is right for you.

Acupuncture

Insertion of very fine needles into special points on the body that are connected via energetic channels called meridians. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat various pains and aches, fertility, gynaecological, emotional issues, seasonal fevers, or daily stress and general relaxation. The idea behind it is to create a stimulus to the nervous system which in response triggers a desired effect, like release of endorphins or oxytocin for pain relief, or other hormones for a stress relief, regulating body metabolism, and many more.

People of all ages can benefit from having acupuncture, as it can be beneficial starting from young adults to elderly including those carrying child. It can also be used effectively alongside conventional medicine treatments.

Acupuncture is frequently chosen to deal with:

  • Alleviate musculoskeletal aches and pains like lower back pain, any forms of arthritis, headaches and migraines. 

  • Fertility of males and females, morning sickness, various gynaecological issues, menopausal symptoms. 

  • Emotional imbalances, stress, anxiety, low mood, irritability, mood swings.

  • Seasonal hay fever, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases. 

  • Common colds, asthma, boosting immune system. 

  • Insomnia, difficulties in falling asleep or frequent disturbing dreams.

  • Gastrointestinal issues including IBS, tiredness, digestion and bowel movement problems.

Chinese Herbs

Medicinal herbs are essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a rich history of application alongside acupuncture to treat a range of health concerns. The herbal properties are valued highly due to their nature of working internally and resupplying needed nutrients or clearing unprocessed wastes and residues from the body. They are commonly used to treat skin conditions, gastro-intestinal problems, fertility and gynaecological concerns, low energy, autoimmune disorders, and many more.

The Chinese herbal medicine is commonly used to treat following illnesses:

  • Skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea.

  • Gastro-intestinal disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation.

  • Gynaecological conditions, such as pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), infertility, pre- and post-natal support.

  • Tiredness and chronic fatigue syndrome.

  • Respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, chronic coughs, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

  • Rheumatological conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Sleeping difficulties.

  • Emotional problems, like low in mood, anxiety, irritability.

Cupping

This therapy similarly to acupuncture has its origin going all the way to the ancient times where special cups are applied directly on the skin to create a suction. The main therapeutic benefits of this therapy is to help alleviate muscle tension, improve blood circulation, promote healing by drawing out toxins, and trigger a general sense of relaxation.

Cupping therapy is more known to address:

  • Musculoskeletal pain, commonly to alleviate muscle and joint pain for neck and back pains and sport-related injuries.

  • Respiratory conditions, like asthma, bronchitis, frequent common colds.

  • Stress and anxiety.

Treatments & Rates

  • ✓ Tongue Evaluation

    ✓ Pulse Diagnostics

    ✓ Acupuncture treatment

    ✓ Herbal Recommendations as appropriate

    ✓ Cupping or Tui Na bodywork as needed

    ✓ Plan for course of treatment

    ✓ Educational materials

  • ✓ Tongue Evaluation

    ✓ Pulse Diagnostics

    ✓ Acupuncture treatment

    ✓ Herbal Recommendations as appropriate*

    ✓ Cupping or Tui Na bodywork as needed

  • £25・Dry Herbs

    £5・ Postage fee

  • £20・Granulated Herbs

    £5・Postage Fee

 FAQs

  • Acupuncture needles are very thin that most people don't even feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a small tingle or an ache, but this sensation disappears within next 30 seconds. Sometimes a needle might be restimulated to enhance its effects, but usually many people feel very relaxed during the treatment that even some fall asleep.

  • Acupuncture is quite versatile in terms of what it can help with ranging from more recent conditions to a much chronic state that has been affecting for far too many years. There are many places on our body that can trigger our natural healing ability. It can even be used alongside conventional therapy for cancer to deal with side effects. It is important to say that each individual is different from one another so it can vary between case to case. Please feel free to contact me to find out more about any particular issues or specific problems.

  • Yes, it is safe if it is done by a properly trained and qualified practitioner. The risk of serious adverse events is extremely low and on some occasions there may appear a minor bruise when the needle is removed. Some people might feel a bit dizzy or tired after the session, but it lasts only a short amount of time.

  • This generally depends on the severity and nature of the treated condition, as well as how fast each individual's body respond to the treatment. It is common to strat session once or twice a week, usually up to 5 to 10 sessions, while reducing the frequency over the course of treatment. However, some conditions might need more frequent and longer sessions, which will be discussed during initial consultation.

  • After careful examination herbs can be suitable to all people of any age and constitution. During the consultation, the full history of current and previous illnesses and medications will be taken into considerations before making a prescription with appropriate modifications for dosage during net visits. Thus, even children, elderly and pregnant women can be treated by herbs.

  • There are many variations available, but two most common are in a form of dried herbs and granulated powder. The first one requires a cooking process in a form of decoction, whereas the latter one is made by stirring with a boiled water. Some might find the herbs quite unusual to palate and often they might come across as bitter, but majority of people quickly get used to its taste.

  • The dry herbs are the raw components like barks, roots, twigs, and fruits that need to be decocted every two days. The preparation might be a little time consuming, but they have more immediate absorption and faster acting property.

    The granules are already decocted in large manufactures and attached to (usually) corn starch, which makes easy and fast to prepare (like an instant coffee) and convenient for travelling.

    They are both effective in their action and usually it depends on how busy you are and personal preference and circumstances.

  • Similarly to most medicine, it is considered to be safe if it is prescribed by a properly trained practitioner. Adverse reactions can occur with any form of medicine if it is prescribed incorrectly, which emphasises the importance of discussing your medical history thoroughly. Although, those situations are quite rare some minor side effect might occur, but in most cases it subsides immediately after changing dosage or pausing with the herbal intake.

  • It is of paramount concern to me and my peer professionals that we do not cause any threat and harm to animals and endangered herbs. In my practice, I primarily focus on the use of plant based medicinal ingredients that are naturally cultivated and not endangered.