Integrative Approach

Do you want more sleep, less pain, better digestion, improved relaxation, clearer thinking, or increased energy?
More and more people are turning to acupuncture, as both personal experience and research show its effectiveness in safely treating a wide range of common health concerns. Acupuncture is now also recommended by the NHS for managing various chronic pain conditions and can be an excellent solution for issues that haven’t responded well to medication alone.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture—also known as syndrome acupuncture, is the most widely practiced form in China. TCM acupuncture is based on a comprehensive system of Chinese Medicine theories, which includes trigger point needling. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (essential energy) flows through your body, traveling along specific pathways called acupuncture meridians. When this flow is disrupted or stagnated—due to illness, stress, or injury—imbalances can arise. Acupuncture uses ultra-fine needles inserted at precise points along these meridians to clear blockages, stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood, and help restore balance, enabling the body to heal itself.

Scientific research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters that help alleviate pain and improve mood. While this is just one aspect of how acupuncture works, ongoing studies continue to explore its benefits from a Western scientific perspective.

Acupuncture offers a wide range of benefits. For example, in the case of arthritis, acupuncture can:

• Reduce inflammation
• Relax muscles and fascia
• Regulate serum cortisol levels
• Stimulate nerves in muscles and tissues
• Trigger the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals that alter pain processing in the brain and spinal cord
• Increase local blood and Qi circulation
• Reduce swelling

Acupuncture sessions not only promote general well-being but also address specific concerns such as stress, insomnia, mood regulation, back pain, neck and shoulder pain, joint issues, menopausal symptoms, and painful or irregular periods.

In addition, the NHS’s NICE guidelines now recommend acupuncture for managing chronic pain conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lower back pain and sciatica, neuropathic pain, and arthritis.

TCM acupuncture, along with Shiatsu, considers the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of health, while also taking into account external factors such as lifestyle and environment. This holistic approach helps to identify your unique pattern of imbalance, allowing for a treatment plan tailored to restore your health.

At your first appointment, Helen Trill, an ARA-registered Acupuncturist, will conduct a thorough consultation to understand your health concerns. This information is used to form a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan. The acupuncture points selected are based on centuries of clinical use, as well as Helen's expertise in practice, and may evolve as your treatment progresses.

During the treatment, fine sterile needles are carefully inserted into the designated acupuncture points. In some cases, Helen may use electro-acupuncture, a modern technique that provides gentle, sustained needle stimulation throughout the session. Additional therapies such as massage and cupping may also be incorporated as needed.

Appointments typically last 40-60 minutes, including consultation, diagnosis, and treatment. Afterward, Helen will recommend a treatment plan to address your specific health concerns and provide suggestions for self-care between sessions.

Cupping therapy involves placing glass or plastic cups on the skin, creating suction with a special device. This therapy helps to release toxins and waste products by drawing them from deeper layers of fat, muscle, and fascia to the surface. This process can leave behind temporary circular marks, similar to bruises, but it is not painful. In fact, many people find the sensation of cupping quite soothing and unique.

The marks left by cupping indicate areas of stagnation that have been drawn to the surface. This allows fresh blood to flow into the affected areas, nourishing and healing the tissues. Because of its effectiveness in promoting recovery and reducing muscle tension, cupping is increasingly popular among professional athletes, including swimmers, to help speed up recovery after training and competition.

The color of the marks varies depending on the level and type of stagnation, injury, or deficiency in the area. Over the course of treatment, the intensity of bruising gradually decreases as the tissues are cleared, toxins are released, and blood flow is refreshed.

Cupping therapy is commonly used to treat chronic back pain, arthritis, musculoskeletal fatigue, asthma, poor circulation, and overall stagnation in the body.