Acupuncture is part of the ancient medical system of China. It is used to treat internal disharmonies that cause diseases we experience.
Millenia of knowledge
The oldest Chinese Medicine texts describing the therapeutic use and value of Acupuncture are over 3,000 years old. Traditionally lineage based where knowledge was passed down from, and added to, by generation to generation of families of Chinese doctors, the millennia of Acupuncture knowledge has now been largely codified and standardised – thousands of years of cumulative knowledge.
By inserting fine needles into specific Acupuncture points around the body, internal energetic systems are influenced, and harmonies re-established. A key concept in Chinese Medicine is that of relativity. When one thing becomes in excess, another thing may become deficient – Yin and Yang. These imbalances can create adverse symptoms.
The body is out of balance. There is disharmony. Acupuncturists seek to restore balance, and harmony, through the strategic influencing of energetic pathways so to push that which is out of balance, back into balance. As balances are restored, symptoms can reduce and resolve.
Acupuncture requires an entirely individual approach. The Acupuncturist seeks to identify the unique imbalances present in the patient before them, and then design a plan for that combination of patterns. Different Acupuncture points are selected to influence different things in our bodies. As a result, one person with asthma will probably receive a different treatment to that of another person with asthma. This is because the total of the types and degrees of excesses and deficiencies will differ from person to person. Acupuncture can respond to these individual differences through the differing prescription of points.
Often diet and exercise efforts on their own do not have the full or sustained desired effects because underlying imbalances, causing symptoms, remain. When working energetically on internal imbalances through Acupuncture, parallel diet and lifestyle focus can be very effective in enhancing and embedding desired changes in health and wellness. It is wonderful to create a plan in partnership – patient and practitioner – and work together toward the enhanced life experience. This is a core aim of Peacock and Peach.
True health is achieved when there is harmony and balance
Acupuncture along with Tui na, cupping, gua sha, and moxibustion may all form part of a treatment plan. We may also discuss and agree to incorporate additional strategies designed to enhance the effects of in-session treatments. This may involve diet and lifestyle approaches, including Qi Gong for example.
In the initial session, we will spend some time gathering information about you, your history, and the health concerns you are seeking to resolve. Using Chinese Medicine diagnostic techniques, I will identify patterns at play, set about developing a plan to bring about balance and harmony, and restore the natural flow of Qi. This session is longer to allow time for conversation and then treatment. Subsequent sessions will build upon the previous week's work and incorporate your updates on how you are feeling.
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The elements of a Peacock & Peach Acupuncture treatment
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that has been used in China for thousands of years. It is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points. Acupuncture works by stimulating the flow of vital energy called Qi through the body
Tui na
Tui na (twee-nah) is a form of hands-on bodywork. It uses a variety of physical techniques to apply Chinese Medicine theory and diagnosis.
Alongside Acupuncture, Tui na is a system of treatment – both preventative and restorative – that creates harmony in the body by balancing Yin and Yang to resolve blockages and stagnation that can lead to illness, disease, and emotional issues.
The same Acupuncture points and channels may be targeted in a Tui na treatment as in Acupuncture to balance the Qi and Blood in your body, leading to better health.
During a session, different physical techniques are used depending on the practitioner’s goals. This may include pressing, rolling, kneading, pushing, holding, and lifting. Tui na can be used for treatment both on a standalone basis or combined with Acupuncture.
Cupping, moxa, and gua sha
Cupping uses a cup to pull an area of skin and tissue into a suction that decompresses muscles and connective tissue. This promotes blood flow to the compromised area, enhances circulation and helps to increase the body's own healing processes. Cupping helps restores the free flow of Qi and Blood to alleviate pain
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that
involves burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) on or near specific Acupuncture points to stimulate healing. The heat produced by the burning herb improves blood circulation and increase the flow of Qi through the body
Gua sha is a technique that involves using a tool to scrape the skin in a
firm and repetitive manner, with the goal of stimulating blood flow and
promoting healing. Gua sha works by breaking up stagnant Qi which contributes to pain, inflammation, and other health problems. By scraping the skin, gua sha promotes the movement of Qi and blood, helping to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health and wellbeing
Cupping, moxa, and gua sha are all therapeutic tools that usually form part of the treatment session along with Acupuncture. Cupping however, can also be offered on a standalone basis.
Qi gong
Qi means life force energy, and Gong means skill or practice.
Similar to Tai chi, Qi gong involves a combination of physical postures, gentle
movements, breathing techniques, meditation, and visualization. The goal of Qigong is to cultivate and balance the flow of Qi, the vital energy that flows through the body.
There are many different styles of Qigong, including medical Qigong, martial arts Qigong, and spiritual Qigong. Medical Qigong focuses on using Qigong to address specific health concerns.
There is growing scientific evidence to support the benefits of Qigong for a variety of health concerns. Research has shown that Qigong can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, improve balance and flexibility, and reduce stress and anxiety. Some studies have also suggested that Qigong may help reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall quality of life. Overall, Qigong is a powerful and ancient practice that can be used to improve physical and mental well-being. Its gentle and low-impact nature makes it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, and it can be practiced alone or in groups.
Diet & lifestyle
Acupuncture and other therapeutic tools are supported and enhanced by how we lead our lives. At Peacock & Peach we emphasise the importance of balancing the body's Yin and Yang energies and maintaining a harmonious flow of vital energy, Qi, throughout the body. We also take into account an individual's constitution, age, gender, and other factors when determining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Here are some general principles that TCM promotes for a healthy diet and lifestyle that we my discuss:
- Eating a balanced diet: A diet that includes a variety of foods, with an emphasis on whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and lean protein sources such as fish, chicken, and tofu
- Eating according to the seasons: Adjusting the diet according to the seasons, with warm and nourishing foods in the winter and cooling foods in the summer
- Cooking methods: That are gentle and preserve the natural flavours and nutrients of the food, such as steaming, boiling, and stir-frying
- Mindful eating: Which involves paying attention to the flavours, textures, and colours of the food, as well as the body's hunger and fullness cues
- Regular exercise: As a way to improve circulation, strengthen the body, and maintain a healthy weight
- Stress reduction: To minimise the impact of stress on health and incorporate stress reduction techniques such as meditation, qi gong, tai chi, and Acupuncture
- Adequate rest: The importance of getting adequate rest and sleep to support the body's natural healing and rejuvenation processes
