Our Treatments
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient technique of inserting fine needles into points in order to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms. Modern research has shown that stimulation of points along acupuncture channels leads to chemical changes at nerve endings, which in turn stimulates or relaxes the peripheral or central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Laser Acupuncture
A safe, pain-free and effective treatment, a cold laser is used to stimulate each acupoint for 1 minute. Adults can lie for 20 minutes to consolidate the treatment. Children get treated and go. This can be a good step to building a rapport with children who often naturally get curious about acupuncture with needles.
Chinese Herbs
Only high quality herbs are used in this clinic. All herbs have been tested and meet strict standards for contaminants such as heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, bacteria and other harmful substances. Typically, we dispense herbal formulas, which have been made into extracts and then into concentrated granules using non-GMO corn starch. This allows flexibility in tailoring a formula to your needs, as single herbs can be added. It also allows for easy preparation, taking around 3g of granules 2-3 times per day, simply dissolved in boiling water. If corn starch is a problem, we have other options. Herbs can also be prescribed in liquid, pill and capsule form.
Electrostimulation of Acupuncture Points (Neuroacupuncture)
Tiny metal clips are attached to already inserted acupuncture needles and a very low electrical current is commenced until a perceptible and comfortable level of stimulation is attained. This is usually maintained for part or the whole duration of the treatment (between 8 and 20 minutes).
Neuroacupuncture is particularly useful for pain conditions. It has been found to reduce inflammation and begin the process of soft tissue repair.
Cupping
A vacuum is created by burning the oxygen within a glass cup and applied quickly to the body. Cupping shouldn’t be painful but may feel tight and sometimes a little itchy on the surface of the skin. This method is applied to soft tissue tension. It stimulates the blood vessels in the local area to dilate and to stimulate repair of the muscle tissue. Red to purple marks can be created by cupping, depending on the level of congestion. Cupping can also be applied during an upper respiratory infection to stimulate the immune system.
Gua Sha
Using a smooth tool (I like to use jade) and oil, a gentle scraping motion is applied to the skin of areas of tension or around a joint. The sensation should be tolerable but sometimes a little tender and can feel itchy on the surface of the skin. This method triggers dilation of blood vessels in the local area and to stimulate repair of the muscle tissue. Red to purple marks can be created by gua sha, depending on the level of congestion. Gua Sha can also be applied to the upper back during an upper respiratory infection to stimulate the immune system.
Moxibustion
The Chinese herb Mugwort is dried and made into a finely chopped form or into sticks that are smoking or non-smoking. Moxa can be lit and held 2 or more centimetres away from the body, attached to the handle of acupuncture needle or on a slice of ginger to warm the body and improve circulation. The use of moxa can enhance the effect of the acupuncture in many cases.
TDP Lamp
TDP Infrared Heat lamps have been scientifically developed to emit an infrared spectrum which promotes healing by increasing blood flow and may assist in reducing pain, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, strains & sprains. A special mineral plate is contained within the head of each unit which is activated by heating the element. This mineral plate produces a special band of electro-magnetic waves which is at a similar wavelength as that released by the human body, thereby allowing superior absorption into the body.
GAPS Protocol
The Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome Protocol is a program established by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD, MMedSci (neurology), MMedSci (human nutrition), designed to heal and seal a leaky gut, boost good microbes in the gut and improve detoxification pathways. The protocol involves removing all grains, starchy vegetables and certain sugars from the diet for an average period of 18 to 24 months or until adequate healing has taken place. There are many resources for GAPS online. A good place to start is https://www.gaps.me
Whilst the program can be undertaken by anyone, using the GAPS book, other books and online resources, it can be helpful to tap into the knowledge (often from personal experience with the program), support and encouragement of a Certified GAPS Practitioner.
