Acupuncture, Cupping, Moxibustion

  Cupping therapy, which uses suction cups placed on the skin, offers several health benefits by promoting blood flow, relieving muscle tension, and supporting overall wellness. Here are some key benefits:

• Pain Relief – Cupping helps reduce muscle tension and can relieve pain      by increasing blood flow to tight or sore areas. It’s commonly used for      back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as muscle soreness from sports or      daily activities.

• Improved Circulation – The suction created promotes blood flow, which can      help to reduce inflammation, enhance oxygen delivery, and speed up      healing.

• Detoxification Support – Cupping stimulates the lymphatic system, helping the      body to naturally detoxify by moving lymphatic fluid and encouraging the      release of toxins and cellular waste.

• Stress Relief and Relaxation – Cupping activates the parasympathetic      nervous system (the “rest and digest” response), promoting relaxation and      reducing stress. Many people feel deeply relaxed during and after a      session.

Moxibustion, or “moxa,” is a traditional technique used in acupuncture that involves burning the herb Artemisia vulgaris(mugwort) near specific acupuncture points. The heat and properties of the herb offer several therapeutic benefits:

• Warming and Circulation – Moxa warms the area, which can enhance blood      circulation, reduce cold stagnation, and relieve pain in joints and muscles. This is especially helpful for conditions worsened by cold or damp environments, like arthritis.

• Improving Energy and Vitality – Moxa is thought to strengthen the body’s      energy (Qi) and boost immunity, supporting recovery from fatigue and  weakness, particularly for individuals with low energy or those recovering from illness.

• Digestive Support – Moxibustion on certain points has traditionally been used to stimulate digestive function for people seeking relief from abdominal discomfort, bloating, and poor appetite.

• Menstrual Health – Moxa has traditionally been used to support women’s health and comfort during the menstrual cycle. Its warming effects can help regulate blood flow. 

• Turning Breech Babies – In traditional Chinese medicine, moxa on the  small toe is sometimes used to help turn breech babies by encouraging the fetus to shift position.

• Does Acupuncture hurt? Most people find acupuncture incredibly relaxing, a time for deep rest and a total reset. Some treatments where we are working on areas of the body that hold a lot of tension can feel more ‘spicy’, however you always have a say in what you are comfortable with at the time of treatment and people generally feel much better for it!

• How many sessions will I need? The number and frequency of sessions needed varies between individuals, this will be advised to you at the time of treatment. Although it is possible to see big improvements in one or two sessions, healing can also take time. In these cases, resolution becomes a process, that takes time and commitment to unravel and let go, like slowly peeling the layers of an onion… It is often recommended to start with weekly or bi-weekly sessions, spacing them out as symptoms improve. 

• What to expect? Sessions start with a friendly conversation, discussing any health concerns and relevant medical history. Your practitioner will listen to your pulse, look at your tongue and palpate relevant areas of your body to create a complete tailored session plan for you. Treatment takes place on a comfortable couch, and can include a variety of acupuncture, moxa, gua sha and cupping. Some needles are used with a brief in-out insertion while others are retained for up to 40 minutes. 

• Are there any recommendations before treatment? It is recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing and enjoy a light meal about 1–2 hours before your session. Please ensure that you have eaten something on the day of your appointment, do not come on an empty stomach. Speak to your practitioner about any concerns that you have on the day, and let them know if there is anything you are not comfortable with. 

• Can you treat babies, children and teens? Yes! Parents are often surprised at how well their child takes to acupuncture. Our practitioner offers plenty of no-needle methods to adapt treatment to any age. Including stickers and press seeds, paediatric tui na, moxibustion and cupping.

• Does acupuncture work alongside western medicine? Yes! We always recommended seeking western medicine when you need. Acupuncture is not a replacement for western medicine, however it can support your body and help you manage various conditions that go under-looked by mainstream healthcare.