Needling
Acupuncture needling has been practiced for thousands of years in China and other Asian countries. It is the practice of inserting thin, metallic needles at specific acupoints on the body which are then activated or sedated through gentle manipulation. This stimulates the body’s own natural healing processes by unblocking obstructions along the energy meridians; thereby re-establishing the smooth, optimal flow of Qi (Prana in Ayurveda), blood and body fluids.
As per Western medicine, insertion of a needle induces microtrauma locally and triggers the body’s immune response, thereby modulating the intensity of both the central and peripheral nervous system’s response to injuries and stress. It reduces inflammation and improves blood flow to the injured tissue, thereby speeding the healing process.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a therapy that complements acupuncture well. It involves generating heat on the skin’s surface by burning dried herbal preparation of Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort). It can be used in multiple ways to influence the circulation of Qi, blood and body fluids or to warm up the meridians and to dispel external pathogens.
Moxibustion works extremely well to enhance energy levels, to optimise immunity and in certain musculoskeletal pain disorders, digestive issues and menstrual abnormalities.
Myofascial cupping
Cupping is done by creating a suction inside glass or plastic cups which are then placed on different areas of the body. The vacuum created pulls the skin and fascia up and away from the underlying muscles and creates space between the tissue layers that are tight and painful. Therefore, it releases muscle tension, aids lymphatic flow and enhances blood circulation, especially in sports and orthopedic injuries.
Cupping treatment has the effect of relaxing tight regions and reducing symptoms of pain that you may be experiencing. In case of a cold or flu, cupping on the upper back may also help remove congestion from the respiratory passage.
In certain conditions, we may slide the cups along your skin (after applying oil) for a massage-like effect. Depending on the qi flow in the particular area, the colour and marks of cupping may vary. These marks aren’t painful and may usually take 3-10 days to disappear completely.
Electroacupuncture
ElectroAcupuncture is basically adding gentle electrical currents to traditional acupuncture treatments. When the proper current, frequency, and voltage are applied, the treatment becomes much more effective. This technique coaxes the body to produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and beta endorphins to provide pain relief, improve range of movement and functionality of a particular joint. It is beneficial in musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knees, sciatica, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder as well as post surgery rehabilitation.
Gua sha
Gua sha is a stand alone excellent healing technique which is defined as instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae called ‘sha’. Research shows that a session of Gua sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single treatment (Arya Nielsen, PH.D.) The colour of the “Sha”, its location and how soon it disappears are all used in diagnosis as well as to assess the prognosis.
In most cases the patient feels an immediate shift in their condition particularly in their pain or sense of constraint and range of motion. It has been found to be highly effective in treating low back pain, frozen shoulder, cervical spondylosis, tennis elbow and autoimmune conditions. It is highly recommended to rest the day of this treatment and not engage in any strenuous activity to experience the maximum benefit of the session.
Auricular acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture is, quite simply, acupuncture done on the ear. This can be achieved either by inserting thin needles or by sticking ear seed on an adhesive tape; particularly if you are sensitive to needle insertion. This modality has been hugely effective in treating chronic pain and addictions.
Nutrition & lifestyle counselling
- Our eating and drinking habits
- The frequency and level at which we move our bodies
- Supplements or drugs that we ingest
- Addictions, if any
- Our response to stress
All play a crucial role in determining our appetite, bowel & bladder habits, sleep pattern, energy levels and overall emotional state. Counselling on diet (proper balance of macro and micro nutrients), exercises (whole body stretching routine, yoga, strength training, Qi gong) and stress relieving techniques (mindful breathing, guided meditation, mandala colouring) is prescribed for each patient taking into account their age, constitution, disease severity, environmental factors, ease and long term sustainability of practise. This helps the person arrest the disease progression and improve both their physical and mental health.