Services.
Chinese Medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back thousands of years and primarily involves acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments. The philosophy of Chinese medicine is the premise that achieving good health is dependent on the restoration and maintenance of harmony and balance within the individual.
Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach, where all Chinese medicine treatments focus on addressing the underlying condition, as well as the presenting symptoms for each individual.
This ancient form of medicine can be so beneficial for many women’s health issues including hormonal imbalances, irregular or absent menstrual cycles, period pain and PMS, as well as conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. It can also be beneficial in the treatment of infertility (for women AND men), for patients undergoing IVF, throughout pregnancy and in preparation for labour and giving birth.
Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Chinese herbal medicine is a holistic style of medicine, which is very specific to each individual. Herbal formulas are prescribed according to each patient’s individual signs and symptoms. For example, patients with the same disease or condition in western medicine terms may be treated very differently from each other in Chinese herbal medicine, according to each individual’s presentation.
I use a granulated form of Chinese herbs, which provides an easy method of administration in which the herbs are simply mixed with hot water and taken once cooled slightly.
Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest health care systems in the world, originating in China, over 2000 years ago. It has an effect on the nervous system, tapping into the electrical aspect of our bodies and is used to balance normal physiological functions in the body.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into acupuncture points, along specific meridians (channels), in order to remove blockages and enable normal flow of ‘qi’. In Chinese medicine, the insertion of these needles prompts certain reactions in the body according to the individual diagnosis for each patient.
It has been found that in addition to removing energy blockages and increasing blood circulation through the tissues, acupuncture also has an effect on the nerves, whereby the peripheral nerves are stimulated, triggering a cascade that causes changes in the brain and the internal organs. As such, it initiates responses to affect the neurological, endocrine and immunological systems. Research has also found that it stimulates the release of painkilling neuropeptides, and natural endorphins, providing a natural alternative to pain relief and reducing inflammation.
I use acupuncture in most of my treatment protocols as a way of restoring balance physically and emotionally.
Diet & Lifestyle.
In Chinese medicine, it is understood that symptoms and diseases often come about through our diet and lifestyle choices. It is understood that what we choose to eat each day and how we choose to live our lives, has a direct impact on our health, and therefore needs to be a part of any treatment protocol.