China has one of the oldest medical systems in the world, dating back to the 3rd century BCE and the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is still based on the concepts from those times. It is a very effective and comprehensive medical system, with an increasing number of modern scientific studies proving it’s efficacy and safety.
In TCM, the body is viewed as a whole organism, in which health is based on the balance of energy (qi) and blood, yin and yang, within the body, as well as external environmental factors. The physical, mental and spiritual energies are considered to be intermingled and co-dependent, unlike Western medicine where each area of the body or mind are viewed and treated separately.
A TCM doctor will enquire about all your organ systems, your emotions, your diet and daily living conditions. They will also take your pulse and look at your tongue. This provides subjective and objective information from which they will make their diagnosis. TCM treatment includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, Gua Sha and for children Tui Na and Shonishin.
TCM treatments may be of benefit with pain due to injury or inflammation, fertility, gynecological disorders, childhood issues, chronic illness, auto-immune disorders and emotional imbalance.
For further information or to make an appointment, please contact our clinic directly or book online.
Restore Your Body’s Natural Balance With Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves very fine, sterilised, disposable metal needles being inserted into specific acupuncture points in the skin. Point selection and stimulation correct imbalances in the flow of qi, which flows through channels known as meridians, throughout the body, thus working to restore health and wellbeing.
Acupuncture originated in China over 2000 years ago and is the oldest, continuous medical treatment in the world.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterilised, single use needles into selected acupuncture points to rebalance the flow of energy(qi), blood and fluids in the body; improving health, balancing hormones and resolving pain from inflammatory musculo-skeletal disorders or injury.
Acupuncture may be a very relaxing and effective treatment. Often you will feel the benefits immediately, however, with chronic conditions it may take a number of treatments to gain ongoing improvement.
Today, acupuncture is used throughout the world to assist with a wide range of disorders. At Vitalessence our focus is with fertility, pregnancy, post-natal, gynecology and paediatrics. However, we also have extensive experience with musculo-skeletal pain, immune system and general health disorders.
Cupping
Cupping is a therapy used in TCM to stimulate the flow of qi and blood, thus removing stagnation. When the free flow of qi is interrupted and becomes stagnant, pain can result. Cupping involves warming and placing glass cups on the skin. Warming the air in the cups creates a vacuum which sucks up the skin gently into the cup when it is placed on the body. Cupping does not hurt but if there is a lot of qi stagnation, then a bruise may result. This will clear within a short period after the treatment.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (Moxa) is a TCM technique that involves the burning of the herb, mugwort. It can be used as a moxa stick that is held over acupuncture points or as loose moxa that is placed on the needle or a slice of ginger. Moxa is used to warm the qi by applying moxa to an acupuncture point or an area of the body where cold is trapped internally. Moxa is very pleasant, doesn’t burn and there are no side effects.
Gua Sha/Tui Na/Shonishin
Gua Sha involves scrapping the skin with a jade or rose quartz paddle. This increases the flow of qi and blood. Commonly this is used to treat pain in the body.
Tui Na and Shonishin are paediatric treatments used for children up to 10 years of age. Tui Na uses gentle swiping massage techniques with the hands. Shonishin is a Japanese technique similar to Tui Na but uses a brass scrapper and a non-needle acupuncture point stimulator. The aim of these treatments is to create balance in the body. These treatments do not hurt the children and are very effective in treating a wide range of childhood disorders.
Traditionally, Chinese herbs would be supplied in their ‘raw’ form (twigs, leaves etc) and you would need to boil up a decoction. At Vitalessence we combine the best of the ancient and modern worlds. We have over 300 individual granulated herbs, which we use to make up a formula that you only have to dissolve in boiling water from the kettle. Quick, easy and effective! We also have a range of pre-prepared capsules or pills if that is your preference.
Chinese herbal medicine can be used on it’s own or in conjunction with acupuncture. It is safe and effective for all ages and throughout pregnancy. There are usually no side effects as the herbal formula is balanced in a manner to avoid any adverse reactions. Positive changes should be noticed within a couple of weeks.