More Complementary Therapies and Therapists

Eleanor Davies

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture & Acupressure

Eleanor Graduated from the University of Derby in 1997 with a BSc (Hons) in Therapeutic Radiography. She then worked for a number of years as a radiographer in the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow’s Western Infirmary.

In 2000 she began her acupuncture training at the Northern College of Acupuncture in York where she achieved a certificate in acupressure massage in 2001 and a Diploma in Acupuncture in 2004.

Eleanor has recently completed a Master of Science in Acupuncture. The study looked at acupuncture and its use in alleviating some of the late side effects from cancer treatments.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese tradition of inserting fine needles into specific points along channels in the body according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is based on the theory of Qi, the energy that flows throughout our body so we can move and function harmoniously and maintain optimum health. Illness can be seen as a dysfunction of the body’s ability to maintain the smooth flow of Qi, and so the body can become unbalanced. Acupuncture aims to treat the person as a whole and therefore improve the overall well being of the patient by restoring the body’s natural balance between physical and emotional. Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in China.

Acupressure massage

Acupressure uses the same principles as acupuncture but with pressure instead of needles. Acupressure can be used all over the body to promote the flow of Qi and blood in the channels. Acupressure massage is usually used in conjunction with acupuncture or other techniques, but can be used on it’s own.

Cupping

This treatment involves glass cups being placed on the skin. A vacuum is created inside the cup, when it is placed on the skin it draws the skin up inside the cup this then draws the stagnant blood and toxins to the surface of the skin. Cupping can leave bruises on the skin.

Cupping is used when the Qi and Blood in a channel have stagnated (e.g a sore back) it is also useful in expelling pathogens (e.g a cold).

Moxabustion (Moxa)

This is a technique in which a dry herb called Mugwart can be burned (either directly or indirectly) to give heat. When lit the moxa provides heat that can penetrate through to the channels.

The moxa comes in different forms, it can be rolled in to very small balls and applied directly to the skin or the end of the needles, it can come in stick form where the burning stick is held close to a specific point. Moxa is usually used to expel cold or clear damp and nourish the blood.

Electro-acupuncture

In some conditions a small current may be passed through the acupuncture needles in order to give a slightly stronger treatment.

Auricular acupuncture

The ear has many acupuncture points that can be used to treat a variety of conditions, with or without the combination of body acupuncture. This treatment involves the insertion of needles in to specific points on the ear. Auricular acupuncture is very effective for addictions, eg smoking and drugs.

Ear seeds, pellets and magnets
In some cases the application of ear seeds, pellets or magnets can boost the acupuncture treatment. This treatment involves the application of a seed, pellet or magnet onto specific points on the ear, these are left in place for up to a week. The patient will be asked to press the seed a couple of times a day. This treatment does not involve needles.

Acupuncture is a strong form of treatment and can be used to treatment many conditions;

Headaches, Migraine, Sinusitis, Allergies, Hayfever and some skin conditions.
Gynaecological conditions, dysmenorrhoea, fertility problems and IVF support.
Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, chronic fatigue and ME.
Back, neck, knee, shoulder pain, arthritic stiffness and pain, sports injuries.
Cancer treatment support, both physically and emotionally.
IBS, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, weight gain, diarrhoea and constipation.

Acupuncture can frequently provide more than just relief from a certain conditions. Many people find acupuncture can lead to an increase in energy levels, improved appetite and sleep and a general sense of improved well being.

What will happen when I come for treatment?
A detailed history will be taken on your first visit. During the consultation you will be asked in detail about your condition, your physical and emotional health as well as diet, lifestyle and family history.
The answers to your questions along with pulse and tongue diagnosis will help to make a full and accurate diagnosis according to the principles of TCM. Once a diagnosis has been made, your acupuncturist will discuss the diagnosis with you before your treatment.
Depending on your condition you may be given some massage, cupping or have pellets place in your ears.
The acupuncturist will also, where appropriate give you lifestyle and or diet advice.

What the treatment involves.
You will be asked to lie on the treatment couch, depending on what you have come for treatment with you may be asked to remove some clothing. You will be made as comfortable as possible before the treatment starts as you will have to lie still for up to 30 minutes.
The needles will be inserted either for a second or two or can be left in place for up to 30 minutes. Once the needles are in place it can sometimes fell like a dull ache or a tingling. It should not feel sharp. During an acupuncture treatment you may have a feeling of heaviness in the limbs or a feeling of relaxation. All acupuncture needles are single use only. They are pre sterilised and are discarded safely after use.

How long will the treatment take?
The initial consultation and treatment can last up to 1 hour and 30 minutes and subsequent treatments up to 1 hour. This will depend on the condition. In TCM philosophy each person is treated as an individual. Once a diagnosis is made the acupuncturist will be able to give you a clearer picture.
Sometimes the effects of acupuncture can be dramatic and other times the effects can be more subtle and several treatment are required. Normally you are recommended to visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week at first, this will be reduced as the condition improves.

British Acupuncture Council (www.acupuncture.org.uk)

For further information about acupuncture Eleanor can be contacted by e-mail eleanor_acupuncture@hotmail.com

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Heather Forrest

Heather Forrest has worked within caring spheres for over 20 years, supporting various groups of people to get the most out of their lives.

COUNSELLING Initially training in Person Centred counselling, Heather now uses a very eclectic and motivational mode of counselling to enable people to deal effectively with emotional challenges.

COACHING Coaching is a powerful process which enables people to move quickly into motivational achievement and really get the lives they want.

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE Massage is an ancient technique which provides stress release and emotional connection to the body.

REIKI Reiki is a healing energy which (often) produces amazing results. Reiki has been beneficial for many physical and emotional conditions.

ANGER MANAGEMENT Helps deal specifically with the most troubling aspects of anger and helps people resolve their conflicts.

EFT (EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE) Very useful technique for dealing with addictions and stress.

Coaching and Counselling are available via telephone and email. For prices and options please contact Heather at heatherforrest@fsmail.net.

Payment

Payment is accepted by cash or cheque with cheque guarantee card. A booking fee may be required in advance for booking more than 2 sessions back to back. Charges may be subject to change.

If bookings require to be re-scheduled or cancelled, this can be done free of charge before mid-day of the day prior to the appointment after which the full amount will be charged. No-shows will be charged at full rate.

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