Treatments
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment that supports the body and mind in their own natural healing processes. It is thought to have originated in East Asia over 2,000 years ago and possible even earlier than that, and in it’s modern practice acupuncture forms a part of a rational, personalized, evidence-based system of effective healthcare. In addition to being used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine like Dr (TCM) Angelo D’Alberto, acupuncture is practiced by some Western medical doctors, veterinarians, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals to treat people and animals with a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. Worldwide, well over one million healthcare practitioners use acupuncture to ease the suffering and restore the health and well-being of their patients.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific locations on the body to stimulate the body to heal itself. Traditional explanations of acupuncture involve its effect on improving the flow of qi (‘vital air/energy’ and referred to as ki by the Japanese) and on balancing Yin and Yang, a paradigm of health and disease that maps very closely to the Western medical concept of homeostasis. By stimulating specific points on the body with heat, pressure, or very fine needles, acupuncture practitioners are able to restore healthy function, thus resolving symptoms and reversing disease.
Due to its popularity and success in the West, a great deal of attention has been focused on understanding how acupuncture works in terms of Western physiology. Based on classical descriptions overlain with modern understanding, we now know that qi flow corresponds to nerve transmission, connective tissue planes, metabolic components carried in blood such as oxygen, hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients as well as the functional energy of an organ system, depending on the context in which it is used. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to regulate and improve the function of all of these components, which are so integral to health. In essence, acupuncture seems to “grease the wheels” of the dynamics of body/mind self-regulating functions.
In terms of physiology and biochemistry, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate nerves and connective tissue resulting in profound effects on the nervous system including regulation of key areas of the brain. This improved function results in the body producing its own natural chemicals involved in pain relief and the reduction of inflammation as well as releasing neurotransmitters that create a feeling of relaxation and well-being. Advanced techniques such as fMRI brain imaging and proteomics are continuing to add to a deeper understanding of how acupuncture helps the body to heal itself.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is another branch of China’s traditional medical system and like acupuncture it has been tried and tested on millions of people for at least 2000 years.
When prescribing herbs for a patient typically 6 to 12 herbs are used that will treat that patient’s problem and ‘pattern of disharmony’. A pattern of disharmony means that 10 people could all have a headache but these 10 people will all have differentconstitutions, symptoms and signs that will allow for a more detailed differentiation into a number of patterns. Herbs are then selected based on their problem as well as their pattern of disharmony so that there is rarely one prescription for everyone. It is this that makes it particularly effective and holistic in every sense.
There are no animal or mineral products allowed for use in the UK at the moment so all of the ‘herbs’ are indeed plant based i.e. roots, barks, seeds, flowers, etc. The herbs come as either tablets or as a powder that can be added to warm water and drunk depending on your preference.
Massage
Sports Massage
A beneficial treatment for people who have chronic pain, a restricted range of movement or have injured themselves. It is ideal for loosening muscle groups to regain flexibility and prevent strains occurring. Sports massage therapy uses deep massage techniques which specifically focus on the muscles and tendons in an effort to prevent and treat injuries.
Deep Tissue Massage
A gradually deeper massage targeting tension areas and knots. This style of massage uses firm pressure to penetrate the deeper layers of muscles where the muscle fibres can get ‘stuck’ causing pain and stiffness. The use of tailored assisted stretches, included in this massage, further benefits the release of tightness and increased mobility. The techniques used in deep tissue massage make it a relaxing but also effective treatment.
Swedish Massage
A gentle and soothing massage, which uses long strokes to promote blood circulation, boost the immune system and enhance deep relaxation. This traditional massage style provides maximum relaxation of the mind, body and soul.
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Massage
Manual Lymph Drainage is a highly specialised form of massage designed to promote lymphatic circulation, its long, gentle strokes and repetitive movements stimulate the lymphatic nodes and assist the movement of lymph through underlying tissues helping to move congestion and stagnated lymph from our system. Stimulation of the lymphatics will cleanse waste material, reduce any swelling and strengthen the immune system. MLD can also assist with weight loss and detoxing.
Hot Stone Massage
A deeply relaxing, comforting and very soothing massage. Heated therapeutic basalt stones are used to work on the body to heat the skin, open the pores and increase circulation to the muscles. This massage style provides great relief for muscle aches, combined with the use of arms and forearms to further target areas of tension where needed.
Reflexology
Reflexology has its roots based in ancient Egypt and works on the principle that every organ and system has a corresponding point or zone on the feet, hands and face. It is a non-invasive complementary therapy that restores the body’s natural balance and rhythm. The practitioner will use light pressure to massage each of the points on the toes, feet and ankles to release tension, remove energy blockages, disperse accumulations of calcium and uric acid, stimulate blood circulation and promote healing of both body and mind.
Reflexology is a wonderfully relaxing holistic therapy and is suitable for all age ranges from newborns to people in their older age. Reflexology truly does allow everyone to feel the benefits of good health.
Reiki
Reiki is an alternative holistic energy healing treatment which can benefit conditions such as anxiety, depression, tiredness, stress, and chakra imbalance. It can be used alongside other holistic or complementary therapies as well as orthodox medicine. Reiki is very effective in supporting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
Podiatry
Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis and treatment of disease and disorders of the foot, ankle and lower legs. Podiatrists assess and treat a wide range of complications resulting from conditions such as diabetes, arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and any vascular disease.
