Traditional Chinese Medicine
More than just acupuncture.
A holistic & integrative approach to health.
Acupuncture
The ancient and holistic practice of acupuncture started in China around 3000 years ago. Acupuncture typically involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as ‘acupuncture points’, using the Chinese ‘meridian’ system. Meridians are believed to be channels that form a network, through which vital-energy or ‘qi’ (pronounced chi) flows. It is believed that one can influence the flow of qi by needling acupuncture points.
Some known benefits of acupuncture:
activates the body’s natural pain relieving processes
improves blood circulation
aids in the regulation of hormones and release of neurotransmitters
calms the nervous system
When most people hear the term “acupuncture,” they think of needles. In fact, it refers to a range of modalities that focus on stimulating acupuncture points, including tuina (Chinese massage), cupping, gua sha, and moxibustion. Depending on your individual needs, you may experience some of these techniques as part of your acupuncture treatment with me.
Pregnancy Acupuncture & Birth Preparation
Acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive modality that can be used throughout all stages of pregnancy. I’m passionate about supporting women to feel their best during pregnancy, while also providing a tranquil space where they can relax and feel nurtured.
When appropriate, I may use a pregnancy cushion that allows expecting mothers to lie face down comfortably. This can make treatments involving the back and pelvis much easier during the second trimester and early stages of the third trimester.
Acupuncture for birth preparation refers to treatments in the final stages of pregnancy using techniques traditionally known to support the natural processes of labour and help prepare both mum and baby for birth. While each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, I commonly see clients weekly from 36 weeks, and then twice weekly from 39 weeks until birth.
A caesarean birth can sometimes leave more than a scar on the surface. Many women experience discomfort, numbness, pulling, restricted movement, or lingering lower back and pelvic pain months or even years later. These symptoms are often linked to adhesions or tension around the scar tissue.
In my practice, I combine acupuncture with the C-Section Release Method—a gentle, hands-on approach to assessing and treating caesarean and abdominal scars. This work can help release adhesions, improve mobility, restore proper function, and support overall wellbeing.
Every treatment is individualised, taking into account your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey, as well as your general health. Beyond the physical benefits, many women also find this approach helps them reconnect with their body and soften the emotional imprint of birth.
C-Section Release
Chinese Herbal Medicine & Supplementation
Chinese herbal medicine is a holistic and ancient practice that uses carefully prepared herbal formulas to support healing, address specific health concerns, and improve overall wellbeing. Depending on your individual needs, I may prescribe herbal medicine and/or supplements for you to take at home, which can help enhance the effects of your acupuncture sessions and support longer-lasting results.
Please note: products are available at an additional cost.
Tuina (Chinese Remedial Massage)
Tuina is a type of Chinese remedial massage that combines deep tissue and fascial work, stretching, and acupressure to help reduce pain and promote healing. It’s designed to support the healthy flow of qi and blood by easing muscle tension, releasing stagnation, and calming the nervous system.
I often incorporate Tuina into my 60- and 90-minute acupuncture treatments to enhance the effects of the session and support your body’s natural healing.
I use the traditional fire cupping method, which involves briefly placing a flame inside a glass cup before quickly positioning it on the skin to create a gentle vacuum. This suction helps draw old, stagnant blood and fluid—sometimes held in the tissues due to physical or emotional stress—to the surface, improving circulation and easing fluid retention. Similar to acupuncture, cupping can help release muscle tension and stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving processes.
Depending on your needs, I may incorporate cupping into my 60- and 90-minute acupuncture treatments to enhance the effects of the session.
Cupping
Gua Sha is a “scraping” therapy that works on similar principles to cupping. By applying gentle pressure and friction to the skin using specially designed tools, I aim to release stagnation, improve circulation, and move excess fluid. Like acupuncture and cupping, Gua Sha can also stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving processes to help reduce discomfort and support healing.
Depending on your needs, I may incorporate Gua Sha into my 60- and 90-minute acupuncture treatments.
Gua Sha
Moxibustion, often called “moxa,” is a type of heat therapy that involves burning dried and aged mugwort over specific points on the body. In my clinic, I use smokeless moxa, which has undergone processing to minimise smoke while still providing the full benefits of the therapy. The gentle heat is thought to penetrate deep into the tissues, helping to improve circulation and ease muscle tension and joint pain. Moxa is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is traditionally used to support a wide range of health concerns.
Depending on your needs, I may incorporate moxa into my 60- and 90-minute acupuncture treatments.
Moxibustion (Moxa)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, moxibustion has long been used to help encourage breech (head-up) babies to turn into a more favourable head-down position for birth. Treatment is traditionally most effective when started around 32–34 weeks of pregnancy. I also teach clients how to safely use moxa at home, so they can continue a course of treatment outside the clinic to support the best possible outcomes. Please get in touch with me to see if this treatment is appropriate for you.