Treatments offered in Shepherds Bush clinic
I offer a range of treatments in the Shepherds Bush area, all with origins traceable to chinese medicine & acupuncture - they include acupuncture, cupping, chinese massage and a deep relaxation technique called Core Relaxation Bodywork
A detailed case history is taken at the beginning of the first appointment. This is done through questions regarding aspects of your current health and physical examination using palpation if necessary. I will then discuss a treatment plan with you and use any of the below techniques during treatment to best suit your condition and how you feel on the day. Some days, needles can be more painful than others, therefore not the best choice. In that case I would tend to use my hands and use chinese massage or Core Relaxation Bodywork.
I will always present the options and let you choose!
A detailed case history is taken at the beginning of the first appointment. This is done through questions regarding aspects of your current health and physical examination using palpation if necessary. I will then discuss a treatment plan with you and use any of the below techniques during treatment to best suit your condition and how you feel on the day. Some days, needles can be more painful than others, therefore not the best choice. In that case I would tend to use my hands and use chinese massage or Core Relaxation Bodywork.
I will always present the options and let you choose!
"I've been seeing Steve for a recurring tendon problem and have found acupuncture, sometimes in combination with other treatments, to be very beneficial. Additionally I've found Steve's general openness in discussing different options, and working with me holistically on my journey towards recovery, to be very refreshing and inspiring." - Anna Maria
Approach to treating musculoskeletal conditions and pain
I find that in the majority of cases, musculoskeletal pain is caused by the shortening of a muscle group. This can be through old injuries, trauma or overuse. That shortening then causes a very small shift in the skeletal structure which, over time, manifests as pain as the body tries to "work around" the problem. The pain can occur directly at the site where the muscle has shortened or can show up at another spot. I quite often treat the lower back for shoulder pain or even somewhere on the leg. Resolution can be quite sudden if I get it right :-). The advantage with acupuncture is it can get to deeper muscle structures which are very hard to get at with massage. I'll be more than happy to explain further when I see you.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture aims to correct the imbalances in the body through inserting very fine, single-use needles into specific points. Among its many benefits acupuncture can relieve muscle tension, alleviate pain and result in a greater sense of overall wellbeing. Click HERE to find out more about how acupuncture works and the conditions that are treatable using acupuncture.
Chinese massage - tuina
As with acupuncture, tuina aims to correct imbalances in the body. However, it is administered without the use of needles. The massage is given while you are fully clothed, using a combination of pressure and kneading.
Cupping
Small glass cups are suctioned onto your body which pulls blood and interstitial fluids into that area promoting movement and healing. I usually use this technique on the upper back when needles are not a good option. It's excellent for relieving upper shoulder and back pain. For example, from working too long at a desk or accumulated tension after too many long bike rides!
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Core Relaxation Bodywork
In a natural state, the body is relaxed and at ease. There is an associated sense of lightness and an energy and enthusiasm for life (just observe a child to recall how this feels). As life’s daily stresses accumulate, tension manifests disrupting our natural life flow (Qi), often leading to fatigue, mood disruption, aches & pain or sleep and digestive issues.
Core Relaxation Bodywork is a non-invasive treatment, administered whilst fully clothed. I use gentle movements (rocking, pulsing, shaking) to encourage the body to return to its natural state - think of it as by slowly and gently shaking the body, it causes things to settle and calm - a bit like calming choppy seas to create a tranquil body of water. As layers of tension are released, blood and interstitial fluids regain their ability to flow throughout the body unhindered leaving the body soothed, warm and you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. You will almost definitely have the best night sleep you've had in ages! But don't underestimate the deep therapeutic aspect to this treatment as it is when the body regains/attains such a relaxed state (medically described as a full parasympathetic state) that the innate healing processes of the body are optimally engaged and quite profound healing can begin. |
