Acupuncture ‘Where the qi goes, the blood flows’.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as part of a system of health care. Acupuncture is a versatile form of treatment which can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture originated in China but the tradition of acupuncture and massage spread to other Asian countries and more recently to Europe. Acupuncture is a part of Chinese Medicine and views health to be the result of the smooth movement of Qi (energy) around the body. When it flows correctly we enjoy balanced health, both mentally and physically and are free of pain. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points around the body to encourage the Qi to flow correctly along the channels that traverse the body. Acupuncture is painless and many people experience a feeling of relaxation during and after the session.
Japanese Acupuncture
Michael practices Japanese acupuncture which he became interested in while he was living in Japan. Japanese Acupuncture and Chinese Acupuncture are based on the same principles but have developed differently in each country. Primarily in China acupuncture is avaiable in hospitals which means it is very cheap and therefore there is no restirction in how often someone can receive acupuncture treatment. In Japan acupuncture has only been offered in the private sector and so a tradition grew of weekly or longer intervals between acupuncture sessions. This is of course how acupuncture is practised in the UK. In Japan acupuncture has for a long time been practiced by blind practitioners. This has meant that the acupuncture practitioner has had to develop an amazing skill at palpating the body and creating changes. In Michael's experience this is unique to Japanese acupuncture and is very well received by patients in the Uk. Japanese acupuncture uses extremely fine needles to make the insertion of an acupuncture needle as subtle as possible. This confirms the theory in Japanese acupuncture that the maximum benefit should be achieved with the minimum of stimulation. Perhaps a good analogy of an explanation between the differences of Japanese and Chinese acupuncture is the analogy of sushi and a stir-fry. In Japan a famous dish is sushi this involves a few delicate ingrediates subtely combined to make the purest dish. In China they enjoy stir-fry which is made of lots of different foods thrown into a wok with a lot of herbs and spices. Personally I prefer the art and mastery that goes into making sushi and I compare this to the art and mastery of Japanese acupuncture.
Testimonials
I have been suffering with a chronic condition of low back pain for some years and was recommended to try acupuncture by my osteopath, to see if this different approach would give me some relief from the pain I was continuing to have.
Although I was a ‘little sceptical’ before coming to see Michael, I have definitely found acupuncture to be of great help in relieving the pain and muscle tightness I suffer from. Michael has an extremely calm and professional approach to his work and I feel he takes the time to listen to me, never making me feel rushed during the consultations. There is no pain whatsoever with the needles (something I think people worry about) and the acupuncture leaves me feeling very relaxed and less stressed. I have no doubt that this has helped my condition, and with ongoing sessions, I hope to continue to improve.
I would highly recommend Michael and acupuncture.
Alison
Hi Mike
Just to say thanks so much for your help today. My back and neck feel so much better and keep on improving almost by the minute!! They have nearly completely released already- fabulous!!
Best wishes
Claire
Tuina Massage
Massage is the oldest form of therapy in the world. Massage has been used by many cultures as a natural, effective method of relaxing the body, easing pain and re-establishing balanced health. In Asia massage is given much more importance as a means of health care than traditionally in the West. ‘Tui’ translates as push and ‘na’ as grab and these are two of the basic techniques incorporated into this massage style. Tuina massage is conducted through light clothing and the massage techniques are used to relax muscles and invigorate or nourish the body. Tuina massage works well in combination with acupuncture or on its own and the effects are deep and long lasting. Tuina massage can help with a wide range of conditions. Tuina massage can and has a long history of helping people with sports injuries and other musculo-skeletal problems such as back pain, neck and shoulder pain. Tuina massage can also be used for interenal conditions such as digestive problems, menstral pain and irregularity and infertility because Tuina massage is based on the principals of Oriental Medicine which is the foundation of acupuncture. Some people consider tuina massage to be like acupuncture without the needles.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is an effective style of massage to relax the body, increase rehabilitation time after injury and maintain good health. Different techniques are used to stimulate the venous circulation. A light cream or oil is used to accomodate the deep tissue massage techniques. Involved in this massage are deep friction, muscle energy tecniques and assisted stretching. A full assesment is taken at the initial massage session and a treatment plan is tailor made for the client. This massage treatment can be combined with acupuncture. Many people who play sports or have sports injuries find this Remedial Massage treatment beneficial. Also people with chronic conditions such as neck and shoulder pain. chronic back ache etc get relief form this style of massage.
Clinic hours
Monday Tuesday Weds Fri | 2-8.30pm 10am-4.30pm 5pm-9pm 12-4pm | Ely Complementary Health Centre 29a St. Marys Street, Ely. 01353 664476 |
![[Michael Balshaw]](http://www.nourishingyin.co.uk/vcms/images/drawImage.asp?jP=43.jpg&jW=154&jH=115&jQ=95 "[Michael Balshaw]")
There are many conditions that may benefit from acupuncture treatment. Rather than write a long list perhaps you would like to call me or send an email and we can discuss whether acupuncture and massage would benefit you. After all, we are all different, the same symptoms can have different causes and each treatment is designed for each individual.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles look nothing like the needles a nurse or doctor use. They are very fine and the Japanese acupuncture needling techniques used by Michael ensure any sensation is minimal, occasionally a pleasant dull or tingling sensation can be felt. Needles can be left in for as long as 20 minutes and people often feel a deep sense of relaxation or fall asleep!
How will I feel after a session?
This is quite a difficult question to answer as this can depend on the condition and person being treated. However often people feel a sense of relaxation brought on by the relaxing nature of a session and also increased energy. Sleep patterns become more regular and there can be a heightened sense of well-being. Occasionally some symptoms may be initially aggravated but as we are trying to affect a change this is considered a positive step on the road to balance health.
What happens in the first session?
When you come for treatment a full case history will be taken. Questions will be asked about your general life style including your general health, eating habits, sleep, energy, and bowel movements. Other indications of general health are noted including the pulses, the tongue (coating and colour) and the quality of the abdomen. Range of movement tests will also be done where appropriate. This provides the necessary information to determine a treatment plan. The first session lasts an hour and a quarter and following sessions are 45 minutes. Treatment will include acupuncture, Tuina, moxa or cupping or a combination of these techniques.
How often will I need to come?
Each person is considered unique therefore the number of treatments will vary according to the person, the condition and the length of time the problem has existed. Sometimes people can respond within one of two treatments while in other cases treatment can take more sessions.
Do I need to do anything before a session?
It is better not to wear too much jewellery as you will be asked to remove this during the session. Likewise it is better to wear clothing that is loose and comfortable.
As mentioned above often people feel very relaxed after a session so it is a good idea if possible to not have to rush off to work so try to have a few minutes to yourself.