More Than Acupuncture
Needles are only one part of the way I work.
Depending on what you need, your care may also include other Chinese medicine techniques, dietary and lifestyle guidance, herbal medicine, supplements, or structured online support.
Some people are comfortable with acupuncture from the beginning. Others prefer a gentler approach, want fewer needles, or would rather start with education and support from home. Treatment and support are always tailored to the individual.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, often shortened to moxa, is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses the herb mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris, to create warmth near specific acupuncture points or areas of the body.
Moxa can be used in several forms, including moxa sticks, small cones, or specialised moxa placed on acupuncture needles.
I most commonly use it where gentle warmth forms part of the treatment approach. The technique and area used will depend on your presentation, comfort and the overall treatment plan.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a traditional technique where a smooth-edged tool is gently moved across the skin.
It is most commonly used over areas such as the neck, shoulders, back or larger muscle groups.
Gua sha can leave temporary red or speckled marks on the skin. I will always discuss this with you beforehand and check that you are comfortable before using it.
Cupping
Cupping uses specially designed cups to create gentle suction on the skin.
It is commonly used across areas such as the back, shoulders and larger muscle groups, often as part of a broader acupuncture or musculoskeletal treatment.
Cupping can leave temporary circular marks that look similar to bruising. These generally fade over time, and I will always discuss the technique with you before treatment.
Massage
Massage may be incorporated into treatment where appropriate.
This is often used around areas such as the lower back, shoulders, upper back or abdomen, depending on your presentation and comfort.
Massage is only used with your consent, and I will explain what I am planning before beginning.
Shonishin
Shonishin is a gentle Japanese technique traditionally used with children.
Rather than inserting acupuncture needles, specialised tools are used to lightly stroke, tap or press the skin.
For children or people who are particularly needle-sensitive, this can provide a much gentler introduction to traditional East Asian medicine techniques.
Dietary and Lifestyle Support
Lifestyle support forms a significant part of the way I work.
Depending on what is relevant to you, we may discuss food, sleep, stress, movement, menstrual health, digestion, daily routines and other practical factors that may be influencing how you feel.
I am not interested in giving people unrealistic lists of things they need to completely change overnight.
The focus is usually on small, manageable changes that fit your life and can be repeated consistently.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is its own modality within Chinese medicine.
Where appropriate, I may use pre-prepared Chinese herbal formulas alongside other treatment approaches.
Any herbal medicine recommended is selected according to your individual presentation and existing health history. It is important that I know about any medications, supplements or other treatments you are currently using before herbs are prescribed.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
In some circumstances, nutritional supplements may form part of your broader care.
Any recommendations are based on your individual situation, rather than assuming that everyone needs supplementation.
Where appropriate, I may also suggest speaking with your GP or another health professional about testing or further investigation before introducing supplements.
Online Support
Prefer support from home?
Not everyone wants to attend regular appointments.
Sometimes fatigue, pain, work, family responsibilities or simply the effort involved in getting to a clinic can make face-to-face care feel like another thing you have to manage.
Nurturing Life Online gives you another option.
The online program contains a substantial library of practical health education covering areas such as:
- sleep and recovery
- stress and emotional health
- movement
- food and digestion
- menstrual health
- blood glucose
- inflammation
- environmental exposures
- breathing and relaxation practices
- daily habits and routines
- understanding patterns in your symptoms
You can work through the information at your own pace from home.
There is no expectation that you need to complete everything at once. The aim is to help you better understand the different factors surrounding your health and make gradual, realistic changes over time.
Group or Individual Support
You can choose the level of support that suits you.
You may prefer to work through the online material with access to group support, where you can ask questions and receive guidance as you go.
If you would like something more individual, one-to-one appointments can also be arranged.
These can be:
- online
- in person at the Tecoma clinic
- used occasionally alongside the online program
- combined with acupuncture if you are attending in person
You do not need to commit to one format permanently.
Some people begin online because that feels easiest, then add individual appointments later. Others prefer occasional in-person care while using the online program between appointments.
The aim is to make support more flexible, not to make your health another full-time job.