Treatments

Acupuncture

What is Traditional Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture is a system of medicine that has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Treatment takes a holistic approach, meaning that the whole individual is taken into consideration. By bringing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects into harmony, overall well-being is improved.

The principle of Traditional Acupuncture is based on the belief that our health depends on the function of the body’s motivating energy, known as Chi or Qi. Qi flows throughout the body but is concentrated in channels beneath the skin, known as meridians. The aim of treatment is to restore harmony between the equal and opposite parts of Qi — the yin and yang.

In an acupuncture treatment, small, very fine, sterile needles are inserted just under the surface of the skin into the meridians to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and to restore health. Stimulating certain points induces the release of endorphins from the brain, which have pain-relieving properties. The sensation can feel like a tingling or a dull ache. After a treatment, patients commonly feel relaxed yet energized. People who have only experienced injections or blood tests at the doctor or dentist are often amazed at how painless acupuncture is.

Moxibustion

At Appletree Clinic, where appropriate, moxibustion is used in combination with acupuncture. This treatment brings heat directly into the body by gently burning cones of a dried herb called mugwort on the end of the needles. This process warms the Qi and produces a feeling of deep relaxation.

Conditions Treated

Chronic Pain
COPD
Depression
Female Fertility Issues
Headaches/Migraine
Substance Misuse
Anxiety/Stress-Related Issues
Arthritic Pain
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Allergic Rhinitis (e.g., Hay fever)
Gastrointestinal Problems
Insomnia
Menstrual and Menopausal Issues
Neuropathic Pain
Neck Pain

Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy

Osteopathy focuses on the structure and function of the body. Instead of using drugs, osteopaths use their hands to diagnose issues and treat individuals through techniques such as joint manipulation, movement, and soft tissue massage. It is a very safe treatment that is professionally regulated, with all osteopaths required to be registered, as established by the Osteopaths Act of 1993.

As our lives become busier and we demand more from our bodies, many people experience occasional aches and pains. However, if these occur regularly, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Osteopathy can help by addressing the root causes of these symptoms, which may prevent them from becoming more serious.

Osteopaths primarily use their hands to aid the body’s self-healing mechanisms, which can help reduce inflammation and pain, as well as improve the range of movement and flexibility in an affected area. A gentle technique called Cranial Osteopathy may also be used.

Treatable Conditions

Arthritic Pain
Back Pain
Headaches (arising from the neck) / Migraine Prevention
Joint Pains
Uncomplicated Mechanical Neck Pain
Circulatory Problems
Postural Problems
Sciatica
Shoulder Pain
Minor Sports Injuries
Work Strain

Cranial Osteopathy

What is Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial Osteopathy is a specialized form of osteopathy that recognizes a patient’s “cranial rhythm.” This intrinsic rhythm is the natural contraction and expansion of all body tissues. The hands of a trained osteopath can detect even minute abnormalities within this rhythm and treat them accordingly.

Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle yet powerful treatment. It typically involves the osteopath cradling the patient’s head or sacrum (base of the spine) to feel for any restrictions or strains that may be causing symptoms. Patients may experience a deep sense of relaxation and may feel sensations like heat, tingling, or pulsations. As physical restrictions are eased, a sense of lightness and well-being often follows.

This type of osteopathy is well known for treating babies and children, but it is suitable for people of all ages. The practitioner works to restore a state of balance, allowing the individual’s natural self-healing mechanism to improve well-being and health. Osteopaths work with the body as a whole, rather than treating specific symptoms.

Reflexology and Reiki

Reflexology
Reflexology is an ancient holistic therapy based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet and hands that correspond to every organ, gland, and part of the body—essentially mapping the body onto the feet and hands. The treatment typically focuses on the feet and is much more specific than a foot massage (though Shona can complete your session with a short foot massage if you wish!). The specific reflex points allow targeting of particular problem areas.

As a holistic therapy, reflexology treats the whole person and can support you through various ailments of the body, mind, or spirit by relieving tension, increasing relaxation, and improving sleep, mood, and overall well-being.

Reiki
Shona is also a Reiki Master Teacher.

Reiki is a non-intrusive therapy that works with universal energy to promote well-being on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. The positive energy channeled through the practitioner to the client can release energy blockages and uplift areas of lower vibrational energy within the body that result from imbalance. Though subtle, Reiki is wonderfully peaceful and calming. Treat yourself to a session, or buy a gift voucher for a loved one!

In addition to providing relaxing treatment sessions, Shona also offers classes to train and attune individuals to use Reiki on themselves and to benefit friends and family.

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Acupuncture

Osteopathy

Cranial Osteopathy

Reflexology and Reiki

Where to find us