Acupressure Massage

Acupressure massage is a relaxing treatment comining the use of soothing Swedish massage strokes incorporating pressure on key acupuncture points using the thumbs, heels of the hands or knuckles to stimulate the circulation, ease muscle tension and increase vitality.  

Acupressure massage is an effective treatment on it’s own but can also be used in conjunction with acupuncture to relax tight muscles before having acupuncture.  It can also be used as an alternative to acupuncture to help ease general aches and pains from stress and anxiety, as well as more specific problems including lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, hip pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, etc. 

Nicky often incoporates acupressure massage into her acupuncture treatments but it is also possible to book individual acupressure sessions.  Acupuncture and acupressure massage combined is both restorative and relaxing as a treatment.  

Moxa

Moxa, which comes from the herb Mugwort, is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance the effect of the treatment. The dried herb, Moxa, is used to gently and safely warm the body, relax muscles and stimulate blood flow.  

When used with acupuncture, the heat of the burning moxa is conducted down the needles into the tissues which can produce a much more powerful effect than the needles alone.

Moxa is very effective for joint conditions - it's lovely warming effect helping to ease knee pain, shoulder pain, hip & back pain, etc. It can be beneficial for certain types of arthritic pain, which improve with heat.

Cupping

Cupping is a traditional therapeutic technique that can be used alongside acupuncture as part of a personalised treatment.

It involves placing specially designed glass or plastic cups onto the skin and creating a gentle vacuum. This draws the underlying tissue slightly upwards into the cup, creating a sensation of pressure and gentle pulling.

What is cupping used for?

Cupping is commonly used to support the treatment of:

• Muscular tension and tightness

• Back, neck and shoulder discomfort

• Sports-related muscle tension

• Stiffness and restricted movement

• Areas of localised pain or discomfort

• General relaxation and wellbeing

Depending on your individual needs, the cups may be left in place for a period of time or gently moved across the skin, particularly over larger, fleshy areas where there is tension or discomfort.

Many people find the sensation of cupping soothing and deeply relaxing. Your practitioner will always discuss the technique with you beforehand and tailor the treatment to your individual needs and comfort.