Therapies
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to alleviate pain or imbalance in the body. Its benefits include increased energy, more restful sleep, smoother digestion, relief from pain, enhanced mood, balanced hormones, improved circulation and a strengthened immune system.
At Arnica, we practise a gentle method of acupuncture. It involves the careful insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body that have been determined over thousands of years of research to have positive effects.
Most people do not find acupuncture painful. Some may feel a slight sensation as the needle enters the skin, but in many cases nothing is felt. Once the needles are in place, most of our patients feel a sense of deep relaxation – or even sleepiness!
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (moxa) involves the use of a special preparation of a herb, Artemisia, which is burned on or near specific points of the body. It produces a warming sensation and a wonderful feeling of movement and nourishment.
The burning material does not touch the skin, and we always practice moxa in a way that is within your comfort level. Moxibustion is an excellent choice for those who are uncomfortable with needles. We use the highest quality Japanese moxa in both natural and smokeless forms.
Moxibustion is often used when cold is at the root of a problem. Because of this, it is more common in chronic conditions – particularly those that involve a combination of pain and weakness, as in a long-injured knee. It also has use in acute injuries and can be an important part of treatment in many cases of golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow.
Cupping
Originating in in Asia, and part of traditional medicine in Eastern Europe, cupping feels like a focused, deep massage that promotes feelings of relaxation all over the body. It involves placing sterilized cups, typically made of glass, on bare skin and creating a vacuum between cup and skin.
Cupping is most frequently done on the back, but can sometimes take place on the stomach, legs, neck or lower arms. It can be combined with other forms of body work, as well as acupuncture. Some people experience red marks on their skin after cupping therapy. These fade in time and are an indication that the circulation has been stimulated effectively.
Low-level laser therapy
Sometimes known as needle-free acupuncture, low-level laser therapy is a modern addition to the acupuncture toolkit.
Widely used to treat sports injuries and tissue trauma, it uses specialist light wave therapies to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. We find it particularly useful to treat acute soft tissue injuries and support healing.
