Early Spring

Acupuncture is based on Chinese traditional medicine. It is the strategic insertion of very fine needles into points on the body's surface for the purpose of stimulating healing. This practice is performed to promote the healthy flow of "Chi" or life force, through the body.

A typical initial consultation proceeds with the completion of the health survey form, (10 mins) provided by us, it collects information about your health that is necessary for proper treatment, for instance,

nature, frequency and location of any pain,

medication you may be taking and,

what your medical history may consist of, for example, motor vehicle accidents, surgery, illness etc.

This is followed by the consultation during which we use the information collected, plus a few clarifying questions, the taking of your pulse on the wrist and a look at your tongue, to assist us in reaching the diagnoses of your 'pattern'.

This pattern, once arrived at, is then treated with either herbs, or acupuncture, or both to address the presenting complaint. For example if we determine that internal heat is causing headaches, we give a treatment to,

cool the heat and,

stop pain

For patients with fertility issues we employ the basic treatment principle to regulate the reproductive cycle in women and to strengthen the reproductive essence in men. We use acupuncture and/or herbal medicine according to the comfort of the patient and we do not require the removal of underwear to apply our treatments.

Typically 6-10 points are chosen based on the pattern discrimination, for women the best treatment frequency is weekly until cycles become regular, where ever possible we use test results and any tools available to us to assist in monitoring the progress of the treatment. For instance women wanting to conceive naturally may be taught how to chart

(what their charts really mean, not a computer programme guess!), and what their body is telling them at the different stages of the cycle. Their partners will be sent for sperm analysis and re tested after 3 months if treatment is required.

For assistance with the IVF regime we use the acupuncture protocols that have been tested and retested around the world at transfer time (acupuncture the day before and the day of the embryo transfer) and often recommend extra sessions.

Acupuncture has been shown to be of value in regulating the reproductive cycle to assist in achieving positive outcomes, be it using natural or assisted reproductive technology.

Influence of acupuncture stimulation on pregnancy rates for women undergoing embryo transfer

Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: a prospective, randomized trial

Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy

Some studies have also shown potential for benefit to men's part of the deal.

Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility

Cupping, is used frequently to complement acupuncture. Cups placed at various points on the body stimulate your protective energy and generate movement of blood. The skin is the body's largest organ, it has rich circulation and clears toxins quickly and efficiently.

A vacuum is created inside the cup, then immediately placed on the selected area. The vacuum has the effect of drawing the skin up inside the cup. This encourages the flow of Chi and Blood in the area beneath the cup. By moving the Chi and Blood, local stagnation and pain can be reduced, Chi flows more smoothly, enhancing its function.

Cupping and Gua Sha naturally draw blood to the external capillaries of the body and as a result minor and painless welts or bruises may be left after a treatment.

The suction effect generated by cupping therapy can result in passive congestion of local skin tissue and thus contribute to the promotion of tissue circulation so as to enhance the metabolism. Cupping therapy can stimulate the reflex of the nervous system to the cerebral cortex, contributing further to an increased rate of recovery from disease.

Additionally poor circulation which resulted from the occlusion of capillaries in the muscle tissue may cause aching pain. Blood contains oxygen, and muscles which blood cannot reach will indicate symptoms of aching and numb pain. Cupping therapy removes local congestion and augments the circulation to the areas that were originally poorly supplied and thereby relieve the symptoms of numbness and aching pain. This action constitutes releasing pain from blood/chi stagnation.

Early Spring Complementary Medicine can provide Vacuum Cupping services, generally as a part of a course of treatments. Should you feel that you may benefit from this type of treatment, please contact usto arrange a consultation.

Gua Sha is another method of treatment which affects us through the functions of the skin. A Chinese porcelain spoon is used in a manner to stimulate the skin and the underlying tissues, and hence the chi of the meridians through the acupoints.

Used according to TCM philosophy to release fire from the meridians, this therapy has some similar applications to cupping. Blood is encouraged to flow more easily through the vessels, effecting a cleansing action on the body.

Gua Sha breaks up solidifying waste products hiding in subcutaneous tissue, leaving these impurities in a state where excretion via perspiration or by reintroducing them to the bloodstream for excretion by the liver and kidneys is the result.

This all occurs only according to the strength of the chi of the person. The more balanced we are in the first place determines not only our ability to resist disease, but also our ability to fight and beat a disease that succeeds in invading us in the first instance eg. wind cold. Where a constitutionally robust person would respond well to a short, strong treatment of cupping or spooning as indicated, a more frail individual may cope less well and require lighter treatments supplemented with herbs and/or acupuncture.

Early Spring can provide Gua Sha services, generally as a part of a course of treatments. Should you feel that you may benefit from this type of therapy, please contact us to arrange a consultation.