In the last few years, cupping has become quite popular within the celebrity world. Apart from being “cool”, the process is a very important one.

Cupping is primarily used to clear phlegm in the chest, or thoracic cavity Describing them can be simply put as small glass bowls. We use 3 different sizes, and as such, can be applied to different parts of the body.

A piece of cotton wool, is dipped in surgical spirit, and lit with a flame. The flame is inserted very briefly into the “cup”, and the action of this, removes the oxygen. As the oxygen is removed, a vacuum is caused, and the cup is positioned on the skin.

The principle is to release toxins from the tissues, and relieve stagnation by moving blood, both of which can cause pain.

Cupping is primarily used to clear phlegm in the chest, or thoracic cavity. In this case, firstly, we apply oil to the skin. Cups are applied to the back, either side of the spine, and moved from the lower back towards the head.

This movement, eases the lungs, and chest cavity, by relaxing the respiratory muscles. It is similar to a deep massage, but is much more powerful.

We also favour cupping, in the treatment of muscular aches and pains, especially on the shoulders, neck, and back. This may involve more than one cup being applied to the skin, in a static position.

The suction lifts stagnated blood from an injured area, towards the surface. When this stagnated blood leaves a poor circulated area of tissue, it is replaced with fresh, oxygenated blood. This will aid the recovery of a muscle injury.

In Eastern terms, acupuncture points are mostly placed along energy pathways, called meridians. Each meridian has a particular purpose within the body.

Endorphins, which are natural painkillers, are just one example of how acupuncture can help, in a musculo-skeletal disorders, such as arthritis.

Acupuncture does not inject anything in to the body. It stimulates energy, nerve pathways and tissues within the body, which help the mind, and body heal itself. Many natural chemicals are released within the body, when a needle is inserted.

Treating these points, according to the classis texts, helps move energy, or Qi around the body. The Chinese believe, if any stagnation of Qi (pronounced chi) exists within the body, pain will follow.

We work closely with western medicines and we regard very highly the importance of scientific advances in the modern world. X-rays, chemotherapy, MRI scans could never be replaced by Chinese medicine.

Here’s why

We only use top quality, sterilised “one use, disposable” needles. We operate a strict health and safety regime, laid down by our vigorous training, and is part of our commitment to our insurance company, the FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists).

Acupuncture needles are just a quarter of the size of 'normal' needles. Acupuncture needle sizes vary in size, from .18 to .30 of a millimetre. Our most commonly used, being the 0.2mm, which is slightly wider than coarse human hair.

Hypodermic needles on the other hand, vary from 4.5mm, down to. 18mm. For taking blood samples, the most common size is 0.8mm, that’s 4 times wider than our most commonly used 0.20 needle.