ANCIENT WISDOM WITH A MODERN APPROACH
ACUPUNCTURE
Zoe Nash BSc (Hons) Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture), UK 2006
Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of thin sterilized one-use only needles into specific meridian points along the body in order to enable qi, or energy, to flow freely. According to TCM, illness occurs when blockage, stagnation and/or imbalance within the body goes unaddressed, causing the natural harmonious movement of qi to be disrupted. The skillful application of acupuncture needles allows the body to naturally rebalance, heal and revitalize, and regain healthy circulation of energy throughout the body.
I have been practicing acupuncture since 2006, and am constantly in awe of its effectiveness to help with so many health conditions. Depending on your condition, localised massage, moxibustion, suction cupping, gua sha or even sound healing maybe applied as well as the acupuncture needles.
What are the benefits of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a powerful way to prevent disease, aid in physical discomfort and catalyze optimum vitality on both emotional and physical levels. Acupuncture promotes natural healing, enhances recuperative power, boosts immunity, (wei Qi) and improves physical and emotional health (the Spirit). It is one of the oldest forms of natural healing, and provides an efficient, non-invasive and painless approach to treatment of variety of medical problems.
What conditions does Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can be a powerful healing tool for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Digestive disorders: Spasms of the esophagus, gerd, gastritis, heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, liver and gallbladder disorders, weight control, and IBS
- Neurological conditions: Headaches, migraines, facial and trigeminal neuralgia, some forms of paralysis, dizziness, and chronic fatigue.
- Respiratory conditions: Acute and chronic bronchitis,, rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever, chronic cough,, sore throat, common cold and influenza.
- Urogenital disorders: Cystitis, prostatitis, low sexual vitality, urinary retention, incontinence and enuresis and impotence
- Gynecological and obstetric disorders: Premenstrual tension, painful, heavy or irregular, or the absence of periods, abnormal discharge, hormonal disturbances, disorders associated with menopause, prolapse of the uterus or bladder, difficulty with conception and morning sickness.
- Musculoskeletal disorders: Osteoarthritis, sciatica,, weak back, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, shoulder and neck pain, and tennis elbow.
- Sporting injuries: Sprained muscles,, and torn or strained ligaments
- Psychological conditions: Depression, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, stress, aggressive tendencies, emotional disturbances and addictions such as smoking and alcohol.
- Disease Prevention Anyone can benefit from acupuncture. It is a preventive medicine – as the old saying so accurately – ‘prevention is better than cure’, as the concept of TCM stands by
- Longevity: Acupuncture boosts the immune system, and promotes and maintains harmony and equilibrium in the body, mind and spirit. Many people have regular acupuncture sessions because they simply find it so supports optimum health and wellbeing
- Treating unknown conditions: It is beneficial for those that are experiencing imbalance, feeling off, or a ‘mystery &’ undiagnosed condition as TCM approaches the patient as a whole, and treats according to symptoms not only conditions.
Acupuncture session bookings
Initial Session: 90 minutes, $120 USD
One Session: 60-90 mins $90 USD
Package of 3 sessions $225 USD
Sessions will be in the studio at Mollihawk, English Harbour, Antigua
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparation
Can/should I eat before the treatment?
Yes, it is best to eat something light an hour or so before the treatment. Avoid eating a heavy meal right before, and stay clear of coffee or other caffeinated beverages before going to receive a treatment.
Acupuncture and My Current Healthcare
Do I need to tell my doctor?
You should advise your healthcare provider that you are receiving acupuncture, particularly if you are being supervised by a physician or practitioner for any medical or health condition.
Can I still take my medication if I start acupuncture?
You do not need to stop taking any medication in order to receive acupuncture. If you are currently taking any medication, please bring the information with you to inform Zoe of the medication and its side effects.
About Acupuncture Treatments
Does it hurt?
Many people are repelled by the thought of having acupuncture because they fear it will hurt. It doesn’t! The needles are as thin as a few hairs on the head and do not resemble the sensation of having an injection whatsoever
How many treatments will I need?
This depends entirely upon you, your condition, and your health goals.
For acute (i.e. recent or sudden) conditions, such as a pulled muscle, 1-3 treatments may be sufficient. For chronic (i.e. longer, more consistent) conditions, such as insomnia or anxiety, it is advised to have a course of treatments, which consists of ten treatments.
Who Can Receive Acupuncture?
Can pregnant women have acupuncture?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, acupuncture is highly advisable for pregnant women, as it helps prevent miscarriage, and remediates many of the symptoms pregnant women experience including morning sickness. In specific cases, contraindications may be present that would affect a treatment plan. Please consult your doctor and/or midwife before commending treatment.
Can children have acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture is completely child-safe. Children may feel intimidated by the needles so a simple treatment method will be used to decrease a child’s fear. Alternatively, acupressure or laser acupuncture (non-invasive), may be applied instead of needles.
Can acupuncture be used to treat patients with cancer?
Yes and no.
Depending upon the stage and type of cancer, acupuncture can be a very effective alternative treatment to help manage discomfort, ease fear, and increase relaxation. It can also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy, with guidance and consent of your physician. However, during the active stages of cancer, acupuncture is not advised, as it will increase cell production which would adversely impact cancer progression. If you are unsure of whether or not acupuncture is right for you at this stage, talk with your physician and request a free consultation with me to discuss your health and treatment options.
After a Treatment
Do I need to do anything special after the treatment?
After a treatment, you can continue your day as normal. If possible, it is optimal to make some space for relaxation and integration after the treatment, but it is not required.
What happens after a treatment in my body?
Most people feel sense of relaxation and the presence of calm flowing through their bodies after acupuncture treatment. The treatment will continue to work through the body long after the needles have been removed. Sometimes effects are immediate and sometimes they occur overnight, when the body has its longest rest and integration of the day’s activity.
An acupuncture session is just as professional ; Zoe looks for the reasons for a consultation where body and mind remain directly linked ; a reading of the tongue is made by Zoe then a massage is performed beforehand on the most tense areas which are not yet ready to receive the needles ; the points to be worked on receive sterile and disposable needles ; while your body absorbs relaxation and well-being, Zoe takes care of the most sensitive areas by bringing warmth, thus enhancing the benefits of acupuncture.
I felt a deep calm and a immense relaxation after an acupuncture session, as in a state of weightlessness, it is very strange and very pleasant. Muscular relaxation is strongly felt with one desire: to lie down and allow yourself to rest most completely, that is what I call zenitude !
I highly recommend Zoe’s work for the many health benefits and Zoe herself for her open-mindedness, attentive reading, listening and kindness.”
I cannot recommend Zoe highly enough. We are very lucky to have access to her holistic care on our small island.
I was very ill with a gallstone blockage and I chose not to have surgery but to try to heal myself through fasting and diet, whilst being monitored by my doctor.
I tried acupuncture for the first time during this period of illness and it helped so much I continued with weekly treatments. They were an absolute godsend both for the pain relief and healing from the acupuncture but also for the emotional support Zoe provided at this difficult time and the benefit of her wisdom and knowledge which supported me on my journey back to full health.
Laura
Fashion Designer – Antigua