Treatments
In addition to traditional acupuncture Imogen offers the following treatments:
Fertility Treatment
Acupuncture and lifestyle changes can make a difference to your chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby. Acupuncture treatment works with you through the menstrual cycle to optimise conception. It is also helpful in the treatment of male subfertility.
Acupuncture treats the person, not the symptoms, and women often notice that they feel better in themselves, with more energy, better digestion etc. A couple may choose to have a course of IVF. Acupuncture can help both parents prepare for this, and support them through the journey.
Hormone treatment for women can cause side effects and acupuncture can moderate these symptoms without diminishing the effect of the drugs. The quality of the eggs collected is vitally important and acupuncture treatment before IVF can help women be in the best possible health.
Cupping
Cupping is similar to massage, and works by loosening muscles, increasing blood flow and reducing stagnation. Cups are rounded and are made of glass.
In cupping, the practitioner creates a vacuum inside the cup and quickly places it onto the skin where treatment is needed. The cup is left in place for anything up to 20 minutes. The practitioner will often use several cups in one treatment.
Cupping is not painful, however it can leave reddish patches on the skin, like circular bruises. The redness on the skin indicates that there has been movement in the circulation of blood under and around the cups. Not all cupping will result in redness as this depends on the complaint being treated.
Acupressure Massage
Acupressure massage is a deep tissue technique using trigger points to release muscle tension and increase blood flow to the area.
The treatment starts with gentle massage (effleurage) and gradually increases in pressure to find areas of tension and release them. You can have as deep or gentle a massage as you choose, your therapist will ask you at the time.