Treatments

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice that originated in China thousands of years ago. In western medicine, the goal is often to diagnose disease and treat it specifically; in acupuncture, the goal is to strengthen the entire mind and body, supporting our inherent resilience and resistance to disease.

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body’s motivating energy (Qi, pronounced ‘chee’) moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels (meridians) beneath the skin that connect the interior and exterior of the body, and the internal systems to each other.

Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities – Yin and Yang. When Qi becomes blocked or disrupted, illness can result. Acupuncture aims to bring all systems into balance by inserting fine needles into the meridians. It can also be used to complement conventional medicine.

Acupuncture has been used to treat a range of conditions including:

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Arthritis and rheumatism

  • Asthma

  • High blood pressure

  • Menstrual cramps

  • Skin problems

  • Pain relief in childbirth

  • Addiction – smoking, alcohol and drugs

If it is your first session, the acupuncturist will assess your general health to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment. They may enquire about your current symptoms, treatment you have received so far, medical history, your close family’s medical history, diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state.

The acupuncturist will then insert the needles – these are very fine and you should experience only a tingling or dull ache. The needles can be left in place for only a second or for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required.

The number of treatments required will depend on the individual – some people will experience great improvements very quickly and others may need treatment over several months. However, you will probably be advised to attend sessions once or twice a week at first.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a natural healing art and is the practice of applying precise hand and finger pressure to specific points on the feet to stimulate the body’s own healing system. These points are believed to correspond to specific organs and structures in the body.

Reflexology is a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment. Since the feet and/or hands are the only areas being addressed, there is never any need for removal of clothing.

Reflexology has many benefits including:

  • Improves the circulation of both blood and lymph

  • Balances the body’s system and organs

  • Induces deep relaxation

  • Helps alleviate insomnia

  • Stimulating more than 7,000 nerve endings in the feet

  • Provides a more efficient removal of toxins and impurities

On your first visit the reflexology practitioner will conduct a full personal consultation. This consultation enables the treatment to be tailored to your specific needs.

A reflexology treatment generally lasts for about one hour. You will be invited to sit or lie on a comfortable treatment couch. The reflexologist will then use their hands to apply precise pressure techniques to the feet treating specific points which correspond to all organs and systems of the body.

Following treatment, any significant findings will be discussed with you. As the effects of reflexology are cumulative, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments.

Wound Care

Jayne undertook and completed an extensive course on wound care.  Wound care specialists are trained in the care and treatment of all wounds. The most common wounds that require the attention of the a wound care specialist are vascular wounds:

  • Vascular wounds: are a chronic wound, and occur mainly in the lower extremities such as your lower legs. The main causes of vascular wounds are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and age. Correct and prompt diagnosis is vital in the healing and management of vascular wounds.

  • Diabetic wounds: Diabetics carry a higher risk of complications when it comes to wounds. Especially on the lower extremities. Diabetics are also more susceptible to wounds due to poor circulation. Diabetics should take great care of their feet by making sure to wear correctly fitted shoes and having their feet cared for by a chiropodist.

  • Pressure sores: Pressures occur from a patient staying in the one position for too long, and occur mostly in people with reduced mobility, such as the elderly. The area will start off by just looking red but later develop into a deeper wound. It is very important that pressure sores are treated immediately as they can develop into serious infections.

Jayne will not only help to clean, care for and dress the wound, but she will also advise the patients and family on how to best care for the wound. She will advise them on how often the dressing should be changed, how to look after the wound at home depending on the cause or nature of the wound, prevention of worsening the wound and how to spot signs of infection and what to do if they fear infection has occurred.

Diabetic Foot Care

High glucose levels in your body over an extended period of time can cause a condition called Diabetic Neuropathy, which is loss of circulation to the extremities of the body. This can cause nerve damage that can cause your feet to lose feeling or sensation, making it harder for them to know when they are having problems.

For this reason, Diabetics should have their feet checked regularly, to check for

  • Hard skin

  • Cuts, swelling

  • Bruising

  • Ulcerations

Any of these problems should be treated immediately by a podiatrist or GP as the poor circulation can also hinder healing and leave a diabetic more susceptible to infection.  For this reason, we believe that diabetics should not cut their own toenails, as the smallest cut could have serious consequences on your health. If a cut should occur you should seek help immediately.

There are a few things that diabetics can do to help in the care of their feet.

  • Make sure you are wearing properly fitted shoes. Poorly fitted shoes can result in corns, calluses, fungal infections and foot deformities. Wear comfortable shoes for everyday activities. Dress shoes should never be worn for more than a few hours.

  • Bathe or Shower your feet, but do not soak them as this can remove vital oils from the feet leaving them more susceptible to cracking of the skin. Making sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Powders can be used to aid in the drying of your feet. Apply a moisturising cream daily but not between the toes.

  • Inspect feet daily for cuts, bruises, ulcerations,corns and calluses. Professional help should be sought immediately for any of these issues. It is not recommend for Diabetics to use corn plasters, as these can contain acids which can burn the skin on your feet causing wounds that can be hard to heal.