Thomas uses a number of complementary therapeutic methods and techniques within the course of treatment.
Shiatsu Massage
This form of Japanese massage is based on Chinese Medical diagnostic principles, making it a wonderful addition in the clinic. Shiatsu involves the rhythmic application of pressure to the meridians, specific acupoints as well as to underlying physical substructures. It is commonly used to relieve muscle tension, to calm the mind and reduce stress and to restore energetic balance within the patient.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion the primary Chinese medical method of heat therapy. Moxa (mugwort artemesia vulgaris) is used to introduce heat into the body because of its gentle warming effect and because it produces minimal ash.
Moxibustion is commonly used to tonify areas of weakness, to move areas of stagnation and to introduce heat when the body shows signs of cold.
It can be applied in a number of ways, both indirectly and directly. The most common indirect methods (where the moxa does not come into contact with the skin) are moxa stick and moxa box. Other methods are also frequently used.
Moxa Stick
The stick is a cigar-shaped roll which is lit at one end and held for periods of time over the desired area. This method is used when the targetted area is quite specific.
Moxa Box
The open-bottomed box has loose punk moxa lit and placed inside it. Placed onto the body, the moxa-box allows for warming to occur over a larger area.
Warm Needle Technique
This method combines acupuncture and moxibustion. Cones of moxa are placed on the ends of the needles before being lit. The heat travels down the needles and into the body, creating a deeply penetrating and effective method of heat therapy.
Cupping
Cupping is a fantastic method of drawing out stagnation, commonly of qi and blood. The oxygen is taken out of glass cups, which creates a vacuum. The cups are then placed immediately onto the surface of the body in the appropriate locations. The skin is sucked up into the cups. The layers of tissue under the skin are all gently pulled apart. This method can release muscular tension and aid in the management of colds and flu, for example. Sign of correct treatment is when a bruise appears.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a method of scraping the skin in order to clear stagnation of qi and blood. This is generally used on tight and sore muscles in combination with acupuncture and massage.
Electro-acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture involves sending a gentle electrical current through the acupuncture needles which are already in place. Once a circuit is created, the acupuncture can have a further-reaching effect. This is a more modern method, commonly used in the hospital system in China. It is used particularly when a stronger method is required.
Liniments
There are many differing herbal liniments that can be applied. They are commonly used for musculo-skeletal complaints, aiding in the regeneration of tissue (muscle, tendon and ligiment) post trauma. Frequently applied, liniments such as Zheng Gu Shui are very effective for managing strains and sprains and sports-related injuries.
Good health using natural medicine