acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete system of medicine with over 2000 years of history and is recognised by the World Health Organisation as an effective treatment for over 200 diseases. Chinese medical theory views the body as an interconnected system influenced by both the internal and external physical and emotional environment.

Every part of the body is intricately connected through a series of channels or meridians, through which Qi - the body's life force - flows. Disruptions to the flow of the qi is what causes pain and illness. These disruptions can be cause by external influences such as cold, heat or pathogens or by our internal environment such as stress, overwork and poor diet and lifestyle habits.

Treatment from a TCM practitioner aims to restore this balance and may include acupuncture, chinese herbal medicine and diet and lifestyle advice.Acupuncture is a safe, gentle and effective treatment to naturally support women's wellbeing , pre-conception preparation, pregnancy and postnatal health. 

women's wellbeing

Our bodies and hormonal balance are easily influenced by our stressful lifestyles. Taking time out to nourish yourself , eat mindfully, exercise appropriately and find ways to manage stress can help greatly. Acupuncture is an effective treatment to support you in restoring balance if:

• you have trouble getting up in the morning and thinking clearly
• you are stressed, anxious or depressed
• you have trouble sleepingyou have vague symptoms such as digestive upset, skin problems, headaches etc
• you have trouble loosing weight
• before your period you get cranky, moody or teary (or all three!)
• your periods are early, late or all over the placeyou have periods that are too heavy, light or painful
• you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or fibroid

Heather has supported many women with these issues to restore balance to their bodies and minds, assisting them towards:  

• a regular menstrual cycle
• improved sleep
• reduced or eliminated headaches
• improved digestive functioning and skin health
• reduced stress and anxiety
• reduced PMS symptoms and painful periods
• reduced symptoms of PCOS, endometriosis and fibroids  

pregnancy

Research has shown acupuncture to be an effective treatment for many complaints of pregnancy, including nausea, pelvic pain and anxiety and depression. Other complaints of pregnancy that can be treated include:   

• Morning sickness 
• Lower back pain 
• Constipation 
• Oedema (swelling) 
• Heartburn 
• Urinary Tract Infections 
• Stress
• Hemorrhoids 
• Carpal tunnel syndrome 
• Leg cramps Fatigue & exhaustion 
• Insomnia 
• Anaemia 
• Hypertension 
• Itching in pregnancy   

birth preparation

Labour and birth involve a complex symphony of hormonal, chemical, emotional and physical changes. Acupuncture can assist in keeping the body balanced during this special time helping to ensure these processes are allowed to unfold naturally and unhindered. Research from Europe and New Zealand has shown that regular Acupuncture treatment from 36 weeks helps to ripen the cervix and results in a significant reduction in:   

• Length of labour 
• Inductions
• Epidurals 
• Emergency caesareans 
• Acupuncture can assist with:   
• Cervical ripening Labour induction (medical reasons only) 
• Breech 
• Anxiety  

labour & birth  

Heather has 4 years experience as a doula (and aspiring midwife) providing home and hospital support during labour. All women inherently have the resources they need to birth their baby naturally given the time, space and support to do so, however if a little help is needed acupuncture and acupressure can assist with:   

• Managing the sensations 
• Posterior baby/Back Labour Stalled labour 
• Slow progress 
• Fatigue   

Heather offers various childbirth support packages from simple birth support only, to packages including calmbirth® classes, acupuncture, and chinese herbs for postnatal recovery.   

postnatal

Whether you already have kids or you are a new mum, the postnatal period is a delicate and sacred time as you adapt to life with your new baby. Heather offer's gentle postnatal treatment (known in China as "mother warming") and can provide tailor-made herbs to help treat any imbalances that might be effecting your enjoyment of this magical time including:   

• Mastitis 
• Insufficient milk supply 
• Haemorroids 
• Fatigue 
• Anaemia 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 

A postnatal balancing treatment from 2-6 weeks can help with energy levels, relaxation and balancing after the many changes your body has been through during pregnancy and childbirth. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can also assist with caesarean recovery.