Acupuncture

Michelle Spicer

Michelle qualified from the renowned College of Traditional Acupuncture in Warwickshire, with a BA (Hons) degree in Traditional Acupuncture, accredited by Oxford Brookes University.  She also has a diploma in Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage) and a diploma in Qi Gong Teaching.

In addition, Michelle is also a qualified physiotherapist and uses her knowledge and experience of Western Medicine and the NHS to support her work in Chinese Medicine.

Michelle continues her post graduate education through regular study with Niki Bilton, Academic Dean of Ongiara College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, who regularly teaches throughout Europe and North America and Jeffrey Yuan, a Daoist priest and world-renowned scholar of Daoism and Chinese Medicine.  She is a member of the Association of Acupuncture Clinicians (AAC) and is licensed by Aylesbury Vale District Council to carry out acupuncture treatments.

Five Element Acupuncture

The ancient, classical practice of Five Element Acupuncture is based on Daoist philosophy which believes that all things follow the School of Naturalism.  Therefore, the cyclic laws of Nature also applies to humans, so by treating the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) which the Chinese believe to be the manifestation of seasonal influences within the body, we can connect and work with each of the body's systems (i.e. digestion), the organs (liver, spleen etc.) and the emotions, resulting in a reduction of signs and symptoms.  Working at this deep level not only treats the underlying disharmony but also addresses the root cause of the problem, thus long term balance and wellness is restored to the mind, body and spirit.

Treatment involves the insertion of very fine sterile needles into acupuncture points, which are found along the acupuncture channel (known as meridians).  This action stimulates the body's own healing response, thus restoring its natural balance.

The rapport between practitioner and patient is very important in Five Element acupuncture so the practitioner does not leave the room during treatment or treat multiple patients at the same time.

Moxibustion

The Chinese character for acupuncture translates as needles and warming.  The warming aspect is referred to as moxibustion and is a fundamental part of Five Element Acupuncture.  It involves the use of Moxa which is prepared from mugwort (Artemisia vulgarise).  Moxa can be used as cones placed directly on the acupuncture point or indirectly as a stick, held above the skin over the acupuncture channel.  Once lit, it smoulders slowly so the heat and oils of the moxa permeates the skin, stimulating blood and Qi.

Tui Na

Tui Na is Chinese Medical Massage based along the meridians and acupuncture points.  It dates back thousands of years and is one of the pillars of Chinese Medicine alongside acupuncture and Qi Gong.  In modern China, many hospitals include Tui Na as a standard aspect of treatment.  It is applied over loose clothing using a sheet or towel, allowing it to be used in any setting.  It is suitable for any age and for the vast majority of conditions.

Acupuncture, Tui Na and Qi Gong can be used to treat a wide range of conditions.  Listed below are the following medical conditions where specific research has been undertaken showing how acupuncture may help and also conditions in which Michelle has experience in treating.

Acne

Allergic rhinitis

Anxiety

Arthritis - both osteo and rheumatoid

Asthma

Back pain: low back pain, sciatica, neck pain

Bell's palsy

Cancer care

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Children: from the age of 12 but they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic pain

Constipation

Cystitis

Dementia

Depression

Dizziness/Vertigo

Eczema and Psoriasis

Endometriosis

Fertility: male and female incl. unexplained infertility, polycystic ovaries & support through IVF

Fibromyalgia

Fractures: pain relief, reduce swelling and inflammation, improve movement/muscle strength

Frozen shoulder

Gastrointenstinal tract disorders

Golfers Elbow

Gout

Hayfever

Headache/migraines

Herpes

Hypertension

Insomnia

Irritable Bowel Disease

Kidney conditions

Menstrual problems - painful periods, no periods, premenstrual syndrome

Menopausal symptoms

Multiple Sclerosis: symptom relief ie pain, spasticity, numbness/tingling, bladder problems, depression

Nausea and Vomiting

Pain: neuropathic, post-surgery, joint pain, muscle pain

Palliative Care

Parkinsons Disease

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Raynard's

Shingles

Sinusitis

Stress

Stroke

Tennis Elbow

Thyroid problems

Tinnitus

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Urinary incontinence

Ulcerative Colitis