Asthma and Hay Fever
Whilst they are different problems, Asthma and Hay Fever actually have similar symptoms and causes and are treated in the same way.
Both reveal a weakness in the Lung function, a lack of Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) and therefore a weakness of the immune system.

The Lungs are considered a delicate internal organ affected easily by externally invading evils particularly those entering via the nose - the sense organ associated with the Lungs.

Airborne pathogens, otherwise called ?Wind evils? disturb the lungs ability to disperse and descend the life force energy or Qi. If the Lung Qi does not descend it stagnates, accumulates and eventually counter flows upwards causing sneezing, wheezing and an itchy nose.
Because the Lungs also have a role in dispersing and descending fluids in the body, dampness and phlegm can also congregate as a result and lead to nasal discharge and congestion.

Asthma is a common illness mainly characterised by prolonged attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath , and difficulty lying down during an attack.

In western medicine, Asthma is usually caused by a chest infection, or an allergic reaction to different antigens, such as pollen, dust, fish, pet hair, household chemicals and so on. For sufferers of asthma, life can mean a daily dose of inhalers and steroids.

The effects of Acupuncture actually open airways inside the lungs, and can give quick relief even to chronic sufferers of asthma and hay fever. Following a course of treatments you will find that you need your inhaler less frequently, if at all.

According to Chinese medicine, Asthma is caused by the poor function of lung in dispersing Qi, or by a weakened Spleen and Kidney. Chinese medicine has a high success rate for Asthma as it aims not only to relieve the symptoms but also to deal with the root problem. Strengthen the function of Lung Qi, Spleen and Kidney, and you also strengthen the immune system.

Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) is caused by a variety of substances from pollen to dust mites. The most common form is seasonal allergic rhinitis, which typically occurs at the same time each year when flowers and plants are in bloom.

Approximately 15 percent of the general population is believed to have some form of allergic rhinitis.

Many patients with hay fever will have a history of being treated with repeated antibiotics as children as well as eating a diet high in sugars, dairy products, fruit juices and yeast products.

The Immune response of hay fever sufferers has been hampered in some way as a result of these elements. The treatment of Hay fever according to TCM addresses the symptoms and the underlying weakness, strengthening the patient?s Wei Qi is to withstand future attacks of these external pathogens.

In China, acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies have been used to successfully combat allergic rhinitis symptoms for centuries. A variety of Chinese herbs can be prescribed for Hay Fever according to the individual and the pattern presenting, Bi Yan Pian is an especially powerful formula.
This herbal formula is particularly effective when the patient also pays attention to dietary factors, which may also be hampering the immune response.

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Skin Problems & Detox
As the body's largest organ, skin is vulnerable to many diseases. Almost everyone experiences some sort of skin disease in their life. Skin problems arise from a number of causes, the most common of which are infections, overexposure to sunlight, parasites, toxic substances, hormonal imbalance, cell dysfunction, and stress.

After a full consultation your disease will be classified as a particular "pattern", based on whether it is of internal or external origin, shows signs of heat or cold, is an excess or deficiency condition, etc.

In Chinese medicine, external pathological factors such as Wind, Dampness, Dryness, or Heat can invade the body and cause skin disorders.
Internal imbalances are differentiated into patterns such as Blood Stasis, Disharmony of Liver and Kidney, or Blood Deficiency, and are often reflected on the skin.
When skin problems are generated by internal imbalance, the underlying problem must be addressed in order to clear up the surface manifestation.

The skin inflammation is a sign of toxins inside your body. You see it on the skin because your skin is the largest and only visible organ of your body. Therefore, in the case of serious skin problems,treating from outside with cream is sometimes insufficient. The better approach is to detoxify your body which expels the toxins from inside and prevents the problems from returning.

Acupuncture points used have the functions of stopping itching, relieving pain, calming the spirit, eliminating inflammation, regulating blood vessel dilation and constriction, and treating endocrine disorders. When internal and external herbal therapy are combined with acupuncture there can be significant improvement in symptoms, or even complete relief.

A powerful treatment for skin problems is Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine has built up a sophisticated system for treating skin disorders, using both external skin wash and tea to be drunk internally. There are hundreds of herbal formulas available for skin conditions such as herpes, eczema, and psoriasis. Herbal formulas are prepared for specific functions, such as clearing Heat, stopping itching, and arresting secretion.

Extensive modern pharmacological research has been done on Chinese herbs in regard to their effectiveness as antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal agents.

Our Herbal formulas do not contain any herb that may damage your liver, kidneys or other organs.

Our Eczema Plan helps by:
1) Detoxifying your body system and controlling the inflammation of the skin.
2) Strengthening your immune system to help you against allergen attacks, and
3) Improving your blood circulation to nourish your dry skin.

Our Acne Plan helps by:
1) Detoxifying your system by reducing excess heat in your lungs, stomach, and liver which helps to reduce acne in your body.
2) Balancing your hormones to prevent future breakouts.
3) Improving your blood circulation which helps to nourish the skin damaged by acne.


Treatment of Psoriasis with Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is characterized by elevated, red, inflamed patches that are sometimes covered with silver scales.
Often there is itching, pain, and burning sensation as well. Psoriasis can happen anywhere on the body but most commonly on the knees, elbows, and scalp. Psoriasis tends to affect men and women equally and although it can affect all age groups, it primarily affects adults.

In western medicine, the possible causes of psoriasis are still not clear. Scientific research has suggested that it is an autoimmune condition.
In psoriasis, a type of white blood cell, called T-cells, are put into action by mistake and become so active that they can trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and rapid turnover of skin cells.
This means that skin cells quickly rise from their origin below the surface of the skin and pile up on the surface before they have a chance to mature. Over time, affected skin can become resistant to treatment and will no longer work, especially when topical steroids are used.
Many psoriasis patients say that they have either not yet found a treatment that really works or they are afraid of the adverse reactions they will have to the medications.

In most cases, the patient has tried every ointment or medication without success and is seeking an alternative. After a detailed consultation herbal medicine is the first treatment of choice combined with acupuncture once per week.

In TCM theory, the skin lesions of psoriasis are mainly caused by an excess of "heat" which can manifest as blood-dryness, heat in the blood, blood stasis, damp-heat, or fire and toxic-heat. The "heat" is often resulting from pathogenic wind entering the body and invading the yin and blood. Also, Qi (energy) and blood obstruction throughout the body due to stress for example, can result in heat accumulation.
Liver and Kidney weakness may also lead to the deficiency-type psoriasis. The TCM approach to psoriasis is to differentiate the syndrome and decide on what the underlying cause is. The aim of TCM is to result in a permanent solution after treating the root cause of the illness.

It is very important that patients comply with all treatment requirements for maximum effectiveness including nutritional changes.
The following are just some general therapies for all people suffering from psoriasis:

Omega 3 essential fatty acids - may reduce inflammation, lubricate skin, and regulate prostaglandins (2000mg per day), Zinc (25mg per day), Folic acid (1mg per day) Quercetin (500mg three times per day before meals).
Avoid red meat, dairy products, and simple refined sugars. Avoid acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus foods, eggplant, and coffee and highly allergic foods such as corn, wheat, eggs.

On the whole, people with skin disorders should avoid alcohol, spicy food, red meat and seafood, which have been known to generate toxins, until the problem clears up for good. Leafy green vegetables and fruits are strongly recommended. Try to reduce your stress level by doing enjoyable exercise and having enough sleep, etc.

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Depression & Stress
Stress and Depression

Stress is a major modern health problem that is associated with diabetes, impotence and many diseases relating to the immune system - the dysfunction of which can lead to colds, flu as well as more serious problems such as cancer and depression.

According to Chinese medicine, stress damages the liver and spleen as well as the heart. Stress also creates hypertension which can lead to other cardiovascular problems.

It is a relatively little known fact that acupuncture and Chinese medicine is very effective in treating and reducing stress. The stress program also promotes health by boosting the immune system and therefore promoting a feeling of well-being.

Chronic Fatigue

Many people consider these conditions to be psychosomatic in origin because people suffering from these conditions can look healthy and normal from the outside, and yet complain of so many different symptoms.

These symptoms can include mental symptoms such as brain fog, forgetfulness, depression, anger, and extremes in behaviour.

Acupuncture help to improve blood circulation and oxygenation to various areas of the body, enhancing the immune system?s ability to fight off infections. The increase in oxygenation can also create an inhospitable situation for bacteria that prefer a low oxygen environment. The improvement in blood circulation may also help to increase body temperature in hands and feet and other areas of the body that tend to get cold easily.

These are often areas of the body where bacteria, which prefer a low body temperature, may tend to congregate. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with antibiotic therapy. It may help to improve the efficacy of antibiotic therapy by improving circulation.

According to research, there are many Chinese herbs that have immune enhancing and antibacterial properties. Many of these herbs can help the various symptomatic aspects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Migraines and Headaches

In Chinese medicine, there are a number of patterns that can cause the occurrence of migraines. Most of these have to do with the Liver and Gallbladder system.

A number of patterns can result in migraines. The first is a pattern of Blood Deficiency. The theory is that the person's circulation is poor due to low energy and poor nutrition, along with depletion of the body?s resources. This depletion can be due to stress or anxiety.

Some of the symptoms associated with this type of migraine would include one or more of the following: poor vision, dizziness when standing up from a sitting position, insomnia or fitful dream disturbed sleep, tiredness, a pale complexion, and heart palpitations.

Another pattern that can result in migraines is called Liver Fire Rising, and certainly this phrase is an apt description of the intensity of pain that a migraine can cause for those who suffer from this condition. People who suffer from this condition often have a fiery temperament. They can be irritable, have a flushed complexion, and they may eat a lot of spicy food. Their migraines can be very intense with flashing lights in the eyes.

In Chinese medicine, we treat the Liver and Gallbladder system for conditions of this sort. Our liver processes the body?s toxins. Stress, tension, and anger can be considered to be toxins that continue to influence our body and our mind if they are not processed properly. The meridian that relates to the Gallbladder runs along some of the areas that are the most prone to tension in the body.

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Health plan for Men
TCM is successful in treating a variety of male disorders including:

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, Hernia, Impotence, Low Sperm Count, Male Infertility, Male Menopause, Premature Ejaculation, Prostatitis, Sperm Mobility,Testicular Pain among others.

Since the time of the first Chinese Emperors TCM has placed a large emphasis on the treatment of male conditions and has lead to a focus of medical knowledge on treating men's health and longevity.

The primary target in treating Men?s health problems is the strengthening of Kidney function. One of the major functions of the Kidneys according to Chinese Medicine is storing of the vital substance "?Jing", also called "Kidney Essence" or "the sap of life".

The Kidneys and Jing are energetically associated with urination, the testicles and sperm production. A deficiency of Jing results in depression, tiredness, urinary problems as well as premature ejaculation or impotence.

Chinese Medicine and Impotence

Impotence is known as "yang wei". This can be caused by many different underlying factors; however some of the more common causes are overindulgence in sexual activity, over consumption of drugs or alcohol, over worked and over stressed. All of which deplete Kidney function.

Whatever the underlying cause of this problem, in most cases a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can go a long way towards restoring Kidney function - provided of course, steps are taken by the client to alter the lifestyle elements that caused the initial strain on the Kidneys.

Men's Health in later life

Jing is a finite constitutional energy which naturally depletes as men grow older. As male life expectancy has increased, more and more men are battling with various male disorders, such as conditions affecting urination, the prostate, the testicles as well as male sexual health in general. Benign prostatic hypertrophy has become increasingly common. Left untreated it can lead to more serious conditions. Symptoms include: a hesitant, interrupted, weak urination, urgency, frequent urination, especially at night.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese

Medicine has been used very successfully to treat these conditions; balancing Yin and Yang in the Kidneys, Heart, Liver and Spleen and removing damp or heat from these organ systems.

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Health Plan for Women


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Health Plan for Children
Children often easily catch any cold or flu or contagious condition that comes around.

Many children also suffer from other respiratory conditions, being prone to bouts of asthma or bronchitis, or they may suffer from allergies.

These conditions can generally be alleviated or corrected by boosting the Qi of the Lungs, Kidneys, and the Spleen, while reducing the stagnant Qi of the Liver.

Children may understandably be afraid of needles and this is usually unnecessary as Paediatric Tui Na is a more appropriate treatment for them. Tui Na is a form of acupressure massage based on the same principles of Chinese Medicine as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. It is a safe, very comfortable, and an effective modality for the treatment of children, from infants up to about 8 or 9 years of age.

Four organs are of particular importance to a child's health and development:

i). The Spleen: A child?s energy level, digestive function, and his or her capacity to concentrate and process information relate to the functioning of Qi or energy in the body. The Qi is produced through the functioning of the Spleen. If a child has Spleen Qi deficiency, they will have digestive problems, poor appetite, crave sugar and junk food, get sick easily, and can have poor attentiveness and concentration.

ii). The Liver: processes emotions and it is the main detoxifier in the body. When the Liver?s function is impeded, a child can exhibit signs of stress, moodiness, anger, irritability, skin problems, and much more.

The main issues that affect the Liver are Liver Qi Stagnation, where energy stagnates in the body due to stress, and Liver Heat, which usually relates to emotional, dietary, and environmental toxicity.

iii). The Kidney: relates to the hormonal, structural, and developmental functions of the mind and body.
Congenital and constitutional problems, birth defects, poor cognition, bedwetting, and an early history of childhood illness can all be signs of deficient Kidneys.

iv). The Lung: is a particularly vulnerable organ in children. The Lungs in Chinese medicine relate to all the functions of the respiratory system, relate to the condition of the skin, and the opening and closing of the skin's pores.

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Infertility and Impotence
There are many different causes of infertility in both men and in women.

The primary source of infertility in men is a low sperm count. This can be due to constitutional and environmental factors. Chinese medicine can be used to increase circulation and body temperature, which may help improve sperm count. The same herbs that are used for this purpose may also improve a man's sex drive and sexual performance.

There are a number of factors involved in female infertility as well. A frequent cause of infertility is a blockage of the fallopian tube that prevents the sperm and the egg from meeting.

Polycystic ovarian disease may also interfere with timely release of the eggs. Other gynecological health issues can also cause infertility such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. At other times, there can appear to be no structural or physical condition that is causing the infertility.

In Chinese medicine terms, infertile women often suffer from Kidney Yin Deficiency, and from Qi and Blood Stasis in the Lower Burner.

For women suffering from polycystic ovarian disease, a number of herbs may be useful. For women whose mucous secretions kill their husband?s sperm, their could be a condition of excess congestion and acidity in the body that can be balanced out through dietary and lifestyle changes along with the use of herbs.

Changing the body's chemistry through holistic means may increase the likelihood of conception.

Often there is no diagnosable reason or cause for infertility. Even in these cases, Chinese medicine can be highly effective in bringing back a woman's mind, body, and spirit into harmonious balance, making her more receptive to conception.

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Muscular-Skeletal treatment
It is a little known fact that a skilled practitioner of Chinese Medicine can not just relieve pain but also rectify inflamed or misaligned joints in the neck, back and limbs.

At The Healing Point we offer a complete system for treating muscular and skeletal problems with excellent long term results.

Many stubborn or chronic joint problems are the result of ligaments, muscles or tendons that have become over-tight, pulling and straining joints which then cause further problems.

Muscles have memory, they store our emotions, good and bad and often return to a state of tension even after a session of manipulation. This is why a session with an osteopath or chiropractor, whilst relaxing, may only relieve the problem temporarily.

Often patients with chronic back or joint problems have tried conventional western medicine, and found that problems are relieved only for a short time.

Modern Tui Na is a medical form of massage that combines acupressure techniques with subtle joint manipulations similar to those used by chiropractors and osteopaths, yet combined with Acupuncture can often go beyond the capacity of conventional means for treating chronic joint problems.

Many of our patients have been offered surgery as the only solution to their problem before coming to see us. In many cases surgery has been quite unnecessary even after just a few treatments at The Healing Point. We wish they had come to us first!

Tui Na, Acupuncture and Hot-cupping are an effective combination to fix serious muscular-skeletal problems.
First the affected area needs to relax. Needles are left in for a longer duration at specific deep points on ligaments, muscles or tendons, this sends impulses along the neural pathway telling the nervous system to let go of any tension.

By directly acting on the neural pathway this releases any long-held tension and relieves pain signals as well.

Frozen joints are a result of stagnant Qi, so it is important to get the joint moving again and invigorate the area with fresh Qi. Tui Na is used to get the joint moving properly again, and Cupping is used to get fresh blood and Qi to the area, helping to reinvigorate and revive the problem area.

After a course of treatments the pain will be greatly reduced, and many problems may disappear altogether.

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A healthy way to take years off your face

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (F.R.A.)

Whatever your size and shape, we have many health plans to help you lose weight, look younger, and feel more energetic.

FRA Is an effective way of treating small lines and wrinkles, it is relaxing and in most cases it is completely painless (as opposed to most alternatives like Botox or surgery).

If you have considered Botox treatment or cosmetic surgery then FRA could possibly be an alternative for you.
It has many advantages over the other treatments, including:
No swelling, no recovery period, no risk of disfigurement (very occasionally slight bruising may occur and disappear in a matter of days), virtually no pain, and a much lower cost at just £50 per session at The Healing Point.

You will start to feel the benefits after only a few sessions, eliminating fine lines and reducing deeper wrinkles. Bags under the eyes are reduced, droopy eyelids are lifted, sagging and puffiness are smoothed away. Other long term benefits can include increased elasticity and moisture in the skin, activation of natural collagen production, better muscle tone and jaw-line definition, tightening of the pores and improved hormonal balance.

Is it painful? Well, less painful than you might think. A thorough eyebrow plucking from a trained beauty therapist can cause more eye-watering pain than 10 acupuncture needles combined. The treatment is also much easier than going the surgeon's knife, anaesthetics and waking up with a face full of bandages and bruises!

Unlike the injection of potentially harmful chemicals into your skin, cosmetic acupuncture?s only side effect is an improved sense of health and well-being!

The recomended course of 10-12 treatments, one per week can make you look 10 to 15 years younger. After the initial 10 week period, a regular monthly session will be enough to maintain the effects. Also included in the health plan is a tailored prescription of herbal supplements to further enhance the benefits of Acupuncture.

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Easy Weight Loss
Our health is very much dependent on the quality of our food as well as the adverse effects of over-consumption of toxins such as alcohol, sugar, animal and trans-fats, artificial additives, refined carbohydrates and caffeine.

According to TCM, an excess of sugar creates a hot, damp condition in the body which leads to further imbalances, causing disharmony of the spleen and stomach, Deficiency of spleen Qi can result in retention of dampness and body fluid and cause excessive fat deposits.

Obesity is defined by an excessive accumulation of fat in subcutaneous and other tissues by at least 15-20% over the normal weight. Obesity is usually due to overeating of greasy or sweet food and a lack of physical exercise.

Stress and emotions are also factors, blocking the liver meridian causing fullness and distension of the chest. Patients often have some metabolic disturbances such as aversion to heat, profuse sweating, fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms.

Obesity can eventually lead to diabetes and other disorders, so if you are significantly overweight for the sake of your health it is important to act before serious health problems develop.

In Chinese medicine , weight loss is achieved by improving the stomach, spleen and gastrointestinal functions, then stimulating liver functioning while alleviating circulatory problems.

At The Healing Point we have a range of effective long term treatment plans to tackle excess weight and obesity. After six treatments over two months, many patients lose between half to one stone.

We do not recommend any special diet, these are difficult to sustain in the long term. It is important to lose weight gradually, the "crash diet" approach does not last for long and usually puts strain on the body.

Acupuncture is an effective tool for controlling the appetite, and improving the efficiency of the organs. Chinese herbs are also especially useful for achieving weight loss.

We stock a variety of Weight Loss teas, containing special blends of herbs. Some act as a natural diuretic, other teas do more to help you lose weight, working to turn excess fat into heat and energy as well as clear out toxins.

All the teas act gradually and safely, with no adverse side effects.
We also advise patients to try to take regular physical exercises and eat balanced foods containing low levels of salt, sugar, fat and protein, and eat more fruits (natural sugars) and vegetables (fibre and vitamins).

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