Acupuncture
Fine, sterile single-use needles, selected according to your assessment, comfort and goals.
Treatments
Treatments We Use
Treatment begins with an assessment of your symptoms, health, goals and preferences. Your appointment may involve one method or a combination, depending on what is appropriate. Rory explains the proposed treatment and discusses it with you before proceeding.
Acupressure
Pressure applied to selected points and related areas, adjusted to your comfort and used where appropriate.
Dry Needling
A needling technique that may be used for relevant muscle presentations, where appropriate.
Electroacupuncture
Electrical stimulation applied through acupuncture needles may be considered after checking suitability and discussing consent.
Cupping
Suction applied with cups where suitable. Temporary skin marks can occur; suitability and risks are discussed first.
Gua Sha
A smooth-edged tool applied to the skin with controlled pressure. Comfort, skin health and marking risks guide its use.
Moxibustion
Warming stimulation using processed mugwort, considered selectively after discussing heat, skin and respiratory risks.
Exercise & Qigong
Simple movement, mobility or Qigong exercises where appropriate, supporting self-management between appointments.
External Herbal Applications
Externally applied liniments, oils, balms or patches may be discussed as an adjunct to treatment or home care.
Acupressure
Manual pressure applied to selected acupuncture points and related areas, used where appropriate as part of treatment or self-care guidance.
Pressure, location and duration are adjusted to comfort. Needle-free does not mean suitable for every presentation; report pain, bruising risks or relevant skin problems.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion uses processed mugwort, called moxa, as a source of warming stimulation. It has a traditional role in Chinese medicine and may be selected as an adjunct rather than a routine part of every appointment.
Discuss heat sensitivity, skin sensation, respiratory problems and pregnancy before use. Smoke, irritation and burns are practical risks to consider; treatment should not feel burning or painful. The traditional rationale is not a claim that heat corrects an underlying medical condition.
See NCCIH's discussion of moxibustion research and safety. Do not copy a clinical technique at home without suitable advice.
Cupping & Gua Sha
Cupping applies suction using cups; gua sha uses a smooth-edged tool on the skin. They are related adjuncts, but neither is synonymous with all soft tissue care. Manual pressure and other soft tissue techniques may be considered separately.
Cupping & Gua Sha explains the differences, temporary marks and practical safety considerations.
Exercise & Qigong
Rory may provide simple movement, mobility or self-management exercises where appropriate. Qigong combines movement, attention and breathing; exercises may be used to support body awareness, relaxation and continued self-management between appointments.
Rory has previous experience teaching Qigong and may draw on practices such as Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades), a traditional Qigong sequence. The choice and pace should fit your situation. These exercises do not replace physiotherapy or prescribed rehabilitation, and no recovery outcome is promised.
External Herbal Applications
Where appropriate, externally applied products such as traditional liniments, herbal oils, topical balms, plasters, patches or other external preparations may be discussed or suggested as an adjunct to treatment or home care.
These preparations are for external use only. Suitability, ingredients, skin sensitivity and product instructions matter. Tell Rory about allergies or previous reactions. They do not replace necessary medical treatment.
Consent and review apply to every technique
Ask what is being proposed, why, the possible risks and what alternatives exist. You can decline a technique or ask to stop. Individual response is reviewed; more procedures do not automatically mean more useful treatment.
Our Approach explains how the plan is assessed and adapted.