Danbury 01245 226007
Burnham 01621 786600
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Nick O'Connor Registered Osteopath (principal)
Gillian Hind Registered Osteopath (cranial/paediatric)
Melvyn Hughes Registered Osteopath
Silke Ukena Registered Osteopath
Alexandra O'Connor LicAc MbAcC AFN Licensed Acupuncturist
For fertility acupuncture, see www.essexfertility.co.uk
The Holicity Tool Box
Qualifications
I hold a degree in Acupuncture from the renowned International College of Oriental Medicine (ICOM), the oldest acupuncture school in the UK. The teaching at ICOM is firmly rooted in the ancient classical texts, carefully weaving this wealth of ancient knowledge into context with contemporary diseases. Various styles and theories of acupuncture diagnosis and point selection have evolved over the centuries such as Yin/Yang, 5 Element, 6 Divisions, and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). ICOM is the only college in the UK to teach an ancient system known as 'Stems and Branches' theory.
Stems and Branches relates to the internal and external cycles and rhythms of life that affect us, underlying every aspect of our lives and therefore our health. Through the application of Stems and Branches, it is possible to treat at a level that underlies symptomatic treatment, and to direct treatment to the very root of the problem with results that can seem life-changing.
Additional Post-Graduate Fertility & Antenatal Acupuncture Training
Over the years I have undertaken post-graduate training in specialist areas such as Antenatal Acupuncture & PreBirth acupuncture with Debra Betts, Endometriosis and PCOS support with Jill Glover and IVF and Assisted Fertility Support with Paul Johnson.
I hold the Advanced Level Diploma in Fertility Acupuncture, having trained with the highly respected Naava Carmen. I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council and a member of the Acupuncture Fertility Network.
We have two eyes to see two sides of things,
but there must be a third eye which will see everything at the same time
and yet not see anything.
D.T. Suzuki
Acupuncture
Your initial treatment will be preceded by a body diagnosis, channel palpation, pulse and tongue observations and a great deal of questions to provide me with information to guide my diagnosis of your current state of health and where your essential energies are distributed through your system. Details of your lifestyle, diet, past medical histories and traumas will also help to inform me of areas of potential weakness.
A treatment plan will be put together to help to restore balance to your system which can help to encourage your body to self-regulate. A small number of specific points on your body will be needled, the needles used are ultra-fine, single-use and pre-sterilised.
Moxibustion
If appropriate, moxibustion ('moxa') will be incoporated into treatment which involves the burning of a herb known as 'mugwort' on the needle or in close proximity to the skin. This ancient practice originated from northern China or Mongolia where the
climate is cold. Moxa is said to help to warm the acupuncture channels and to encourage the flow of energy.
Moxa is a common adjunct to acupuncture therapy in the UK, because a significant proportion of our patients suffer from long-term, chronic conditions which are essentially 'Cold' in nature; moxa is an invaluable tool for the treatment of such conditions. though some acupuncturists are restricted in their use of 'moxa' for logistical reasons.
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Fire Cupping
Fire cupping is an ancient therapy which has been practiced in the Far East for over 2000 years and involves placing a 'cup' filled with warm air onto specific areas of the body, causing mild suction
pressure on the tissue underneath the cup. This gentle suction pressure can help to stimulate the flow of blood and energy, helping to relived blockages and stagnation in the tissues. Cups are used statically or used to gently massage along an area of stagnating blood or lymph to help remove toxins and restore circulation.
It is possible for cups to leave a temporary flush on the skin which looks a bit like a circular-shaped bruise as tired, stagnant blood is drawn out of congested tissue; this subsides within a few days and is rarely associated with any sensation of pain.
Meridian Massage
& Acupressure
As a qualified Holistic Massage therapist, I am able to combine my knowledge and understanding of the Chinese medicine meridian system with my massage skills to add an extra dimension to treatment if appropriate. Meridian massage can be a useful adjunct to maintenance treatments as it helps to encourage free-flow of energy and to prevent adhesions and blockages along the meridian pathways.
In an extreme case, someone may be too frail or too sensitive to benefit from normal acupuncture (for example if you are particularly young or very ill). In the unlikely event that treatment with needles seems inapproriate, it is possible to use the same theories and techniques to diagnose you, but to treat using acupressure instead of acupuncture - applying light pressure to specific acupuncture points and registering treatment response on the pulse.
Holicity Facial Acupuncture
Initially I trained with Paul Adkins to learn how to use acupuncture for facial enhancement, Facial Enhancement Cosmetic Acupuncture. Subsequently I have also trained with Rob Hughes and Kirsten Germann at ICOM (click here for a youtube clip of Rob and Kirsten discussing facial acupuncture).
Facial acupuncture is a completely holistic therapy which can revitalise your face, improve microcirculation of your skin, naturally firm and tighten your face. A course of treatment will involve a combination of facial enhancement acupuncture and Classical Chinese acupuncture; including some specific sessions of regular acupuncture in this way can further enhance your sense of general well-being and energy levels.
Please note that Holicity Facial Acupuncture is a specialised therapy requiring a specific set up and different needles; it is not available during a standard acupuncture treatment.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact me at info@holicity.co.uk for further information.