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What is Hopi Ear Candling?

Hopi Ear Candling is a traditional therapy that has been around for thousands of years, used by both the Ancient Greeks and most notably, the Hopi Indian Tribe of South West America. Wall paintings found in the Grand Canyon have helped us to understand the importance of Hopi ear candles and
their many benefits. These painting demonstrated that originally, their use was for the cleansing of people’s aura and spirit to harmonise the different energy fields of the body.

The modern-day Hopi candle is not that much different to the ones used by these tribes as it uses a cotton tube carefully infused with honey, oils and beeswax. The tube is gently inserted into the ear and is then able to extract any impurities and relieve pressure in the head and sinuses.

How does it work?

Many individuals find the process very relaxing as they are asked to lie down on their side with their head supported by a pillow so that their ear canal is vertical. The Hopi candle is then placed inside the ear cancel as far as it will go to fit comfortably. The tube can be impregnated with a range of ingredients, but most commonly used are honey, chamomile, sage and St Johns Wort. Each of these have their own unique healing properties which will be transferred into the ear canal during the treatment. Chamomile possesses anti-inflammatory properties as well as being a gentle anti-spasmodic sedative. Sage is helpful is stimulating the lymphatic system as well as increasing circulation in the body and St. John’s Wort is often used as a restorative tonic for the nervous system.

Once in place, the candle is lit which begins a gentle suction by creating a vacuum within your ear canal. The vacuum draws the wax and any other impurities and debris from the ear into the hollow tube. The vacuum is brought about by warm air from the lit flame and cold air moving through the centre of the tube. The treatment can last anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour and generally patients will hear a crackling sound as the wax is drawn up into the tube, working in a similar fashion to a chimney. This also signifies the massaging of the ear drum which helps to regulate the ear pressure and relieves any built-up pressure felt in the head.

Who can benefit from this treatment?

Individuals who suffer from sinus problems which affect their head and ears or have issues with large deposits of earwax can benefit from Hopi Ear Candles. However, it is advised that those who suffer from certain ear related issues should not use Hopi Ear Candles. Those who have suffered from recent ear infections, perforated ear drums, inflammation or those who have had ear surgery are all advised to not use this treatment.

Those who suffer from the following conditions often benefit the most from this treatment:

• Excessive Ear Wax
• Sinusitis
• Hay fever
• Colds
• Tension Headaches
• Tinnitus
• Stress
• Sleeping Problems

Post treatment, many patients report a sense of calm and relaxation in their head and ear alongside an enhanced sense of smell and hearing.

If you would like to find out more about how Hopi Ear Candling could be part of your wellbeing programme then why not give us a call on 0800 051 76 88 and find out more? We work out of two clinics in Northwich and can provide this service to individuals throughout Cheshire.

Reflexology is a type of massage often used in conjunction with acupuncture treatments. It involves the application of varying pressure to the ears, feet and hands and much like acupuncture, the
theory of reflexology is heavily influenced by traditional Chinese medicine. It is therefore the belief of reflexologists that these specific body parts are connected to corresponding organs and systems in the body. When each area of the body is touched, energy (qi) is able to flow through the body until it reaches the corresponding area which requires healing.

What are the benefits?

As such, it is the belief of many that reflexology, like other traditional Chinese medical practices, has a range of health benefits for both the mind and body. Often patients use reflexology to help in the reduction of stress and anxiety, increase feelings of relaxation as well as reducing any pain in the body.

In more recent years, studies have been carried out to help support claims of ways in which reflexology can heal and aid in the body’s overall wellbeing. Whilst it is still not widely recognised by
global health organisations, many patients treated using reflexology techniques have also reported improvements in a wide range of ailments such as; improving digestion, increasing fertility, rectifying hormonal imbalances, reducing back pain, clearing up sinus related issues, boosting the immune system, reducing cancer symptoms, easing arthritis and more.

How Safe is Reflexology?

Reflexology, like other TCM treatments is very safe and for many acts as a safer alternative to traditional western medications and treatments. It is often used as a complementary treatment alongside acupuncture or if the patient is taking specific medications for a condition.

It is a non-invasive and relatively comfortable treatment that even those with serious health conditions can use. Any conditions that may impact the treatment will be addressed prior to any
treatment taking place with your chosen reflexologist. These conditions mainly consist of foot ulcers, open wounds, feet fungal infections, issues with blood clots, circulation and inflammation in the legs and feet may also cause issues. Each of these mainly pertain to the key areas where the massage would take place i.e. feet and are only causes for concern due to the spread of infection or risking further issues with your lower body.

Those who are pregnant are always advised to tell their reflexologist before receiving any treatment- something that is always advisable with all TCM treatments. Acupressure points in the feet and
hands are known to induce contractions and are therefore avoided by your reflexologist in this instance.

As with any treatments there are some very mild side effects such as having tender feet, feeling dizzy or lightheaded as well as feeling emotionally overwhelmed. These side effects are only temporary and will stop shortly after the treatment has ended.

Reflexology is a natural branch within Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been shown to aid the body in recovering from mental and physical ailments. If you feel that you could benefit from the healing of reflexology then please call us on 08000517688 to find out more about how our treatment could help you.

How a little thing can mean a lot! We’ve had some strange requests during the past four weeks, but what was the most unusual thing you have been asked for in lockdown?

As the lockdown is set to continue for at least another three weeks it got me thinking about community spirit.

In the street where we live we have a WhatsApp group. At first it was for utter emergencies, people who were housebound with Coronavirus and self isolating, however over time it has changed. We have seen it grow into a group of strangers who live on the same street, to neighbours and friends who help each other daily. Even going as far as to clap along and have a sing song every week on a Thursday night, as we celebrate the heroes that keep the country running and us safe.

It seems every household on the street are happy to share, ready to help and happy for anyone to ask for support at a time when we are all in need.

But how do you define need? Need could be as simple as some bread or milk or the loan of a power washer, use up tins of spare paint. One neighbour has also started doing weekly egg runs to a local farm, organising deliveries from local Greengrocers and Fishmongers and if people can’t take bulk orders, there are happy to aggregate them and split the order amongst us.

But last Saturday on the group chat, we were asked if anyone had a VHS player. Now that’s a strange request.

A couple, who are currently in isolation, wanted to show a video of their other half skydiving to his partner who had never seen it.

We had an old TV with a built in VHS player (don’t ask how that was still hanging around in one of the rooms, it just was) and so I offered it as a loaner and we duly disinfected it. The TV was subsequently picked up on our doorstep and, from a safe distance, our neighbour said a loud ’thank you’.

We carried on throughout the afternoon, cleaning out the kitchen cupboards (oh, the joy of lockdown…) and never really thought any more about it. A few hours later on the group chat the TV was on its way back and, disinfected again, it reappeared once again on our back step. I said “you’re welcome” and that I hoped they had enjoyed it on the whatsapp group chat. It was the reply that made me cry and the reason I am now writing this blog. This was the reply..

‘I did! It was a video that has his late dad in, so, super special to be able to watch it with him as I never met his dad. So thank you for making that happen ❤️‘

Take a moment to let that sink in.

It’s taken isolation for us to be reminded of the kindness of a little thing, and how it can mean a lot to someone else. Strangers on our street are now neighbours, the good old fashion ones who looked after everyone else in the community. When this is all over, let’s not forget those who went above and beyond and brought back the old values we used to take for granted.

Acupuncture for Menopause

On average, 8 in every 10 women will suffer from the uncomfortable side effects of menopause atsome time in their life. These sudden hormonal changes can have a significant impact on your daily life, but acupuncture could help in restoring balance.

Natural Menopause most commonly occurs in women aged between 45-56 and according to The British Acupuncture Council, it is estimated that ‘the percentage of women who experience symptoms distressing enough for them to visit their GP vary from 15-25%’. The climacteric period of menopause can induce a variety uncomfortable but common symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety, night sweats and vaginal dryness. But many women will also be prone to experiencing severe headaches, depression, fatigue, palpitations, aches and pains as well as urinary issues.

Acupuncture seeks to rectify any hormonal imbalances and restore harmony within the body by inserting hair thin needles into certain acupoints. Through inserting these needles into the specific acupoints, it allows pathogens to exit the body which relieves and reduces any pain, allowing your hormones to rebalance themselves. Any feelings of anxiety and worry can also be combatted by gently stimulating the nervous system in order to release neurochemical messenger modules. These modules work to quickly deactivate the part of your brain responsible for stress and anxiety.

The British Acupuncture Council’s website contains evidence which demonstrates the benefits of acupuncture for those suffering from the symptoms of menopause. Clinical research has indicated that ‘there is benefit in the use of acupuncture in the alleviation of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes and anxiety’. There have also been studies to suggest that ‘acupuncture therapy has a similar effect on hormones circulating in the blood as hormone replacement therapy’.

Acupuncture treatments can be safely used in conjunction with other conventional treatments for menopausal symptoms such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. The combination of these treatments helps to promote relaxation in the mind and body, improving your overall wellbeing.

Acupuncture That Works can provide a range of acupuncture which could help if you are currently suffering from the side effects of menopause. For a free initial consultation please call us on 08000517688 to speak to one of our team.

Acupuncture That Works are based in Northwich and provide acupuncture services for Northwich and the whole of Cheshire.

Acupuncture That Works (ATW) is now officially registered as a trademark!

Almost nine years since ATW began, we are proud to have reached this point.

What does this mean?

Registering Acupuncture That Works as a trademark means our brand now has legal protection.

We can initiate legal proceedings against anybody that uses our brand name or logo without permission.

It also makes sure that our clients can safely and confidently recognise and identify that a product or service is legitimately being provided by us.

How long did it take?

The entire process took six months from start to finish with the help of trademark specialist lawyers at Brandsmiths.

The team there helped to ensure we had everything we needed in order to quickly and successfully register Acupuncture That Works.

 What did ATW have to do to satisfy the criteria?

There were several criteria that had to be met for Acupuncture That Works to be certified.

That list included:

• It must be distinctive
• It can be a single word, logo, picture or a mixture of any of those elements
• It must not be descriptive, deceptive or be a common surname or geographical location
• It must not be able to be confused with previously registered marks
• It cannot be a solely national flag or an owned coat of arms
• It can be a three-dimensional shape

Thankfully, with the hard work and support of the team at Brandsmiths, we were able to satisfy each of these to guarantee a smooth registration process.

 Why is it important to ATW?

There is more than one reason, but principally we wanted Acupuncture That Works to be registered as a trademark to protect it.

We now have the security necessary to prevent somebody from using our brand falsely, safeguarding us as a business and providing reassurance to our clients.

 What are the potential benefits to the business as a result?

As mentioned above, the most significant benefit in registering Acupuncture That Works as a trademark is to protect the brand.

In 2020, the business celebrates the ninth anniversary since it was formed – a milestone reached due to the commitment and dedication of the people working there.

Our brand says everything about us; it is what we mean to our customers, what they tell their friends, family and colleagues and above all, our reputation.

Naturally, we want to preserve it and that’s why we have taken this step.

We are also excited at the opportunities it presents to grow both nationally and internationally.

As we expand, the fact ATW is a trademark will be an asset that helps us to develop intrinsic value while demonstrating to clients and the wider public they can place trust and confidence in us and what we offer.

As 2019 draws to a close, we wanted to reflect on our highlights from the past 12 months at Acupuncture That Works.

Without doubt, we started the year on a high by winning the Global Health & Pharma UK award for Acupuncture Clinic of the Year.

It was a huge achievement for the team and, importantly, well-deserved recognition for alternative medicine.

2019 has seen some changes to the team, as we welcomed Amanda as our fully-qualified massage therapist. 

In March our team expanded further with Nadine, who arrived as a newly qualified Acupuncturist with a 1st class honours degree in Acupuncture. 

And, finally, Sharron has come on board as our new reflexology practitioner. Sharron is qualified to level 5 in reflexology and also practices reiki. 

In terms of results, the team at Acupuncture That Works have celebrated many triumphs throughout the year.

That success started with an impressive total of seven fertility patients becoming pregnant; one of them expecting twins, when they added in acupuncture to their journey. 

We have also used acupuncture throughout this year for a range of ailments, the most common being shoulder, back and neck pain. Additionally, we saw people for stress, anxiety, hot flushes and ADHD as people want acupuncture to be part of their approach to balanced living.

The whole team has a tireless focus on improving the quality of life for all our patients, and it has been encouraging to have patients come back frequently and achieve so many great results.

Our founder, Emma Guy, was interviewed by ITV Granada about Race Across America 2019. As a cancer survivor, she believes it is time to ‘start to look at prevention’ and set a target of raising £125,000 to assist with work and research on preventing breast cancer.

We pledged to contribute one per cent towards the total, and are happy to announce we did exactly that.

Emma, although already practising at level Reiki 2, had always wanted to become a Reiki Master. In October she was given this honour and has seen some great improvements in her sessions. 

We celebrated our eighth birthday during 2019 too. Although it may seem like only yesterday since our doors opened, we have grown at an exponential rate and now offer far more than Acupuncture. Our holistic therapies now include Reflexology and Reiki, physiotherapy, massage, Tuina and Hopi Ear Candling.

As attention turns to a New Year, we’re excited about the future and optimistic we can enjoy many more years of success and growth.

Our undoubted highlight in 2019, on which the whole team agrees, was resident Acupuncturist Cath welcoming daughter Tamsin into the world – we’ve all enjoyed lots of cuddles with her!

We wish Cath well for the remainder of her maternity leave and can’t wait for her to return in 2020.

As we prepare to enter a new decade, we’d like to thank all our patients, friends, family and – of course – the team at Acupuncture That Works.