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What is Hopi Ear Candling and How Does It Work?

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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.

See also: Hopi Ear Candling on Acupuncture That Works

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.

ATW is now a trademark

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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.

A look back at 2019

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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.

ATW turns eight today!

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We’re thrilled to announce that, although it seems like only yesterday we set up our first Northwich clinic, Acupuncture That Works is in fact eight years old!

Back in November 2011, ATW opened its doors following Emma Guy’s retraining as a licensed Acupuncturist. She had suffered from Ulcerative Colitis and had found Acupuncture to be of great benefit. Consequently, Emma switched career paths so that she could bring the same relief to as many people as possible through Acupuncture.

Fast forward eight years and ATW boasts a staff of seven and has expanded far beyond the realm of Acupuncture. Our holistic therapies now include reflexology and reiki, physiotherapy, massage, tuina and Hopi ear candling.

We never cease to marvel at the range of problems and symptoms with which people call on Acupuncture That Works for help. From fertility problems and sports injuries to insomnia and anxiety, the range of conditions with which we are able to help is extensive.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future and hoping for many more years of success and growth!

ATW anniversary

Eastern vs Western Acupuncture: What’s the difference?

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Qi or chi Chinese character

Most people wouldn’t think of Acupuncture in terms of Eastern and Western, but they are in fact very different. Acupuncture is thousands of years old and derives from Traditional Chinese Medicine which is what is also referred to as ‘Eastern’ Acupuncture. It has only been in the last 50 years that Acupuncture has become more widely recognised as a treatment for a variety of ailments in the West. Here we will be exploring the distinct differences between Eastern and Western Acupuncture to help you understand their uses, benefits and how they work.

Eastern Acupuncture

To understand Acupuncture, we must first look to the East, and more specifically to China, where Acupuncture is part of a wider philosophy within Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Acupuncture is based on the belief that Qi (chi) is energy that circulates through the body, connecting vital organs and bodily functions. If this energy is blocked, problems within the body will occur and therefore it is through acupuncture that acupressure points can be stimulated to restore the flow of Qi, harmonising the body. Concepts such as Qi as well as Yin and Yang are all fundamental within Traditional Acupuncture as it is primarily a philosophical based medicine.

Western Acupuncture

Western Acupuncture on the other hand works on a much more scientific and evidential basis, compared to the traditional acupuncture philosophies. As there is no physical basis in which to verify the connection between the ‘Eastern’ acu-points and an ailment, Western acupuncture chooses to reinterpret them. The Western models of the human anatomy are used alongside verified data and studies to determine how Acupuncture is used as a treatment. This means that unlike Traditional Acupuncture, the Western counterpart does not insert needles based on the philosophy of Qi flow. Many therefore believe Western Acupuncture to be a much safer treatment as it tends to be slightly more regulated. As such, practitioners are less willing to risk injuring the patient by inserting needles into traditional acu points. The principles they choose to focus on instead include the Gate Theory of Pain as well as stimulating the body’s natural opiates through needles.

Having said that, the training necessary to qualify in Western acupuncture is shorter and the bar for certification lower. For instance the AACP foundation course in acupuncture lasts six days. Compare this to training in Traditional Chinese medicine which tends to take one to three years.

So, what is the difference between Eastern and Western Acupuncture?

Put simply, the two differ in their teaching model with Eastern being philosophy based and Western using medical models and evidential diagnoses before treatment. Whilst both work in different ways, the principles are very similar with modern day acupuncture practitioners working to bring elements from each together to safely aid in restoring harmony in the body and helping individuals with a wide variety of ailments. Acupuncture is recognised as safe treatment that works well particularly when used in conjunction with conventional medicines. And, when carried out by a qualified practitioner, complications such a disease, tissue damage, infections etc. are extremely rare.

Are you interested in finding out more about the treatments we offer at Acupuncture That Works and how they can benefit your overall health and wellbeing? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today on 0800 051 76 88 or by completing our contact form!

How Acupuncture Sessions May Help Manage Depression Symptoms

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depression treatmentAcupuncture is a deeply historic practice and one that has been used for centuries to manage symptoms of a variety of pains and illnesses of both body and mind.

While acupuncture’s techniques are commonly used by those looking to relieve pain and it’s often employed to provide a remedy or relief for joints, headaches and a wide range of other ailments, the practice can also be effective when it comes to less tangible problems, such as depression.

This less well-known use of acupuncture can have startling effects on the mind. If you are suffering from depression, Acupuncture That Works recommends trying a course of acupuncture to discover the benefits it can exert on your state of being.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that evolved in the Far East, which makes use of the Chinese concept of Qi, or energy. Misplaced Qi can cause pain and illnesses, and acupuncture aims to resolve this imbalance.

Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into particular points on the body, in order to realign the energy that has been disturbed and to rebalance the Qi, alongside Chinese principles of Yin and Yang.

In this sense, if depression is seen as an imbalance of energy, then the same techniques used in acupuncture to cure physical pain in the body, can be used to cure the imbalance of Qi that may have led to a depressive state of mind.

Acupuncture and Depression

Restoring the body’s energy to its perfect balance is the essential principle behind acupuncture and the essential methodology behind its ability to manage depression.

The body has multiple acupoints, which are locations that can be targeted by an acupuncture specialist in order to relieve pain. The specialist may make use of multiple acupoints on the body when providing acupuncture sessions for depression.

While also relieving any underlying bodily tensions and pains, the acupuncture course will help to promote overall positivity within your body, as Qi is restored to its rightful balance.

Depression though is a long-term illness, and to be effective it’s recommended that you take multiple courses of acupuncture over a period of several weeks. The exact length and time of acupuncture for depression will vary from individual to individual, as every body and every mind reacts differently to the practice.

While it might be a tradition that’s thousands of years old, acupuncture is supported by modern scientific research and has been shown to be an effective means of managing depression. It’s important though, that anyone suffering from depression doesn’t solely use acupuncture as a means to cure that depression, as the body and mind can heal quicker when multiple techniques and cures are tried at the same time. Acupuncture is an excellent way to aid modern methods of handling depression, such as antidepressant pills.

At Acupuncture That Works, we know the best techniques for delivering acupuncture that actually works. Contact us today to discuss depression and acupuncture by giving us a call on 0800 051 76 88 or by completing our contact form.

 

We are delighted to welcome our new Reflexologist to the team

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Sharron
Sharron Roughton

Acupuncture That Works welcomes our new Reflexology practitioner, Sharron Roughton.

Sharron is a level 5 Reflexology Practitioner and more recently qualified in Reiki 2. She has a keen interest in women’s health, and has training in Maternity, & Fertility Reflexology, palliative & cancer care. She is also trained in NEPIP Reflexology (NeuroEndoPsychoImmunoPody) which is a wonderful treatment including client and therapist in mindfulness intent. She also specialises in AdRx – adapted Reflextherapy for spine and whiplash pain.

Award-Winning Acupuncturist Interviewed by ITV Granada

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This June, charity fundraiser Tom Allen and cancer surgeon James Harvey plan to race for 8 days across America, completing a total of 3,081 miles to go from the West Coast to the East Coast.

Prevent Breast Cancer logo

In order to complete the gargantuan task of cycling 200 miles per day, each cyclist will have to consume around 8,000 calories a day; bear in mind, the average male should consume 2,500 a day.

The 45-55 degree heat, and the 170,000 feet in elevation is sure to be a difficult task.

However, it’s all for a good cause as Tom and James are raising money for Prevent Breast Cancer, for whom they plan to raise to raise £125,000 in order to fund a DNA testing scheme for cancer.

James, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, is the consultant for Emma Guy of Acupuncture That Works.

Emma, founder of ATW and breast cancer survivor, was interviewed by ITV Granada in relation to Race Across America 2019. Emma believes that now is the time to “start to look at prevention.”

Emma hopes that with the £125,000 target, “Perhaps with this funding we may be able to prevent breast cancer ever happening in the future.” Emma, and ATW, have commited to raising 1% of this funding for Tom and James; there is a donation box in the clinic, along with information on the fundraiser and the charity.

 

Using the links below you can:

Global Health & Pharma – Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health Awards 2019

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Acupuncture That Works are delighted to reveal that we have been presented with the Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health Awards 2019, hosted by GHP-Magazine! We have been recognised by Global Health & Pharma as going above and beyond for our patients.

Through these annual awards, Global Health & Pharma Magazine aim to recognise those who go above and beyond for their clients with their ailments, offering alternative health care treatments, so we are thrilled to have won.

GHP knows how important it is to seek out the right treatment for you. They believe that “it is now more important than ever to sought out alternative health care treatments and products as a means of maintaining good health, globally.”

GHP recognises businesses all over the world, businesses who aim to give people options other than antibiotics and chemicals when it comes to being ill, especially as the general public becomes more and more concerned with negative effects or side effects of typical medicines.

GHP Magazine is a merit-led awarding body, who research and analyse everything about the nominees, ensuring that only the most deserving practices walk away with the prize each year.

The whole team here at Acupuncture at Works are really pleased to have been recognised for all our hard work over the last year.

Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for ATW, especially as nominations have come from all over the world.

ATW was founded by Emma Guy and her love of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and her wanting to help others after TCM helped her so much. ATW support patients with a range of therapies, including Physiotherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Massage and of course Acupuncture.

For more information about the awards, visit the GHP website.

GHP Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health Awards 2019

Acupuncture That Works gives you Something to Look Forward To

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Here at ATW, we’re passionate about helping people, whether that be people who come to see us regularly or just on a one off basis.

Something To Look Forward To logo

We have had close links with an organisation called Something To Look Forward To for many years now, who are a charity who have been affected by cancer and so decided to try to help others. STLFT helps by providing gifts and experiences to to families and cancer patients which have been donated by gifts and businesses.

They succeeded, and since 2015, Something to Look Forward To has been a registered charity which has helped to improve the lives of thousands of families of cancer patients across the UK.

A Massive Success

Something To Look Forward To has achieved massive success, and also massive recognition, as they were the winner of the Special Achievement Award at the 2018 National Lottery Winner Awards.

The founder, Fiona, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, just like the founder of ATW, Emma, which is why helping others is so important to Emma. This is why Emma and Acupuncture That Works have donated Acupuncture sessions, in order to offer holistic therapies to cancer sufferers.

Under the Guy Protocol, details of which can be found here, it was found that regular Acupuncture sessions have been found to be effective on patients using Tamoxifen in helping to reduce the side effects of hot flushes.

Acupuncture That Works is proud to be linked with a charity such as Something To Look Forward To, and we hope to be able to support them for many years to come.