Cosmetic Acupuncture or more accurately Facial Enhancement Acupuncture (FEA) is becoming a popular, natural alternative for enhancing ones beauty and for very good reasons.  As our life expectancy and quality of life continues to improve, many of us also hope that we can keep our youthful looks.  This has seen a huge increase in people getting cosmetic surgeries, botox and many other unnatural treatments, that give an outwardly amazing look, but may have unwanted side effects and dangers to the body.

FEA is a natural, less expensive and less invasive alternative, that also doesn’t come with the dangers.  It’s results are comparable to botox, however you will still be able to show expression in your face as FEA doesn’t actually stop the facial muscles from working.  FEA aims at improving blood flow to the facial muscles, so that they become more lubricated and flexible.  This means that the wrinkles, caused from making facial expressions, when at rest fully relax giving a smooth surface, rather than remaining contracted causing wrinkles.  Botox works in a similar way, however it kills off the ability for the facial muscles to contract, which can cause an emotionless face.

Thats not all…

Receiving FEA, as with any Acupuncture, always looks at the body holistically, so many treatments to enhance beauty will also address the bodies detoxing pathways, stress and digestive issues.  FEA also helps with irregular or patchy skin pigmentation, fluid retention or puffiness and sagging.   Hopefully as a result of receiving FEA you will see a number of other health benefits which will not only keep you looking young, but also feeling young.

So what is involved…

I recommend to people to start out with 6-8 treatments, however you should start to see improvements after the first treatment.  After the initial treatments are completed many people decide to continue to come every couple of months for maintenance or before important social activities, where they want to look their best.

During the treatment we will first address any constitutional issues, then work on any fine lines, followed by a treatment to improve lymphatic drainage to the face.  After the Acupuncture we add rejuvenating creams that can penetrate deeper into the skin to plump it up.  Similar to using a dermal roller, this puts the skins collagen and elastin into heightened effect, causing tighter and plumper looking skin.

Caleb is one of our talented practitioners here at The Pagoda Tree.  For more information, to arrange an appointment or find out more please call us on 03 96867454 or email reception@thepagodatree.com.au.  We’re here to help!

Your well-being is best supported when you have a variety of treatment and maintenance options. This is why we, at The Pagoda Tree, have decided to roll-out a very special approach to healing through the AromaTouch Technique – a gentle, massage-like treatment that incorporates high-quality essential oils!

AromaTouch Technique was developed by Dr. David K. Hill (the essential oil expert behind DoTerra), and is ideal for those looking for a different approach to balance and wellness. Anyone can enjoy the benefits of AromaTouch, but those who are very deficient, run-down, or too sensitive for traditional remedial massage will find that AromaTouch Technique is just what they need!

Gentle pressure is used to apply selected essential oils, targeting four common conditions that impact your health and wellbeing: stress, increased toxin levels, inflammation, and the imbalance of the autonomic nervous system.

Your autonomic nervous system includes the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for your ‘fight or flight’ response. Over time, stressful lifestyles, poor sleep, poor digestion or diet, medications, and exposure to environmental pollution, all contribute to the over-reaction of this ‘fight or flight’ response. This is so taxing to our minds and bodies, and can result in hormonal imbalance, emotional instability, and impaired immunity.

This technique is a wonderful treatment on its own and in addition to regular acupuncture sessions. The essential oils and application techniques used during an AromaTouch session have been carefully chosen based on their unique chemistry and their effects on the brain and nervous system. We know that the combination of light touch and uplifting scents will leave you feeling balanced, serene, and grounded.

We can’t wait to hear how much you loved your AromaTouch session, and how it has helped to support your wellness journey!

Sarah is one of our talented practitioners here at The Pagoda Tree.  For more information, to arrange an appointment or find out more please call us on 03 96867454 or email reception@thepagodatree.com.au.  We’re here to help!

Note: Allergies and sensitivities are taken very seriously in our clinic. If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to a particular plant or essential oil, let us know so that we may choose an appropriate alternative for you. We are happy to provide a list of essential oils used in AromaTouch, upon request.

Every year as spring comes around, we see an influx of people coming into the clinic wanting relief from sneezing, puffiness, sinusitis, shortness of breath, itchy skin and eyes, and we always tell them the best way to stop these symptoms is preparing for them a good month or two in advance.  Well that time is now!!

Last year was a particularly bad year for hay fever and allergy sufferers and if you remember we had the dreaded asthma storm, so to best prep your immune system, carpe diem.   So what is the best way to prep yourself for this, well here are a few things you can get started on right away.

1. Acupuncture.   It will take 3 or 4 Acupuncture appointments to have you in the best form for spring and it is cheap, easy and natural.  Regular acupuncture treatments are great for your immune system as it can reduce pain and inflammation in the body as well as improve circulation to the sinuses so that they are not stagnating and causing pressure build ups.  Regular acupuncture is also good at lowering stress and cortisol levels, which play a major part in the bodies immune, pain and inflammation responses.

1. LGG probiotics.  Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) is a certain strain of probiotic that is particularly good at helping with eczema and skin dryness.  Most probiotic supplements will contain LGG, but go for a specific LGG probiotic for that added boost.  LGG can also be found in yoghurt and different dairy based probiotic foods, but dairy can also be inflammatory, so don’t use dairy if you are already suffering form allergies.

1. Gut Health.  To carry on from the importance of LGG, getting more pre and probiotic foods to harmonise your gut will also pay off.  Saurkraut, Kimchi and Kombucha are all great foods to add to your dietary repertoire to up the good bacteria in your body.  A harmonised gut means you assimilate the important nutrients from your food, produce key hormones and chemicals for your immune system as well as boosting serotonin production to make you feel fantastic. 

1. Pungent foods.  Give your Qi a boost with ginger, garlic, wasabi or chilli.  Pungent foods are a quick way to get your sinuses running and clearing out.  They are often also antibacterial for the unwanted bacteria and are vasodilators to improve circulation of blood and qi.  Don’t over do it with pungent foods though as it can often cause diarrhoea.

1. Vitamin C, Zinc and Vitamin D.  This trinity of key vitamins is your best answer for the immune system and best to start topping up your body with now.  You can get them through good dietary habits and getting out in the sun enough, but again a good practitioner grade supplement can pay for itself, if it keeps you fit and firing at work and play throughout the hay fever season. 

So what are you waiting for??  Come in now for some Acupuncture and we can prescribe you some of these supplements and give you even more tips to beating the dreaded hay fever and allergies.

Caleb is one of our talented practitioners here at The Pagoda Tree.  For more information, to arrange an appointment or find out more please call us on 03 96867454 or email reception@thepagodatree.com.au.  We’re here to help!

You run around from here to there, from home, to work, to the shops, cooking, cleaning, friends, family, pets, kids, birthdays, weddings… who on Earth has time to deal with their emotions? Well… I’ll let you in on a little secret: You do!

At The Pagoda Tree, we talk a lot about stress management, and how important it is to prevent emotional overload (which then affects your adrenals, your hormones, and your overall state of health!). Now, that doesn’t mean you won’t experience negative emotions throughout your life, but too many of us think that the best way to deal with those emotions is to stuff them into a dark crevasse and go about our busy lives. But those emotions have to go somewhere, and if we don’t deal with them, they can become stuck in our bodies, and impact us in ways most of us would never expect.

Acupuncture is fantastic at treating physical manifestations of our emotions. But what can you do between treatments, when you are in the moment and need to shake off that strangling feeling of intensity?

First, try to identify where in your body you are experiencing these emotional sensations. Maybe it’s a tingling sensation in your legs? A tightness in the chest or throat? Dizziness, headaches, or trouble focusing your eyes? Perhaps a bit of nausea? Once you can pinpoint which location is most affected, you can implement a simple technique to combat these unsettling feelings.

We will discuss five of the most typical emotional-somatic experiences people have, and a few quick tricks to work through them and get on with your day!

1. Headaches, dizziness, vision issues

Using the palm side of your index fingers, massage behind the ears with an up-and-down motion, while taking deep breaths. Imagine with each inhale that your breath is pulling the pain/dizziness/blurriness down the front of your body, deep into your belly, and with each exhale, imagine that it travels down your legs and out your toes. It may be helpful to visualize it as pearls, balls of light, or drops of water.

2. Tightness in the throat

Talk it out, write it down, or find a song that speaks to you and sing along. Have a conversation with your pet, if you have to. Put those feelings into words and let it all out. Don’t worry if you feel like you aren’t making sense or you are repeating yourself. If you find that you experience this sensation regularly, then journaling, speaking, or singing might be something you want to incorporate into your daily routine. Shower karaoke anyone? Yes, please!

3.  Tightness in the chest

Self-massage works well for this. Begin by using your fingertips to gently massage down your sternum (the center of your chest). You may find a few points that are very tender. Linger on these points for a few moments, then continue downwards until you reach mid-belly. Do three passes of massage in this pattern while taking full deep breaths. Essential oils of grapefruit, mint, or eucalyptus are good for opening this area.

4.Nausea

Again, implementing self-massage can be very helpful here. With a flat palm, rub gently in a clock-wise motion starting on the lower belly near the right hip, up to just under the right-side ribs, across to just under the left side ribs, down to the left lower belly, and then back to where you started. Continue this motion until you start to feel movement in your belly. You may also begin to feel your core relaxing along with a gentle descending sensation. Deep belly breaths will intensify the effectiveness of this massage technique. This self-massage technique is also helpful for moving digestion along, so for those who feel their digestions is “slow,” this is a great way to keep things moving!

5. Tingling or numbness

Using the flat palm-side of your fingers and keep the wrist loose, gently tap up and down the affected area. For example, if the tingling or numbness is along the sides of the legs, begin at the hip and gently tap-tap-tap down the side of your leg to the knee and then back up to the hip. You could also go all the way down to the ankle, if it feels appropriate. This technique can be applied to nearly any area of the body, from the shoulder to the fingers, down the backs of the legs, the sides of the body, the bottom of the feet, or even on the scalp! Adding in verbal affirmations while you are tapping such as, “I deserve good health,” “I am grateful for…” or “I have control over my emotional responses,” will turbo-boost this technique. Even if you are not experiencing tingling or numbness, tapping is a great way to wake up the body and mind in the morning, or to work out mid-day stress and frustration- and it takes just seconds!

So there you have it. Stick those tools in your toolbelt and feel free to practice them at any time. Amaze your friends with your incredible insight on how to deal with stress-related physical discomfort, and then use them daily to supplement your acupuncture treatments. If none of these techniques resonate with you- fear not! We have many ways to help you deal with stress and all of the various cheeky ways it can manifest in the body. Come see us at The Pagoda Tree and we will work with you to make you feel your very best!

Sarah

Sarah is a much-loved TCM practitioner here at The Pagoda Tree. To book a consultation with her, contact reception.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve ever treated with TCM?

I think it’s a well known fact, that my favourite thing to treat is women’s fertility. It may not be very unusual, but I find women’s health so interesting. As a mother myself, I know first hand how amazing the gift of a baby is and so I love helping other women achieve their dreams of becoming a mother too.

Why do you love TCM?

Traditional Chinese Medicine very much advocates disease prevention, rather than waiting for the next step of disease treatment and I love that. It is much better and easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle, than manage chronic disease. I think Chinese Medicine is also superior when it comes to individual health, as we acknowledge and treat the root cause of the problem, rather than just the branch (being the symptoms). This benefits that patient much more than just slapping on a band-aid solution and waiting to deal with the actual problem later.

What is a favourite thing to do in your own time?

I love nothing more than spending time with my family and friends. My husband and I have two beautiful little girls that keep us very busy at home, but we love to get out and about with them too. We are very much food (and wine) lovers and regularly enjoy sharing a meal at a lovely restaurant together.

What is your favourite season and why?

I love the springtime. There is something about the emerging sunshine after those winter months that just brings out so much motivation and happiness in me. I adore sitting in the sunshine, amongst all the new spring growth. It helps that both my babies were spring babies too, so there is lots of love and celebration at this time for us as a family too.

What do you love about being on the team at The Pagoda Tree?

Having been self employed and solo at my clinic before the birth of my children, I can now see how much I love the team environment we have here at The Pagoda Tree. I originally came across Nat through her social media presence and probably just like you, was thoroughly inspired by her. So needless to say, being around and working closely with her has done so much for my own confidence and wealth of knowledge. The clinic is such a nurturing environment for all of our patients, but also for us practitioners as well. I really do feel so lucky to work here.

To arrange an appointment with Jacinta or any one of the team at The Pagoda Tree, you may call the clinic on 03 96867454 or email us – reception@thepagodatree.com.au.

Most of us have had either a migraine or headache at some point, but if you are someone that suffers regularly from the dreaded head beast, then it’s time to get over it.

Headaches and migraines are usually classified as either primary or secondary. Primary headaches are generally caused by stress, tension, over exertion or hormonal imbalances, where as secondary are usually as a result of another condition, such as sinus infection, trauma, dental disease or tumour. Secondary headaches are of course a serious concern and if they are also followed by fever, severe dizziness, fainting, vomiting without nausea or are a follow on from a trauma then emergency protocols may be necessary.

If that headache always hits you at the end of the working week, or you suffer from the same migraine every month at the same time, then you don’t have to put up with it any longer, my team at The Pagoda Tree & I are here to help.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) migraines and headaches are classified into a further number of patterns and most respond excellently to Acupuncture.  In fact, one of our most favourite ailments to treat are migraines and headaches because they generally respond so very well to treatment.

Generally headaches are caused by an inflammation of the pain receptors around the arteries in and around our brain. Our brain needs a consistent and steady flow of blood, and migraines and headaches are just a simple signal to our body that it is having to work extra hard to stimulate that flow. The reason why that occurs is generally due to a tension build up in our neck and upper shoulders, which constricts the blood vessels to the head. This in turn restricts blood flow to the brain, however instead of our bodies response being to release the tension in our neck and upper shoulders, the bodies response is vasodilation (opening expanding) of the arteries in and around our brain. This causes localised pain and often a throbbing sensation in the affected area, as these blood vessels widen and push on pain receptors. Many people who suffer from these types of headaches or migraines can feel even worse immediately after massages or even incorrect acupuncture, as this relieves the tension in the neck and shoulders and causes further circulation of blood to the head.

So how does Acupuncture help? A qualified Acupuncturist should ask a wide range of questions as to pertain to the exact type of headache or migraine you may suffer from. Then with the correct selection of Acupuncture points, give a lasting treatment for headaches and migraines. Mostly the points for headaches and migraines will be located on the feet and hands. This causes greater circulation to the extremities, hence less flow to the throbbing arteries in the head. In TCM we see this as a movement of aggravated Qi (vital energy) and heat away from channels around the head and diverting and releasing that Qi. If your treatment is not during a time of headache or migraine, Acupuncture can work locally to improve the suppleness of the neck and shoulder muscles, as well as help to relieve tension and stress. Acupuncture is a cheap, effective and lasting solution, without the side effects of pain medications. Treatment of reoccurring headaches or migraines will generally consist of 4-6 treatments, at which point you may also be suggested supplements, herbs or other ways to treat an attack while not in the clinic.

My 3 favourite tips are….

1. Take a hot shower or bath in epson salts to open up the circulation to the rest of your body and bring that aggravated Qi away from your head. Also consider foot bathes.
2. Ask your practitioner for a Magnesium supplement, as magnesium helps to relieve muscle tension, but can also assist in hormonal imbalances.
3. Meditate regularly, as this is the most simple way to reduce stress and improve mental and physical health.

Caleb is one of our talented practitioners here at The Pagoda Tree.  For more information, to arrange an appointment or find out more please call us on 03 96867454 or email reception@thepagodatree.com.au.  We’re here to help!

Meet Edwina.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve ever treated with TCM?

What I find most interesting is supporting women with menstrual issues, like endometriosis, by using acupuncture and moxibustion and empowering them with knowledge about their body.

Why do you love TCM?

I love TCM because it is about treating the whole body and getting to the cause or root of the problem in the body. I feel like I am able to really help people by explaining to them how disease is looked at through TCM theory and enabling patients with the power and understanding to change things in their day-to-day lives to help minimise any imbalances and/or issues.

What is a favourite thing to do in your own time?

In my own time I love to cook up a nice wholesome meal. I find focusing on chopping up ingredients and trying to work out the right flavours and textures both fun and relaxing. I also love going for walks outside, getting into nature and looking after my balcony garden.

What is your favourite season and why?

I love summer – can’t get enough of the sun and warmer weather! I really enjoy getting outside, going to a berry farm and picking fresh fruit, heading down to the beach for the day, or cooking and preparing fresh veggies from my own garden!

What do you love about being on the team at The Pagoda Tree?

I love being on The Pagoda Tree team because it is such a fun, encouraging and loving environment. We all have each other’s backs and work together to help make things easier and smoother in the clinic. We support and help each other learn in a fun and exciting way.

To make an appointment with Edwina, contact reception.

If you’re yet to catch Caleb in the clinic, we’ve asked him a few questions today.  Here goes…

What is the most interesting thing you’ve ever treated with TCM?

The most interesting would be helping in the stroke rehabilitation wing of hospitals and seeing people with paralysis of limbs regain movement through acupuncture.  The most rewarding would be treating my Grandma’s arthritis pain and helping her walk unassisted, as well as every single successful couple that gets pregnant.

Why do you love TCM?

I love TCM because it is easy and so rewarding to educate people via natural ways for them to help their health.

What is a favourite thing to do in your own time?

In my own time I love getting outside, either surfing, travelling or getting back to my family farm.

What is your favourite season and why?

I love spring.  It feels like the time when everyone and everything starts to come out of hibernation. It’s getting warmer, the days are longer and Melbourne has so many wonderful events on.

What do you love about being on the team at The Pagoda Tree?

The Pagoda Tree has been made into a sanctuary of calm and healing.  When I first walked in the door a couple of years ago, it had a glowing warmth in the building alone.  Then as I got to meet the team, I learnt that the warmth was present in everyone who worked here.  We all complement each other, both in personality and knowledge of healthcare, which makes it a fun and learning experience every day.

To make an appointment with Caleb, please contact reception.

Without any more hooha, please meet our wonderful practitioner Sarah.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve ever treated with TCM?

I treated a man in his 60s that had suffered from severe scoliosis his entire life. Because of his constant pain, he’d been unable to work for quite some time, had lost his home, and had suffered from a depressive state that had pushed away most of his family. He felt very alone and really had no lust for life anymore. He didn’t want to eat, he was very ashen in colour, and would not make eye contact. He came in wanting treatment for pain, but aside from that, what he really needed was to nourish his Shen – his soul and emotions.

I asked him to boil herbs like rosemary or thyme 30 minutes before mealtime to entice his digestive system and re-introduce a desire for food. After just a couple of weeks of acupuncture treatments, along with his herbal ‘homework,’ he came in one day with a fresh bright colour in his face, and a light in his eyes – he was making eye contact! He was talkative! He smiled! He told me that his pain had decreased significantly and that he was very excited about cooking meals for himself. He enjoyed describing his recipes to me at follow-up appointments.

What started off as a very sad and difficult case, became something that has always stuck with me as a source of inspiration, and a reminder of what a difference this medicine, along with a bit of humanity and empathy, can make.

Why do you love TCM?

I love TCM because it fills in the gaps that Western medicine often overlooks – that is, the emotions, the spirit, and treating the whole person. It’s such a beautiful feeling to have a patient feel like they are finally being heard and understood, and that their ailments have an explanation that validates their experience.

It’s hard to go to a GP and try to explain that every time it rains, their stomach hurts and their mind gets foggy, without feeling a bit silly. TCM embraces these kinds of experiences as important diagnostic information. There’s no such thing as ‘weird’ or ‘too much information’ in TCM.

What is a favourite thing to do in your own time?

Painting, putting my feet in the ocean, enjoying sunsets and full moons, and annoying my pets with affection.

What is your favourite season and why?

Late autumn and early spring, when it’s rainy but slightly warm, and there’s a good chance of a thunderstorm! Rain is life-giving – it’s what makes everything green and luscious. I love it!

What do you love about being on the team at The Pagoda Tree?

I love that I can practice in a way that resonates with my values, knowing that I’m being supported by a genuine, loving team of co-workers. Everyone here has come from different walks of life and we have so much to learn from each other. We have fun, laugh together, and we are all very passionate about what we do.

To make an appointment with Sarah, please contact reception.

Now before you do rush to The Pagoda Tree to get fixed we need to make sure nothing life threatening is going on. If you have had a recent physical trauma or are in an emergency state, please visit a hospital first as acupuncture cannot relieve pain caused by serious structural damage. If they give you the all clear from serious damage, then it’s time to get some acupuncture, and bring with you any scans or test results.

Acupuncture is perfect if the pain is due to inflammation, tissue damage or heightened pain reception. It is natural, quick, cheap, non-invasive and can be longer lasting than many other common treatments for aches and pains. So how does it work?

Improves circulation

When acupuncture needles are inserted the first thing you can feel is often a tingling or a heavy sensation. This is an attraction of your blood and immune system sending more blood to the area, helpful for those recovering from an injury. This extra circulation of blood is important for healing tissue and can also relieve muscle spasms. People who practice dry needling, use this technique alone in the affected muscle tissue, however acupuncturists can also use distal points, which also direct circulation to problem areas.

Releases opioids in the brain

Although much research has gone into how acupuncture stimulates the release of opioids in the brain, scientists still don’t know exactly how. All they do know is the choice of specific acupoints does release opioids. This is of great benefit for pain suffers, as opioids are the naturally occurring chemical in the brain that have an analgesic effect, hence lowering the feeling of pain.

Alters different neurotransmitters and neurohormones

Acupuncture also affects the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which are both important for the regulation of chemicals in the brain and hormones that cause pain sensation. Those who suffer from fibromyalgia or other problems, where the pain response is stronger than the stimulus, can benefit from the effects of acupuncture.

Starts the flow of endorphins

The first thing most people notice after they finish an acupuncture session is a feeling of calm and clarity. This can be attributed to a lowering of cortisol levels in the blood, but also a raise in endorphins. Endorphins are what give you a natural high and are also the body’s natural painkiller.

Moves stagnation

With acupuncture, we often refer to pain as stagnation. This can be a knot in the muscle, scar tissue or tenderness. Acupuncture primarily works on moving blood and Qi (the body’s life force) along channels, as if we are moving a blockage in a pipe. If you notice a particular area or spot that is having reoccurring pain but can’t quite eliminate it, acupuncture can help.

As The Pagoda Tree is an acupuncture clinic, all the practitioners have training in a wide range of areas. When you come in for a treatment, we will tailor a treatment specifically to you. In the case of aches and pains this can involve using just one needle to give relief. If you are suffering from an issue, don’t hesitate to make contact, as it can often be a simple fix.

– Caleb