Licensed Acupuncturist

Emma Mango

Emma Mango Acupuncture Acupuncture is the 2000-year-old practice of inserting small hair like needles into pressure points located all over the body. The aim being to stimulate the natural functioning of the body.

Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, acupuncture is used to encourage the flow of energy or ‘Qi’ around the body. Qi isn’t magic, it’s not like the force, it’s a theory. It follows very simple principles.

The body has a continuous loop of energy, split into 12 channels (meridians) that connect to one another. When you have an injury, it causes pain and disrupts the flow.

The treatment is to needle specific points along the channels, with the hope that by stimulating the energy in the affected area, you can unblock the meridian and reduce the pain.

These meridians also feed the organs, so by needling specific points depending on the issue, you can affect the internal organs and improve their functions.

While there is no specific explanation about how acupuncture works, there are a few documented theories;

Affects pain centers in the brain and our perception of pain
Increases production of the body’s natural painkillers
Helps to trigger the immune system and our natural defence mechanisms to boost immunity
Affects the central nervous system, encouraging the body to switch from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and digest’, and promoting relaxation and hormonal balance

For a list of conditions and an overview of the scientific research please visit: https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/present-research/acupuncture-scientific-
evidence/

Emma has a particular interest in supporting natural fertility, women’s health, and the treatment of sports injuries.

Fertility Acupuncture

There are a number of theories explaining how acupuncture may help support your natural fertility, particularly if you have ‘unexplained infertility’, PCOS, ovarian cysts, or a hormonal imbalance:

Regulates Hormones – Promotes the release of beta-endorphin which acts on the brain to release gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH); this affects the release of follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH), oestrogen, progesterone and luteinising hormone (LH), and therefore, ovulation
Increases Blood Flow – Acupuncture promotes the para-sympathetic system, which increases blood flow through vasodilation. Local acupuncture points are used which correspond to the sympathetic innervation of the ovaries, stimulation of which can cause an increase in blood flow. This provides more nourishment to the ovaries and uterus to create a hospitable environment for healthy follicle development and embryo implantation
Reduces Stress – Acupuncture promotes the ‘rest and digest’ mode (reduces sympathetic nerve activity). High stress levels are associated with adrenaline, catecholamines and cortisol which can suppress ovulation, reduce sperm count, and lower libido

Acupuncture is also becoming increasingly popular with couples undergoing conventional fertility treatments such as IVF, to support their health and well-being during this stressful time.

Sports Acupuncture

Muscular-skeletal injuries may respond well to acupuncture treatment, and reduce the need for painkillers. Acupuncture may increase blood circulation, the production of immune cells, both of which are essential for healing. Not to mention the increased production of our natural painkillers. Common sports injuries include tennis elbow, golfers’ elbow, lower back pain, and frozen shoulder. Other services provided at Zenchi that are particularly helpful in treating sports injuries are cupping therapy and Chinese massage, which both work to loosen muscles and fascia surrounding injuries, reducing pain and tension, increasing mobility, and promoting good circulation.

Tui Na

Tui Na [pronounced ‘Twee-Na’] is a hands-on system of bodywork or massage, more than 4,000 years old, and roughly translates to ‘push and pull’ which describes the kind of techniques involved.

The aim is to encourage blood flow and promote healing, and to stimulate the flow of energy [Qi]. This helps to remove any restrictions or blockages in the form of muscular tension, adhesion or injury, increasing mobility and reducing pain. Tui Na is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), each treatment is tailored to your individual issues and incorporates beneficial acupressure points along with many other techniques.

What kind of movements are used?

Applying pressure – beneficial acupuncture points are stimulated along with ‘ashi’ “ah-shurr”, or trigger points, to relax tight muscles
Vibrating or rocking – helps loosen and relax joints, fascia, and calms the nervous system (1)
Moving – gentle, passive mobilisation of joints encourages blood flow in and around the joint and reduces pain (2)

Massage reduces inflammation, and by increasing the production of mitochondria in muscle cells, speeds up the healing process particularly with sports related injuries. (3)

Tui Na massage is an excellent, drug-free way to reduce musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, and to encourage deep relaxation and healing.

Prices

Consultation
45 Mins – £50

Follow Up
55 Mins – £60
Block of 5 Sessions for £250

Cupping Therapy Session
30 Mins – £35
45 Mins – £52

Acupressure (Tui na) Massage Session
30 Mins – £35
45 Mins – £52

You can find out more about Emma on her website