Treatment at Kura Elements
At your first visit you will be required to fill out a broad and general health questionnaire, which may help to gain a deeper understanding of the pathology causing your symptoms and discomfort. We may then ask further questions in order to obtain a complete individual diagnosis.
Our Process
The treatment will begin with a light palpation of the abdomen (Hara diagnosis) and wrist (pulse diagnosis) in order to assess the current state of your channel system, overall constitution and obtain a clear reading of any imbalances.
Every treatment is unique and specifically targeted to your needs, usually divided into root and manifestation treatment. The root treatment addresses your constitution, whilst the manifestation treatment addresses relief of current signs and symptoms. Techniques vary from treatment to treatment based upon the mentioned details, including:
Acupuncture
Gentle Japanese techniques, where needles are shallowly inserted
Moxibustion
Burning the herb Mugwort to promote Ki (or Qi) and Blood circulation
Herbal Formula
Available in pills, granule (or powder), and raw herbs
Dietary Guideline
Individualised advice to help healing and promote wellbeing
Functional Movement
A combination of targeted Qigong and exercise physiology
Cupping
Suction created by glass cups to facilitate healing and pain relief
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of medicine that along with other techniques is part of Chinese medicine. It is one of the oldest currently used healing methods which is practiced all throughout the world. According to the Chinese medicine philosophy of the five elements, as well as Yin & Yang, disease is the result of compromised flow of Qi (or Ki) and Blood along the “channels”, or meridians.
The aim of acupuncture is to restore the balance along these channels, allowing a smooth Qi and Blood flow, and the body’s innate intelligence to heal itself. Japanese style acupuncture achieves this result through a very fine needle inserted very shallowly, about 1-2 mm, causing no discomfort nor pain, yet having a powerful healing effect. These points are located along these channels, which are connecting the surface of the body to internal aspects such as tissues, organs, and emotions.
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Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a technique, also called heat therapy, complementary to acupuncture. It consists of burning a dried herb known as Mugwort (or Artemisia Vulgaris) on the same points used along the channels with acupuncture. It has the main function of warming and invigorating, aiming the movement of Qi and Blood to restore balance. It is also enhancing the relationship between body and mind, allowing a deep sense of relaxation and wellness.
Some technique we often use are:
1- Chinetsukyu or “cone moxa” where a small, rolled cone-shaped like moxa is placed on the skin, and burnt until feeling the heat, to be then removed before becoming too hot, causing a deep sense of relieving tension and warm sensation in the surrounding area. It usually lasts about 10 to 15 seconds based on the result to be achieved.
2- Tonetsukyu or “direct moxa” where a sesame seed side rolled moxa is placed and burned directly on the skin, causing a fast pin-like heat with the purpose of encouraging activation of the channel and accelerating the natural healing process. It usually lasts 3 to 5 seconds for each “seed”.
3- Kyutoshin or “needle moxa” where the moxa is placed on top of the inserted needle. It is known to be effective for stiff joints and muscles, especially on the lower back. It usually lasts about two minutes.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Formulas is a popular and probably the most known method of treatment. Our dispensary offers a wide selection of single herbs able to compose the majority of the formulas targeting any condition. Same as other TCM ancient techniques, Chinese herbs restore balance and provide strength to our original physiology from the deepest, most unified levels of body and mind.
Herbs can be in a raw form, powder, pills, or tincture, and are prescribed depending upon its intended use. Our practitioners are licensed to custom make herbal prescriptions to treat a wide range of health conditions, helping you to achieve a deeper and longer lasting effect, with no adverse reaction. Our holistic approach may also help you understand and effortlessly integrate new ingredients on your daily meals, to experience total wellbeing and nourishment.
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Cupping Therapy
Cupping Therapy is an ancient practice that is used along with other TCM techniques. It consists of placing the cups on specific points, usually on the back, in order to relax the muscles and relieve pain. During the application a flame is used to create a vacuum, which after being placed on the skin will create a suction, hence the therapeutic effect.
The suction of the skin and the underlying structures may allow the movement of Qi and Blood, with the purpose of removing ‘stagnation’ causing pain or discomfort. It is a safe practice, and most of the time may cause discoloration of the skin, bruise like marks, that can stay for a few days before fading away.
Lifestyle & Exercise
Lifestyle & Exercises are essential to a healthy state of being. Diet, exercises, breathing and emotions are all under the umbrella forming the well-known quote “mens sana in corpore sano”. These aspects are essential to keep a balanced state of our physical, physiological and emotional state, therefore it is important to integrate them in our everyday life.
Qigong is a healing art, is a powerful practice for preventing ailments and promoting health. In practice, body movement, breathing techniques, meditation and mind activity are used to directly work on Qi. When in a state of physical, physiological and emotional balance, a person is better able to meet all challenges life presents. With his previous degree in sport and health, Johnnie often prescribes targeted exercises to support wellbeing and enhance the treatment benefits.