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MING
CHEN AT CHINAMEDIC.CO.UK Edinburgh: 24 Bernard Street, Edinburgh. Telephone: 0131 554 7888 / 0808 Glasgow: 138 Holland Street, Glasgow. Telephone: 0141 847 07882 / 248 6888 Inverness: 2 Ness Walk, Inverness. Telephone: 01463 238 828 / 236 498 |
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This is a no-graphics, text-only version
of the Chinamedic website. If you wish to see the rich media version (requires
Macromedia Flash plug-in) please click here. Available treatments & therapies WHAT IS CHINESE MEDICINE? Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on a ‘holistic’ approach to health. This means that your physical, mental and emotional states are taken into account when diagnosing and treating illness. Rather than focusing purely on the relief of
symptoms – as much of Western Medicine does – it concentrates
on the underlying cause of disease and chronic conditions. The term Traditional
Chinese Medicine covers a number of separate medical disciplines including:
The earliest recorded history of Traditional Chinese Medicine dates from 2700 BC and is found in the ‘Huang Di Nei Jing’ – the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. This text lays out the philosophical foundations upon which all aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine are based. The practices and techniques used in treating disorders are the result of thousands of years of research and observation following the laws of empirical analysis. These practices and techniques continue to be developed – which is why Traditional Chinese Medicine is now widely recognised as a highly effective form of alternative healthcare.
Yin and Yang - Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to maintain and correct the ‘dynamic balance’ of the body. Central to this is the principal of Yin and Yang, which represents the opposing elements that exist in all aspects of the universe. If Yin and Yang are in balance there is health. But if there is too much of either it creates an imbalance and causes disease by obstructing the flow of Qi (pronounced ‘chee’ and meaning energy) throughout the body. The Five Elements - The interaction of the five elements – water, wood, earth, fire and metal – is equally important to the maintenance of ‘dynamic balance’. All life, indeed all matter is made up of these elements, and each organ in the body corresponds to a different one. Should any element become predominant the flow of Qi will be stopped and ill health will occur. Would you like to know more? Click here to download more in-depth information AVAILABLE TREATMENTS & THERAPIES
Treatment - Each consultation and treatment programme
is unique to the individual, and the quality of treatment you will receive
is of the highest standard. Our practitioners have been carefully selected
for their skill, superior training and professionalism. Your treatments
will be carried out in relaxed, comfortable and scrupulously clean surroundings.
If there is a treatment or therapy you are interested which in is not included on this list please ask us. If we are unable to provide it, we may be able to recommend a practitioner who can.
Acupuncture - Acupuncture is one of the most ancient methods of healing, with records dating back more than 2,500 years. Generations of specialist practitioners have refined the techniques. Very fine disposable needles are inserted into the surface of body – at strategic ‘acupressure’ points – to stimulate the body’s own healing responses. These needles can be left in for up to 30 minutes and only a mild twinge should be felt. It is extremely effective in a wide variety of conditions and can also be used as a preventative treatment. Chinese Herbal Medicine - The use of herbs to treat illness has evolved and developed in China over the last 3,000 years. It is now a fairly exact science and the various herbal remedies are completely safe. Every part of the plant may be used as an ingredient – roots, stalks, flowers and seeds. The herbal medicine can take the form of a tea-like brew, tablets, pills, lotions or creams. When your Chinese herbalist has completed his diagnosis – which involves a close examination of your pulse, tongue and careful questioning – you will be prescribed a mixture of eight to thirty herbs which is completely unique to you and your symptoms. Cupping Therapy - A jar, from which the air has been removed using heat, is placed directly on the surface of the skin. This creates a not unpleasant drawing sensation, which promotes the free flow of Qi (energy) and blood in the channels. It reduces swellings, pain and eliminates cold and dampness. Moxibustion - The herb moxa (artemisia vulgaris) is burned to provide mild local heat to various acupuncture points. This is done in a number of ways – the two most common being either a stick or cone – to ensure that the skin is always protected from any extreme heat. It originated as a separate medical practice, but is now usually used in combination with acupuncture. It has been traditionally used as a way to treat specific types of osteo-arthritis, physical fatigue and general cold symptoms. In more recent times it has found success as an aid in the recovery of sports injuries, facial palsy stroke symptoms and even as an aid in breach pregnancies. Tui–na (Chinese Massage) - Tui–na (meaning ‘push and grab’) combines massage and acupressure, and has been practised in China since 1700 BC. A wide range of techniques are used – there are over one hundred different hand movements alone. Herbal compresses and poultices may also be used. The aim of Tui-na is to stimulate those parts of the body which speed up healing and relieve pain. People with back, neck and joint pain, headaches and sports injuries find it particularly useful. But it can be used successfully to treat all manner of specific muscular and skeletal disorders, and chronic stress related disorders of the digestive, reproductive and respiratory systems.
Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy is a comprehensive natural therapy that involves the use of carefully selected essential oils to treat a wide range of individuals and problems. Each essential oil has unique properties, which can be used to relieve stress, stimulate body processes, ease painful muscular tensions and create an enhanced feeling of well being. The right oils used with massage and relaxation techniques form the basis of most aromatherapy treatment. The essential oils can also be inhaled or mixed into ointments, creams, lotions and compresses. Chiropractic Treatment - The theory behind chiropractic treatment is that disease may be caused by disturbances within the relationship between the spinal column and nervous system. Before beginning treatment your chiropractor will do a full medical history, taking into account any external factors which may be contributing to the problem. Diagnosis is made by examining the affected area – usually the spine – and testing muscle movement range and flexibility. Depending on the area affected a combination of manipulative techniques – including spinal readjustment, soft tissue massage and articular functioning – will be used to realign the spinal column. Counselling - Counselling offers individuals the opportunity to talk about specific problems or areas of life they may be finding difficult, in a non-judgemental, non-threatening environment. These problems could be longstanding ones such as an addiction or the inability to make or sustain intimate relationships. They could be the result of a current crisis such as bereavement, or work problems. Whatever the cause, talking – and perhaps more importantly being heard – will enable the individual to make changes to their life and/or attitudes and live in a more fulfilling and productive way. Craniosacral Therapy - Craniosacral Therapy has its roots in osteopathic medicine and is a gentle, non-invasive way of working with the body. It utilises a pulsation known as the Cranial Rhythm in a diagnostic and therapeutic way. This rhythm arises out of the central nervous system and the fluid that surrounds it and can be felt throughout the body's tissues and cells. This rhythm is fundamental to health and when it becomes restricted or blocked by physical injuries and emotional stress, ill health arises. Using light touch, Craniosacral Therapists stimulate the Cranial Rhythms in a way that encourages the body to rebalance and heal itself. Homeopathy - Homeopathy is a complete and effective system of medicine that has been practised worldwide for centuries. Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body’s own healing powers. One of the fundamental principles of homeopathic philosophy is that ‘like cures like’. Following this principle the practitioner will administer minute doses of a substance that, if given in larger doses, would reproduce the patient’s symptoms. This form of treatment has been shown as effective in treating a wide range of illnesses – from depression to psoriasis, arthritis to ME and menopausal symptoms to migraine. Naturopathy- Naturopathy is a holistic form of medicine, which stresses maintenance of health and prevention of disease. It looks at the patient's individual genetic make up and environment, then works with the body’s own efforts to achieve optimum health. When a person becomes unwell the basic approach of the practitioner will be to discover the cause of the complaint, then use the most natural, least invasive therapy available. This will encourage the self-healing power of the body. Naturopathy is suitable for all ages and can be an effective treatment for all manner of illnesses. But it should be regarded as not just a treatment, but a total approach to healthcare. Osteopathy - Osteopathy treats the body structure – muscles and joints – in order to improve the health of the whole person. It is a safe and natural manual therapy that focuses on gentle manipulation of the soft tissues of the body and on mobilisation and adjustment of the spine and other joints. By treating and balancing the structure, osteopaths can improve nerve supply, blood circulation, and lymphatic drainage to joints, muscles, limbs and organs. This is highly beneficial for conditions affecting the body framework. But it can also enhance the function of many organs and offer relief to those with digestive disorders, menstrual complaints, general fatigue, asthma and stress related illness. Physiotherapy - Physiotherapy is a widely practised and medically accepted way of helping to repair and heal virtually any condition that affects your muscles, joints or nerves. This includes everything from sports injuries, arthritis and back and neck pain to assisting in recovery from stroke or heart attacks, pregnancy symptoms and even asthma or other breathing difficulties. Your physiotherapist will work with you to develop an effective treatment plan that best suits your individual condition, lifestyle and general health. This could incorporate a variety of treatments such as exercise, manipulation and mobilization, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy and massage. Some physiotherapists may also use acupuncture, if they are qualified to practise this technique. Reflexology - Reflexology is based on the principle that all the structures, systems and organs of the body are reflected in specific points on the feet. Through applying pressure to these points illness can be alleviated by helping the body to achieve its own state of balance and good health. Reiki - Reiki – the Japanese word for ‘the Universal Life Force’ – is an ancient technique that has been widely used throughout Japan and India for many centuries. Its aim is to accelerate the body, mind and spirit’s healing process. During the session the practitioner will place his or her hands on the patient but not directly on the affected area. The Reiki energy will direct itself to the correct areas. This includes both the exterior physical symptoms and any deeper root causes in the mind/spirit connection. You may feel sensations of heat, cold, vibrations or tingling – at other times nothing at all. Shiatsu - Literally translated Shiatsu means ‘finger pressure’. But this Japanese acupressure massage technique can be performed with the practitioner’s fingertips, elbows and sometimes even feet. Relaxing and stimulating, this non-invasive therapy is performed through clothes. The aim is to restore the natural balance to the body and mind by stimulating the flow of Qi (energy) and removing toxins. This is achieved by careful manipulation of the key acupressure points. It is suitable for practically everyone, children and adults alike. Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork - Massage is a simple, effective form of treatment that centres on touch. And through this caring, sensitive touch many positive things can be achieved. Tension in muscles can be released; the body can be stimulated where it is slow and sluggish; movement in joints can be increased; the circulatory and eliminatory systems can be improved; and the overall balance of the body and its natural healing processes can be restored. As such, massage is an effective treatment for a range of physical ailments – from neck and shoulder tension, to arthritis, migraines, PMT and lower back pain. CONDITIONS WHICH MAY BENEFIT For a professional diagnosis and treatment recommendations, you should contact the Chinese Medicine and Healthcare Centre. We will be happy to discuss your condition, provide more information and, if you choose, make an appointment for you to visit us in person. Digestion - This is one area of the body where the
physical and emotional causes of illness – primarily stress –
are most visibly connected. It is therefore where our holistic approach
to treatment often has the most rapid and dramatic results. Ear, Nose and Throat - Even the slightest ailments
of this area of the body can have a profound affect on the overall health
of the individual. Using decongestants, antihistamines, inhalers, pain
killers and other prescription medicines are the only way many can function
on a day to day basis. There could be an alternative for you. Internal - The following list of ailments are not related,
but indicate the diverse nature of the conditions we can help with. In
the case of many of these complaints we recommend that the treatment you
receive should be in conjunction with, and complimentary to, that which
you receive from your usual medical professional. Nervous & Spirit Disorders Aches and Sprains - Countless people live with chronic
pain. Pain that ranges from the uncomfortable and annoying, to the debilitating.
If you are living with pain and would like to discover the root of that
pain and ways to relieve it – effectively and permanently –
we can help. Skeletal & Muscular - This is the basic structure
of the body. If any part of that structure is weakened or damaged the
effects are considerable. All these conditions cause pain and discomfort,
most will greatly limit the way we live and work. We may be able to help
in ways that don’t require invasive surgery, prescription drugs or
lengthy waiting lists. Skin - Conditions of the skin are not only intensely
uncomfortable, they can cause the sufferer untold embarrassment and emotional
distress. Many people who have had limited or no success with conventional
treatment, have experienced excellent results from Traditional Chinese
Medicine. It could help you. Women’s / Men’s Problems - The fact is
that many of these problems are not just debilitating and uncomfortable
– they can also be quite distressing, embarrassing and difficult
to discuss for the sufferer. Our patient centred approach and the relaxed,
reassuring environment in which the treatment is carried out, helps many
people to overcome their fears and find successful ways to overcome these
conditions. Other Conditions - Many serious conditions have more
than a purely physical cause. Therefore, to successfully treat them you
often need to tackle the other aspects that affect one's wellbeing –
such as emotional and spiritual – in conjunction with the physical.
This approach to treatment is central to our philosophy. PRESS & PAST PATIENTS Word of mouth is a very valuable guide to finding a suitable complementary therapist. If you know of people who have attended the Chinese Medicine and Healthcare Centre it might be a good idea to get their feedback. If not, we've included a few brief case studies and excerpts from some of the many positive articles about the Centre that have appeared in the popular press.
The Chinese Medical and Healthcare Centre has successfully treated many patients who have been unable to receive help or relief for their conditions elsewhere. Here are just a few examples… Jamie Prendergrass, 12, neck injury - Jamie was a promising young sporting talent until a neck injury during a rugby match meant he might never play sport again. After months of physiotherapy and an endless series of tests and x-rays, doctors were stumped and told him there was nothing more they could do for him. One year later – thanks to a combination of acupuncture to reduce inflammation and relieve pain and Chinese massage to build up his strength – Jamie is back playing rugby and enjoying life to the full. Richard Burke, 44, Ménière's disease - Ménières disease is a condition caused by fluid in the inner ear. It can result in a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ear, chronic dizziness and imbalance. Richard tried every form of Western medicine to relieve his condition, without any success. His attacks became so severe and frequent that he had to give up work as a construction consultant. But, after his first acupuncture session he felt immediate relief. He has kept up his treatment and has not had a major attack since December 1997. David Ovens, 30, broken leg and subsequent infection - David was a competitive 800 metres runner until a freak fall while training resulted in a broken leg that became infected. He spent the next year in and out of hospital having bone, muscle and skin grafts – but was still looking at a life of limited mobility. Desperate, he turned to us. After a few weeks of intensive acupuncture the swelling subsided and his leg never flared up again. The bone is now healed and he has begun to run again. Alan Webb, 47, paralysis - An accident at work in 1995 left Alan with a trapped nerve in his neck and lost him the use of his left arm and leg. Doctors said they could do nothing more for him and he was left unable to work and taking up to 17 painkillers just to get through the day. Alan was a total sceptic but was at the end of his tether and willing to try anything. He was prescribed a combination of acupuncture and Chinese massage, which quickly relieved his symptoms and improved his general wellbeing. He has now been able to return to work part time and is looking forward to further improvement as a result of his ongoing treatment. Wendy Thomson, 29, ovarian cysts and infertility- A huge cyst – following IVF treatment – cost Wendy an ovary, fallopian tube, an expected baby and the hope of ever being able to conceive again. She turned to Chinese medicine to help her cope with the trauma and ease stress, and was treated with a combination of Chinese herbs and acupuncture. Soon after her treatment began her practitioner advised her to stop taking the herbs as she was pregnant. Wendy didn’t believe it, but stopped taking the herbs and continued with her other treatment. Four months after her first treatment a routine scan to check for further cysts revealed that she was indeed pregnant and she is now the mother of a beautiful baby boy.
The Chinese Medicine and Healthcare Centre – and in particular our founder Dr Ming Chen Robertson – has received much favourable press. “Visit Ming or any Chinese herbalist or acupuncturist
and they’ll always examine the pulses on your wrist, look at your
tongue, listen to your voice, perhaps palpate the abdomen and ask you
many questions about your diet, lifestyle and medical history. But they’ll
also look intently at your face in the belief that tiny signs in each
area reveal the health of the major internal organs and form part of the
diagnostic procedure.” “Like most alternative medicine practitioners, hers
is a very personal service. She gets to know each client, treats her work
like an art. She seems to notice everything about you. The way you sit.
The way you speak. The way you walk. The subtle textures and colorations
of your skin.” “My philosophy is to treat the whole person, and I
draw from my knowledge of both traditions [Western and Eastern Medicine].
If someone comes to me suffering headaches, I try to find out what is
causing the headache, and treat that, rather than handing out pills for
the headache. It could be caused by neck pain, or stress, or their diet
– all sorts of things.”
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