Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCM) at Alternatives
We have two Acupuncturists at Alternatives,Northwood.Malti Shah
About Me
I am a fully qualified acupuncture practitioner and a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC ). Since gaining my licentiate at The London College of Traditional Acupuncture in 2006 I have continued to explore the diversity of treatment approaches including Japanese style acupuncture using gentler techniques with much finer needles and superficial needling which is great news for needle shy patients and children.
I treat a wide range of conditions with particular interest in the areas of gynaecology, IVF assistance, paediatrics, musculo-skeletal, dermatology and cosmetic acupuncture known as facial revitalisation.
I also practice Reiki, Energy Healing and Kansa Vatki Massage™.
Special Interests
Paediatric Acupuncture
I use a style of acupuncture for babies and young children that is unique to Japanese acupuncture. This gentle 'no-needle' approach, called Shonishin, is well tolerated by all children and involves lightly tapping and rubbing the acupuncture meridians. I also teach this technique to parents who can reinforce the treatment by using it at home.
Musculo-skeletal & pain conditions
Both Japanese Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provide a versatile range of techniques for addressing pain related conditions. Acupuncture is widely recognised for its benefits in treating musculo-skeletal problems. In May 2006, the health watchdog N.I.C.E endorsed acupuncture for the treatment of back pain.
Facial Revitalisation & dermatology
I trained with Virginia Doran the leading US expert and practitioner in the use of acupuncture for facial rejuvenation and use her facial acupuncture and massage protocol. Ms. Doran has studied extensively with many masters of the healing arts. She has demonstrated her method of Facial Rejuvenation and Acupuncture on several TV networks (CBS News, UPN News, FOX Good Day New York). Virginia was the Acupuncturist for photos in the Fall 1999 Versace catalogue and for a Shape Magazine article on dermatological conditions.
Malti Shah
BSc (Hons) Acupuncture, Lic.Ac., MBAcC
Licentiate of Acupuncture
Member of British Acupuncture Council
For even more information you are welcome to visit my own website by clicking here
Our practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is Mr. Jas Bansal. TCM involves the use of Acupuncture and/or Chinese Herbal Medicine. Jas is a member of The British Acupuncture Council, The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine and as he is also a qualified Pharmacist, The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Jas studied TCM for four years under an internationaly respected practitioner with three generations of clinical knowledge behind him and also spent some time in a TCM hospital in Vietnam to hone his skills.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into the skin to stimulate certain acupuncture points. There are over 300 of these points on the body and the insertion is shallow and should not be painful ( no greater than plucking hair from your skin ). It has become recognised by western doctors and many therapists ( after little training ) try to use it as part of their therapy.Fully qualified Acupuncturists may in addition to fine needles also use the following modalities :
1 Moxibustion
Moxa (mugwort) has many applications and is used to stimulate channels and points. The heat from this herb is warming, soothing and extremely relaxing. It is very effective for releasing tightness in the muscles, relaxing tension and invigorating the flow of Chi/Qi.
2 Cupping
Special suction is placed on the skin. The suction helps to increase the flow of Chi/Qi in the channels. Cupping improves circulation, releases tight muscles and is especially effective for tension and stiffness in the back & shoulders.
3 Electro Stimulation
Involves the use of a mild pulsating electrical current to stimulate the acupuncture points and is mostly used for chronic pain or neurological disorders.
TCM
Traditional Chimese Medicine incorporates the use of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs which both use the concept of `Chi`or Qi. Chi/Qi is the `basic energy` which TCM uses to explain and treat disharmonies of the body. Using energy, it is easier to visualize a healthy body with chi flowing smoothly and freely compared to an unhealthy body where there will be areas of high/stagnant chi/qi, and equally, areas of low/dispersed chi/qi, i.e. an imbalanced body.
TCM is a form of medicine which slowly re-balances the body using the knowledge gained from over 2000 years of practical use.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
CHM has been used for over two thousand years and is used in Asia today, giving its materia medica ( medicines )substantial backing. CHM now uses modern pharmaceutical processes to ensure they are free from pesticides and other contaminants. They are processed into powder form enabling the potency of each herb to be standardized. This enables the practitioner to give a safe, low dose formula to aid treatment and also ensuring that the formula does not contain any substance that has been prohibited for public use by the Medicines Control Agency.
Both Acupuncture and CHM require years of training and understanding to provide a positive and beneficial treatment, Jas and Malti have both.
We treat a lot of people with fertility problems including those undergoing IVF, skin conditions and back pain, migraines, etc. The list of conditions that can be treated is very long but would include stress, anxiety, insomnia, PMT, depression, arthritis, incontinence, endometriosis and so on. If in doubt please ask to speak to Jas or Malti before making your appointment.
We advise that patients inform their doctor of the therapy they are receiving although you do not have to. When you have an appointment do not have a large meal or coffee beforehand and avoid strenuous exercise for at least an hour before. Avoid alcohol on treatment days and grapefruit juice whilst taking CHM.
Malti works on Saturdays, some Sundays and some evenings by arrangement, Jas has his clinic on a Sunday morning. They charge from £41 per one hour session.