Overview
At Point The Way, we offer a range of treatments including acupuncture, cupping, and pre-formulated herbal medicine as our primary tools of care. But our approach goes beyond just symptom relief. We’re here to support you in understanding what aspects of your life, physical, emotional, or social, might be influencing your current state of health.
We take a broad, integrated view using the biopsychosocial model: considering the biological body, the psychological state of mind, and the social environment you move through each day. Our goal is to help uncover the deeper patterns affecting your well-being and support you in finding a clearer, more balanced path forward.
Acupuncture
I offer a personalised blend of acupuncture styles, drawing from both traditional and modern systems to meet you where you're at. My treatments are rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with the added precision of Master Tung and Dr. Tan’s Balance Method, known for fast and effective results.
For deeper emotional support, I integrate Five Element Acupuncture, and when stress or overwhelm needs calming, I often include Auricular (ear) acupuncture. I also use dry needling and trigger point release where needed, especially for stubborn pain or muscular tension.
Each session is guided by intuition, clinical skill, and a deep respect for the body’s natural rhythm, helping you return to balance, one point at a time.
Cupping
Cupping is a traditional technique used in Chinese medicine to support circulation, ease muscular tension, and address areas of stagnation. It involves placing cups on the skin to create gentle suction, which may encourage blood flow and promote relaxation in the underlying tissues.
With roots tracing back to ancient China, Egypt, and Greece, cupping has been practiced for thousands of years in various forms. Today, I use modern glass or silicone cups in a clean, professional setting to provide a safe and tailored experience.
Marks may appear on the skin after treatment, these are temporary and part of the body’s natural response to the suction.
Herbal Formulas
Alongside acupuncture, I offer simple, pre-formulated herbal remedies to support your treatment and enhance outcomes between sessions. These are ready-made blends based on classical Chinese formulas, chosen to suit your specific needs, whether it’s calming the mind, supporting digestion, or regulating the menstrual cycle.
They’re a great way to continue the benefits of treatment at home, using time-tested remedies in a modern, convenient form.
What are Chinese herbal formulas?
Chinese herbal formulas are carefully balanced combinations of plant, mineral and (historically) some animal-derived substances that are used together—never at random—to support the body’s ability to rebalance. In Chinese medicine, the right formula is chosen by matching it to your overall pattern (the way your symptoms cluster together), not just to a single complaint. This “pattern-based” approach has guided practice for over two thousand years.
A quick note on “patterns”
A pattern describes the bigger picture of what’s going on for you (for example, heat vs. cold signs, fluid balance, and how different organs are interacting), while a symptom is just one piece of that picture. Formulas are selected—and then adjusted—so their actions fit the whole pattern, not just a symptom.
How it works (two lenses)
In Chinese medicine terms
Formulas aim to harmonise what’s out of balance—things like yin/yang, qi, blood and body fluids. The focus is holistic: address the key pattern, and the symptoms tend to follow.
In plain biomedical terms
Modern manufacturing turns traditional decoctions into tablets, capsules or granules. These deliver measured amounts of concentrated plant extracts, which are digested, absorbed and metabolised like other botanical supplements. Because the extracts are concentrated, daily dosages for capsules/granules are often about half of what a stove-top tea would require.
Good to know: Pre-prepared formulas (pills, powders) have been part of practice since at least the Han dynasty; today’s capsules are simply a modern form of a very old idea.
What to expect with me
Conversation & assessment: We look at your health history, current symptoms, tongue/pulse findings, and lifestyle—so I can identify the pattern.
Formula selection: I’ll choose a classic base formula and, if needed, adjust ingredients or dose to better fit your pattern. Patterns can change over time, so the formula can change too.
Check-ins: We monitor your response and refine as we go. (More is not always better; the fit matters more than the sheer dose.)
Safety, quality & interactions
Dosing & course: The ChinaMed clinical guide provides typical dose ranges and expected course lengths for modern concentrated formulas; these are starting points that are tailored to the individual.
Interactions: Multi-ingredient formulas use amounts well below single-herb maxima. Even so, some combinations may interact with medicines; we watch closely at the start and adjust if needed.
Manufacture: Modern processes create consistent extracts (granules, capsules, tablets) to support dosing accuracy and convenience.
Please bring your medication and supplement list to the first consult so we can assess for interactions and decide a sensible starting plan. (Monitoring early on is recommended.)
FAQs
Will I take herbs instead of seeing my GP or specialist?
No. Herbal formulas can sit alongside mainstream care. Always continue prescribed medicines unless your prescriber says otherwise.
How long until I notice changes?
Timeframes vary by person and pattern. We review together and adjust as needed; dosing is decided for you, not “one-size-fits-all.”
Capsules, granules or tea—what’s the difference?
They all derive from the same tradition. Concentrated capsules/granules offer convenience and typically use lower daily amounts than boiled teas for a similar effect profile.
Gua Sha
Supporting Circulation, Recovery and Balance
Gua Sha (pronounced gwah shah) is a traditional East-Asian technique used to help relieve tension, support circulation, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.
The term means “to scrape sand”—referring to the temporary reddish marks (sha) that appear on the skin after gentle press-stroking with a smooth-edged tool.
At Point The Way Acupuncture, Gua Sha is offered as a complementary therapy, either on its own or as part of an acupuncture session, to ease muscular tightness, stiffness, or sluggish circulation.
How Gua Sha Works
A light oil or balm is applied to the skin, and a smooth tool—often made of jade, horn, or stainless steel—is gently pressed and stroked in one direction over specific areas.
This action briefly increases local circulation and draws stagnant fluid from the tissues toward the surface, where the body can more easily clear it.
Clients often describe a sense of warmth, release, or ease through the treated area. The visible redness fades within several days and is a normal, temporary response.
Research using modern imaging has shown measurable changes in micro-circulation and inflammation markers after treatment, suggesting that Gua Sha influences both local blood flow and the body’s anti-inflammatory pathways.
What It May Support
People seek Gua Sha for a variety of reasons, including:
Muscle tension and stiffness (neck, shoulders, or back)
Chronic pain and restricted movement
Headaches or postural strain
Fatigue or sluggish recovery after exercise
Support for immune function or seasonal wellness
Each session is tailored to your needs. In some cases, Gua Sha may be combined with acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion for broader effect.
What the Research Shows
Recent clinical studies have explored Gua Sha’s effects in several areas:
Chronic neck and back pain: Randomised controlled trials found participants experienced short-term reductions in pain intensity and improved mobility compared with heat-only treatments.
Chronic low-back pain in older adults: A Hong Kong crossover trial noted decreased inflammatory markers (TNF-α, HO-1) and better movement a week after treatment.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A 12-week Chinese study reported improved nerve sensitivity and circulation without serious adverse effects.
While more research is still emerging, these results suggest Gua Sha may offer gentle support for pain, stiffness, and local circulation as part of a holistic care plan.
Safety and After-Care
When performed by a trained practitioner, Gua Sha is considered safe. The reddish markings are not bruises or broken capillaries; they are a normal response and fade within a few days.
After treatment, it’s best to keep the area covered, stay hydrated, and rest if you feel tired.
A Balanced Approach
At Point The Way Acupuncture, we view Gua Sha as a simple, natural method to encourage movement where the body feels stuck—physically and energetically.
It works in harmony with other Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques and modern wellness practices, offering a moment of deep release and reconnection with your own vitality.
Considering Gua Sha?
If you’re curious about how Gua Sha could fit into your treatment plan, you’re welcome to get in touch or book a consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, review any medical considerations, and ensure the approach feels right for you.
The information above is general and not a substitute for medical advice—please consult your GP or healthcare provider regarding your individual circumstances.
Contact Me
Whether you're curious about acupuncture, looking for support, or just exploring what feels right for you, you're welcome to get in touch.
I offer down-to-earth, personalised care in a calm, supportive setting, and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have before booking.