The Benefits of Acupuncture - Talking with our Expert In House Therapists

One of the aspects of our Maverick Salon that sets us apart is our collaboration with Being Acupuncture. Having this in-house is truly special, and through the work of Reanna and Alastair, the founders of Being Acupuncture, we are able to capture the concept of both beauty and health. We know well-being is the foundation of feeling like your best self, and Being can get you there. With a strong knowledge of herbal medicinal practices to acquire mind and body alignment, acupuncture can aid in ailments, physical stress and open up your internal sense of connection and general healing.

We sat down with Reanna and Alastair to chat about all things Being Acupuncture: how it started, where it’s going and why you need it. Check out the below and follow @being.gc for more.

Can you introduce yourselves and tell us about how you got into the practice of acupuncture?
We both have had different paths. Alastair was a martial arts dork that was interested in acupuncture because of the shared philosophy between the two and was fortunate enough to go straight from school to study Chinese Medicine at University. Reanna had a previous career as a hairdresser but took the plunge into a life change when she explored her own health and developed a love for the practical and artistic side of the hands on medicine. We met and combined forces to create the clinic that is Being Acupuncture. Although it’s only just over two years old it is going from strength to strength. We really love this little clinic and the impact that it is making on our community.

What are the main benefits of acupuncture?
There are many but ultimately the big one is how it makes you feel. People notice changes to wellbeing, mental state and their body. Our lives are stressful, confusing and chaotic. Our body reacts to that causing all types of issues, acupuncture can do wonders.

Is it something that needs to be practiced regularly?
Ideally regular treatment can do wonders, but if you have an issue that you are working on a course of regular treatment (most likely once a week) until you get on top of it. From their spacing out treatment to just a tune up every now and then, we have plenty of people that see us regularly just as a preventative and to give their body a reset in this wild world.

What is cupping? Is it painful?
Cupping is the practice of thick glass cups that suction onto the skin that may help release tissues, it’s not painful but they can cause discomfort while they’re on you. But no more discomfort than a firm massage, most people enjoy the releasing sensation and feel benefit to their body. Although they bruise this isn’t painful it’s purely an aesthetic consideration (usually only if you’re going to a wedding in a backless dress).

What does the Moxa treatment consist of?
Moxa for moxibustion, is a plant called mugwort which is spun into a wool-like consistency, becoming flammable it is then burnt near the surface of the skin as well as on top of acupuncture needles, the heat will penetrate into the body in a very precise controlled yet gentle way. Think of it like a heat pack that can warm you internally rather than just the surface.

How do you practice herbal treatment?
Herbal Medicine is bark, roots, flowers and other plant materials from a variety of different plants that have traditionally been combined and brewed as a tea that is then consumed. There are a lot of different herbs used but some common ones used regularly are cinnamon, ginger and liquorice. Just like Acupuncture they aim to restore balance and equilibrium inside the body, just in a different way.