Traditional Chinese Medicine Principles to Help You Feel Better
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic, ancient approach to healthcare which focuses on restoring balance within the body. It doesn’t just treat or mask the symptoms of disharmony, it views the body as a whole and treats the underlying imbalances within.
Originating from China over 2000 years ago, TCM uses acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Tuina and herbs to address health concerns and restore the body. It is rooted in principles such as:
Qi - The energy within the body
Meridians - The channels through which Qi travels
Yin & Yang - The integration of opposites
Zang Fu The internal systems and how they affect one another
Acupuncture works to restore balance within your body and address a wide range of physical and emotional health concerns. Taking the pulse and looking at the tongue can show what is happening inside the body.
What to Expect From a Treatment
An initial session lasts up to 90 minutes and includes a full health history. Follow-up sessions last 60 minutes.
Each treatment starts with a conversation about how you're feeling and any changes since your last visit. Based on this, I’ll create a personalised plan using acupuncture and, if appropriate, other supportive methods such as cupping, Gua Sha, or moxibustion.
Most people find the experience deeply relaxing — some even fall asleep — and leave feeling more settled and in tune with their body.
Treatment Techniques Rooted in TCM
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine, sterile, single-use needles inserted at specific points to aid the free flow of Qi (the body’s energy) through the meridians. This restores balance and helps shift patterns held deep within the body.
Ideal for people experiencing:
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Chronic pain
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Digestive problems
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Menstruation issues
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Mental health conditions including PTSD
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Fertility problems
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Headaches and migraines
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Side effects from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy
Cupping
Plastic cups are placed on specific areas and suction is created using a hand pump. This lifts the skin and fascia, encouraging muscular release, improved blood flow, and the removal of stagnation.
Ideal for tight shoulders, back pain, and general muscular tension. May leave red or bruised marks that fade in a few days.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion uses gently heated mugwort (moxa) to warm specific acupuncture points. This helps boost circulation, dispel cold, and strengthen the body’s energy.
It’s especially useful for pain, fatigue, and menstrual or digestive issues related to cold or stagnation in the body.
Gua Sha
A technique using jade stones, Chinese spoons, or stainless steel tools to gently scrape the skin and release muscular tension. Promotes detoxification and encourages fresh circulation to the area.
Can leave temporary red marks which fade within a few days.
Kinesiology Taping
Elasticated, adhesive tape is used to support joints and fascia while allowing full movement. This technique lifts the skin and fascia to reduce tension and encourage expansion.
Often used in combination with other treatments for pain, injuries, or postural support.
Bodywork Massage
Hands-on clinical massage may be used to support your acupuncture treatment. It helps release muscle tension, stimulate circulation, and prepare the body for deeper change.
Especially beneficial in cases of chronic pain or injury.
TCM Nutrition Advice
Based on the energetic nature of food and drink, I offer tailored nutritional guidance to support balance. For example, signs of internal Dampness (foggy head, fluid retention, sluggishness) may benefit from reducing dairy, sugar, and greasy foods, and increasing warming, drying foods.
Small shifts in diet can often make a meaningful difference.
Specialist Treatment Packages
Ultimate Relaxation: Auricular Acupuncture & Gua Sha
A deeply relaxing treatment using five fine needles in each ear (NADA protocol), followed by thermal mud and back Gua Sha to release tension and stimulate lymphatic flow.
Ideal if you’re feeling tense, burnt out, or in need of a full-body reset.
Paediatric & Teen Acupuncture / Mental Health Support
Ideal for children aged 10–18. Treatments are adapted with shorter needle retention times and fewer points. Where needed, I may use alternatives to needles, such as aromatherapy, Tuina, or acupressure.
I’ve completed post-graduate training in teenage mental health, including support for stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders such as AFRID, and dissociative identity disorder (DID).
I hold an enhanced DBS. Children can be seen alone if requested, though a parent or guardian must remain on the premises.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
A non-invasive treatment using ultra-fine needles, facial cleansing, an LED light mask, and moisturiser. This can help:
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Reduce fine lines and soften wrinkles
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Control acne and reduce scarring
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Promote collagen growth and improve elasticity
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Relax facial muscles
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Lift jowls and eyelids
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Brighten dull skin and reduce puffiness, dark circles
Facial Gua Sha and cupping may be used as part of the session.
Cancer Treatment Support
Acupuncture can support clients during cancer treatment, helping to ease symptoms such as:
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Fatigue
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Dry mouth
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Weakness
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Nausea
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Hot flushes
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Breathlessness
All treatments are tailored with care and sensitivity.
Conditions I Commonly Treat
TCM ACUPUNCTURE HELPS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF CONDITIONS...
Natural fertility support (including IVF, assisted conception, miscarriage, male fertility)
Pregnancy-related symptoms (nausea, back pain)
Menstrual issues, menopause, PCOS, endometriosis
Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Stress, anxiety, depression
Adolescent mental health (self-harm, eating disorders, DID)
Chronic pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia
Migraines and headaches
Joint pain (tech neck, shoulder, knee, carpal tunnel)
Sports injuries (rotator cuff, sprains, tendonitis, tennis elbow)
Chronic fatigue, burnout, low energy
TMJ (jaw tension, clenching, grinding)
Digestive issues (IBS, Crohn’s, bloating, indigestion, reflux)
Immune system support (seasonal allergies, Long COVID, frequent colds)
Fluid retention, phlegm, sluggishness
Urinary concerns, prolapse
Post-operative care and scar treatment
High blood pressure
Visual disturbances, eye floaters
Based in Stalybridge, trusted by clients across Tameside, Oldham, Saddleworth & Glossop.
Supporting clients across Tameside, including Stalybridge, Oldham, Saddleworth and Glossop.
“It really does help with the pain relief, I’ll never forget walking back to the car and the pain had gone and I was able to walk with no pain. I would highly recommend Emma and acupuncture.”
- Sheila T
“Emma treated me for my shoulder and upper back pain with massage and acupuncture. She’s very professional and attentive. She has a calming aura around her and her treatment relieved my pain. I would highly recommend Emma!”
- Hannah
“Saw Emma for chronic neck pain. One treatment. Didn’t see the difference for about two weeks and my neck pain has all but vanished. Superb.”
- KG
“I had 1 session with Emma for my back pain and I felt great walking out of clinic. Back pain is completely gone and I still see Emma to make sure it stays away”
- Nathan
“I was sent Emma's number by my friend who had a successful treatment with Emma. I started seeing Emma every week in preparation for my IVF treatment as I’d been told acupuncture can help. I am now in my second trimester of pregnancy after a successful IVF transfer!! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Emma”
- Abbie
“Hi Emma. Just thought I would let you know I am walking on air at the moment. That feeling in my back has gone!!! I feel great at the moment”
- Brenda
Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture is a treatment from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that uses very fine, sterile needles inserted at specific points in the body. This encourages the body’s energy, or Qi, to flow more freely, supporting balance and overall wellbeing.
Acupuncture should not be painful. The needles are very fine and sterile, much thinner than injection needles. You may feel a quick sensation as the needle is inserted, followed by tingling or warmth, but most people find treatments relaxing and calming.
This depends on your condition and how your body responds. I usually recommend trying three weekly treatments to see how you feel. Some people notice changes quickly, while others benefit from a short course before moving to a maintenance plan.
Yes. Paediatric acupuncture is safe and effective for children, including those who are neurodiverse. Children respond more quickly to treatment, so fewer needles are used — often just 1–4 — and they are usually inserted for only a short time.
Needles are only used with permission from both the child and their parent or carer. If a child prefers not to have needles, I can use gentle alternatives such as Tui Na massage, acupressure, or aromatherapy oils on acupuncture points.
When needles are placed into tight muscles, they stimulate the body’s natural healing response. This increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps release tension. I support many clients across Stalybridge and Tameside who find acupuncture effective for migraines, musculoskeletal pain, and chronic discomfort.
Yes. Acupuncture is considered safe during all stages of pregnancy when carried out by a trained practitioner. It can help with morning sickness, fatigue, back pain, and stress. I always adapt treatments for comfort and safety, and avoid points not suitable in pregnancy.
Yes. Acupuncture is safe while breastfeeding. It may even help support milk production by influencing hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin. Treatments are always tailored to your needs at this stage.
Yes. Many people choose acupuncture to support their fertility journey. Treatments may help regulate menstrual cycles, balance hormones, and reduce stress. I often see clients preparing for or undergoing IVF in Stalybridge, Tameside, and surrounding areas.
Some UK private health insurance providers may cover acupuncture treatments, especially when recommended for pain relief or fertility support. I recommend checking directly with your provider to confirm.
It’s best to eat a light meal beforehand and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring any questions or health information you’d like to share. If you’re visiting my clinic in Stalybridge, I’ll guide you through everything so you feel comfortable and at ease.