Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is the form of traditional Chinese medicine that’s best known to Western minds. This therapy originated thousands of years ago and is based on the idea that energy (called “Chi”) flows within the body along certain paths called meridians.

When the flow of Chi energy is blocked, the body is out of balance, and this causes health problems. Acupuncturists use sterile, single-use needles to restore the correct flow of Chi, which returns harmony to the body

The needles are typically left in the skin for 10-20 minutes. Sometimes the therapist will give them a little twist also, to increase the healing effect.

It sounds painful, doesn’t it? But, the needles used are very thin – just 2-3 times bigger than a mosquito’s nose and much smaller than anything used in Western medicine. In fact, many people report not feeling the needles going in at all.

What is acupuncture good for?

It is common in China for people to have acupuncture on a regular basis to maintain their health and well-being. Also, acupuncture can help alleviate common health conditions like:

anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, low mood and depression
pain (examples: back pain, neck pain, joint pain/arthritis, migraines and other headaches)
reducing or stopping addictions like smoking and drug dependancy
digestive disorders (example: IBS and constipation)
gynecology conditions and menopause
preventative treatment for seasonal ailments like influenza and allergies

Stick out your tongue

Don’t be surprised if the acupuncturist asks you to stick out your tongue. In Chinese medicine, the colour and coating of the tongue helps the therapist work out the cause of your problem. This is why it’s better if you don’t brush your tongue in the 24 hours before the appointment.

Other things to consider before an acupuncture treatment:

Don’t arrive hungry or over-full
Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours before your appointment
Wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to roll up
Be relaxed and well-rested before your appointment

Is it safe?

Acupuncture is generally safe from side-effects but people taking anti-coagulant medication (blood-thinners) can expect bruising afterwards and must inform the acupuncturist before the start of treatment.

Other aspects of TCM

Moxibustion is the use of heated herbal sticks that are held near the acupuncture needles to warm and stimulate the acupuncture points.

Cupping is the use of glass or silicone suction cups on the skin to promote the local flow of blood and Chi energy.

Chinese herbs are also sometimes given as teas, pills, and capsules.

Modern acupuncture has been developed over thousands of years. It is safe and shouldn’t be feared.

Our acupuncture and TCM services are conducted in a partnership with TERRA, a specialized acupuncture and TCM provider with locations in Hua Hin and Cha Am. Dr Wilawan (“Vivian”) Chanlek, who is the founder of TERRA, is a graduate from the Huachiew Chalermprakiet University in Thailand and Shanghai University of TCM in China.

Before founding TERRA Dr Vivian worked as TCM practitioner in Samuksakhon Hospital (2016) and Sanpaolo Hospital Huahin (2017-2020). She has given special emphasis to internal medicine disorders, pain management, gynecology disorders, endocrine disorders and mental disorders .

Appointments for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, including cupping, are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

New patients will be required to have a 90 minute session on their first visit to allow Dr Vivian to do a full assessment and treatment with subsequent sessions being 60 minutes.

If you’d like to give it a try, simply give us a call (02 111 6644) or email for an appointment.