DISCOVER FANTAIL FINGERS ACUPUNCTURE
A Natural Approach to Healing
I’m a full-time Acupuncturist based in the Queenstown-lakes district. I offer a holistic approach to medicine and passionately believe in the power of the body to heal through an alternative and naturistic path.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Balance the body
Everybody holds the key to their own healing, but sometimes the body needs a little help. That’s where my services come in. As an experienced Acupuncturist, I work with you to restore your bodies balance
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is the most well known aspect of Chinese Medicine and may be used alone or in conjunction with herbal medicine, moxibustion (the heating of specific acupuncture points using the herb Artemisia), or tui na (Chinese massage). I will usually also offer dietary and lifestyle advice or suggest a course of exercises.
Each of the organs of the body has its own associated channel or pathway of energy. These are often referred to as meridians. Very fine needles are inserted into points along the meridians with the aim of bringing the body to a point of balance and harmony. Every aspect of the patient’s life is considered by the practitioner before the points are selected – sometimes it may be impossible to change someone’s life circumstance, but by using Acupuncture the person may be strengthened so that they are more easily able to deal with what life brings their way.
Acupuncture is widely known for its effectiveness in treating musculo-skeletal injuries but has traditionally been used extensively in the treatment of respiratory, digestive, gynaecological and many other chronic conditions.
TUINA: MASSAGE/ACUPRESSURE
Tuina (pronounced "twee nah") is a form of Oriental bodywork that has been used in China for centuries. A combination of massage, acupressure and other forms of body manipulation, tuina works by applying pressure to acupoints, meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to remove blockages that prevent the free flow of qi. Removing these blockages restores the balance of qi in the body, leading to improved health and vitality.
Tuina is best suited for rectifying chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions and stress-related disorders that affect the digestive and/or respiratory systems. Among the ailments tuina treats best are neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, sciatica and tennis elbow. However, because tuina is designed to improve and restore the flow of qi, treatment often ends up causing improvements to the whole body, not just a specific area. There is anecdotal evidence that headaches, constipation, premenstrual symptoms and some emotional problems may also be effectively treated through tuina.
CUPPING
Cupping therapy is a treatment in which a cup sucked to the skin to create local stimulation for disease treatment and prevention. The secret is the negative pressure created by consuming the air inside the cup with fire or other methods.
Cupping therapy has the action of warming the meridians, invigorating qi and blood circulation, relieving blood stagnation, alleviating pain and swelling. With this extensive range of indications, it's commonly used for lumbar pain, shoulder and back pain, aching low extremities, soft tissue sprains and contusions, common colds, headaches, cough, asthma, stomach aches, abdominal pain and dysmenorrhea.
The most common side effect of cupping therapy is the presence of cupping marks and the discoloration of the skin. The bruising of the skin is regarded as a part of the therapy session in many cases. There are two common explanations for the marks that are left behind after the cupping therapy. The more obvious one lies in the blood circulation. When the negative pressure is applied in the cups, and the skin is drawn up, a lot of the tiny blood capillaries in the superficial layer of muscles and skin are broken. This drives the body to treat the area as a bruise and start a bruise healing process. This process causes the discoloration of the skin by producing chemicals known as inflammatory mediators and by forming tiny blot clots under the skin. The other reason for cupping to leave marks is a bit tricker. When suction occurs, the gap between the skin layers increases. This extra space allows the tissues to collect more fluids, toxins, and dead cellular debris under the top layer of the skin. As the lymphatic system washes this debris away, the skin returns to its original color.
GUA SHA
Gua sha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique may offer a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain.
In gua sha, a technician scrapes your skin with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow. They make these strokes with a smooth-edged instrument known as a gua massage tool.
Massage oil is applied to your skin, and then the tool is used to repeatedly scrape your skin in a downward motion.
Gua sha is intended to address stagnant Qi, in the body believed to be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Gua sha is generally performed on a person’s back, buttocks, neck, arms, and legs.
DIETARY ADVICE
In TCM there is no distinct difference between food and medicine, meaning that food itself can sometimes be all the medicine you need. Food is viewed as a powerful tool to help create and maintain wellness.
Every food and herb has a nature, flavor, and organ system/meridian associated with it. The nature describes the effect of the food (or herbs) on the temperature of the body, while the flavor describes the taste.
Instead of viewing meals as a breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates (sugars), and fats, Chinese dietary therapy utilizes the flavors and natures of foods as a guide to a well-balanced meal. Learning how to utilize the nature and flavors of foods and herbs is really where the true healing capacity of this diet lays.
PRICING
Initial private treatment: $110
Follow up private treatment: $100
Tuina treatment: $ 100
ACC subsidised treatment: $50
ABOUT ME
My Story
My name is Luke James and creator and owner of fantail fingers.
Prior to studying eastern medicine, I completed a degree in Human Biosciences and worked within the biomedical laboratory here in Queenstown for over 10 years.
After deciding to pursue a different direction in health, but with the basis of returning to the Wakatipu basin, I set out and completed a four-year degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture along side a two-year diploma in Tuina (Chinese massage), giving the diagnostic and treatment abilities to treat you in a holistic manner.
Now with hundreds of hours of clinical experience, treating an array of conditions, including working within a maternity acupuncture unit, Lower Hutt hospital (trained under Debra Betts, a world leading acupuncturist specialising in maternity care) and ‘Koha’ community based clinics. I am now ready, willing and looking forward to treating your internal and external issues as a holistic health practitioner.
I am registered under Acupuncture NZ Professional board and ACC accredited.
Please feel free to contact me for further information and bookings.
MY MISSION
Better Treatments
I was blessed with the healing energies to restore the health of my patients and improve their lives through alternative treatments.
I am mainly a dedicated Acupuncturist, but I often use or recommend other alternative methods for ongoing treatment.
My ultimate goal is to heal, but also to teach my patients a better approach to their own health. Get in touch to find out what I can offer you.
OPENING HOURS
Come Visit
Tuesday - Saturday: 9am-5pm
NEWS
UNDER THE WING
Although I operate as the buisness name fantail fingers, I am luckily enough to have been taken under the wing of Greg Dorn at Acupuncture Queenstown. Greg has a wealth of knowledge with over 25 years of clinic experience, treating clients around the world.
Working together under this banner, we look to provide the best acupuncture service within the district. You can contact myself through the page here or through Greg on the Acupuncture Queenstown website.
We look forward to a meet and treat.
To find out more please visit:
http://www.acupuncturequeenstown.com
Regards Luke
