Welcome to Akura Integrative Clinic 

We offer a holistic approach to health and wellness through the ancient art of acupuncture. When you book an appointment with us, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation of your health, encompassing an in-depth assessment and analysis. This includes thorough tongue and pulse diagnostics, integral components of traditional Chinese medicine, to gain insights into your body's internal balance. Our treatment approach is entirely tailored to your individual needs, ensuring a personalized experience that addresses your unique health concerns. While each session may incorporate various tools and techniques from the rich repertoire of Chinese medicine, our focus remains on identifying and addressing the root cause of your health issues to provide lasting relief. At Akura Integrative Clinic, we adopt a pragmatic approach to health, which may involve lifestyle modifications and assigned tasks to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Join us on a journey towards holistic wellness, where every step is guided by expertise, compassion, and a commitment to your well-being. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, an integral component of traditional Chinese medicine with a lineage spanning millennia, is a therapeutic technique involving the strategic insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. Rooted in the belief that the body's vital energy, known as qi, flows along meridians, acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote healing by unblocking these energy pathways. From a Chinese medicine perspective, the insertion of needles stimulates the body's innate healing mechanisms, encouraging the smooth flow of qi and addressing imbalances that may manifest as various health conditions. The first experience of acupuncture typically entails a thorough consultation with a trained practitioner, followed by the gentle insertion of sterile needles into designated points. Sensations may vary, ranging from a slight tingling or warmth to a profound sense of relaxation.  

Cupping

Cupping therapy, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, involves the application of cups to the skin to create suction, promoting various physiological effects. These effects encompass enhanced blood circulation, which facilitates nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues while aiding in the removal of metabolic waste products. Additionally, cupping is purported to modulate the immune system, potentially bolstering its response to pathogens and promoting overall health. Advocates of cupping therapy also suggest that it aids in the elimination of toxins from the body. Its profound effect on pain and inflammation is notable, with many individuals experiencing relief from conditions such as muscle soreness, arthritis, and sports injuries. During a cupping session, individuals may experience sensations such as a gentle pulling or tightness at the site of application, along with a feeling of warmth and relaxation as blood flow increases. These experiences, coupled with the therapeutic effects of cupping, contribute to its continued utilization as a complementary therapy for a range of health conditions. 


Gua Sha

Gua sha, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, involves the use of a smooth-edged tool to scrape the skin in long strokes, typically along the body's meridians, generating small, red, bruise-like marks known as petechiae. The procedure begins with the application of oil or lubricant to the skin to facilitate smooth gliding. Using a gua sha tool made from materials such as ceramic, stone, or metal, practitioners administer firm, downward strokes along the skin, usually spanning 4-6 inches and following muscle fibres or meridians. This scraping action is believed to stimulate blood flow, release muscle tension, and foster healing. Gua sha is commonly performed on the back, neck, shoulders, and limbs, as well as on the face. Customizing treatment intensity and duration based on individual needs, practitioners aim to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, enhance skin tone, texture, and radiance. While generally safe under professional guidance, gua sha may cause temporary bruising and redness. 

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, a traditional therapy in Chinese medicine, entails burning the herb mugwort (moxa) on or near the skin to stimulate the flow of vital energy (qi) and encourage healing. This can be accomplished either by directly burning moxa on the skin or indirectly, using an acupuncture needle or insulating layer. Practitioners of Chinese medicine often employ moxibustion to address conditions associated with "cold" or "yang deficiency," believing it to offer benefits such as improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation and pain, strengthening the blood, and assisting in turning breech babies. While some studies suggest potential benefits for conditions like knee pain and chemotherapy-induced side effects, further high-quality research is warranted. Moxibustion has demonstrated efficacy in pain management, particularly for arthritis, menstrual cramps, and musculoskeletal injuries, by enhancing blood circulation and muscle relaxation. Moreover, it has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of digestive disorders such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome, attributed to its regulatory effects on the large intestine and digestive function. Additionally, moxibustion appears beneficial for gynaecological issues, including menstrual cycle regulation, pain reduction, and optimal foetal positioning during pregnancy, owing to its affinity for the uterus. Furthermore, regular application of moxibustion on specific acupuncture points is believed to enhance immune function, providing protection against common colds and flu. Its ability to improve blood and lymph circulation contributes to its overall therapeutic effects, promoting healing and well-being. 

Herbal Formulas

Chinese herbal medicines operate by addressing the fundamental imbalances and patterns of disharmony within the body in accordance with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). These herbs are meticulously chosen and combined into formulas tailored to target specific symptoms and restore equilibrium. Within TCM, there are several primary types of herbal formulas. Classical Formulas, rooted in ancient herbal combinations with a legacy spanning over 2,000 years, form the cornerstone of TCM herbal medicine. Modified Formulas, derived from classical formulas, are customized by practitioners to suit the individual patient's unique constitution and presentation. Emphasizing a holistic and personalized approach, these formulas are intricately designed to address the root cause of imbalances rather than solely alleviating symptoms. Chinese herbal medicine formulas are typically prepared and dispensed in various forms, including Decoctions, Powders, Pills/Tablets, Granules, and Topical Ointments/Creams, each offering distinct advantages in administration and efficacy. 

About Us

Introducing Wesley, a recently qualified acupuncturist distinguished by his comprehensive expertise in holistic health practices. Holding a degree in Health Science with a specialisation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wesley adeptly incorporates a variety of acupuncture methodologies into his practice. Influenced by classical and contemporary Chinese acupuncture, as well as auricular and Japanese acupuncture techniques, his approach embodies a harmonious blend of traditional wisdom and modern innovation.



Wesley's professional journey is underpinned by a robust foundation in physical fitness and martial arts, complemented by a diploma in fitness. These experiences have endowed him with a profound understanding of human kinetics, anatomy, and physiology, fostering a keen appreciation for holistic well-being principles. Integral to his regimen is the cultivation of Tai Chi Qigong, a discipline he prioritises to nurture both physical and mental equilibrium.



His dedication to holistic health extends to nutritional expertise, drawing from Western and Eastern dietary philosophies. Wesley advocates fervently for the concept of "food as medicine and medicine as food," recognizing the profound impact of nutrition on overall well-being.

At the heart of Wesley's practice lies a steadfast belief in the body's inherent capacity for self-healing. Employing a compassionate and gentle approach, he employs modalities such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, gua sha, cupping, moxibustion, and tui na Chinese massage to facilitate restoration and balance.



In his personal pursuits, Wesley finds solace in activities that promote physical vitality and mental clarity, including visits to the gym and moments of reflection by the beach. With an unwavering commitment to holistic care, Wesley endeavors to empower his clients on their journey to optimal health, providing tailored guidance and support every step of the way.

 

Get in touch today!