As someone who has always embraced holistic therapies, the reality is that, just like anything in life, not all things work for all people. For me, it was acupuncture.
My first experience of this ancient modality was some 20 years ago when I was struggling with knee pain. I had heard it was particularly beneficial for relieving pain and I was desperate to feel better so, despite a lifelong fear of needles, I found a local practitioner and booked a session.
I remember hobbling up the stairs to a small clinic space located in the practitioner’s home in Notting Hill, London. She seemed accomplished, with a confident manner and certificates all over her walls. As I lay on her treatment couch, all was going well until she inserted a needle into a particularly sensitive area of my foot. I felt an electric shock rip through my entire body and I metaphorically hit the roof. After this first treatment, I never went back.
When Sam Briones of The Shinden Clinic invited me to experience a session of Japanese Integrated Medicine at her clinic space in Marlow, I had no idea until I got there that it included acupuncture. I was duly nervous.
Actually, Sam’s treatment works particularly well for people with pain or injury, drawing on 4 different modalities. These include acupuncture, visceral massage, head to toe alignment and cranio-sacral therapy, aimed collectively to induce a deeper level of integrated, whole body correction for more effective, long-lasting results.
As I lay on the couch, I explained my first experience of acupuncture and with her soft and reassuring voice, Sam convinced me to have another go. I agreed and within minutes, she had needles inserted into different areas of my body – my head, legs, arms and feet. I felt completely fine and at ease. I was amazed!!!
While the needles stayed put working their magic, Sam moved through the next stages of the treatment – the visceral massage aimed to release physical tension; physiological alignment comprising of stretches and gentle adjustments; and cranio-sacral therapy to help ‘unwind’ the neck and spine and reset the nervous system.
The treatment lasted for 90 minutes and it flew by.
SUMMARY: Sam came highly recommended from other Seed practitioners who continue to refer clients to her in particular for pain and injury, with significant results. What stood out for me most was Sam’s amazing knowledge of the different systems of the body, which she draws on to identify the root cause of the issue rather than just treating the symptoms. Her aim is to restore balance in the body to enable the healing process.
As well as Sam, we work with the wonderful Dr Ruzeen Hettiarachchi, Seed’s Western Medical Acupuncturist located in Beaconsfield. In her clinic, Dr Ruzeen is seeing clients predominantly for pain & injury, fertility for both men and women and women’s health issues including hormonal imbalance, peri menopause & menopause.
A GP for over 20 years, and also with a certification as a Lifestyle Physician, Dr Ruzeen has an implicit knowledge of the body and what we can do ourselves to retain optimal health and wellbeing.
CONCLUSION:
My experience with Sam highlighted to me that it’s not necessarily the treatment that isn’t working for you but the practitioner administering it. It reminded me of the importance of working with someone who comes recommended and who sets you at ease in order to achieve best results.
While I didn’t have a particular injury or health issue, Sam helped me overcome my very long fear of acupuncture– something I feel truly grateful for. I always found it really annoying that I felt to avoid acupuncture due to my one and only experience, despite there being so much evidence to support its incredible benefits
When we are ill, in pain or out of balance, we are naturally vulnerable. Both Sam and Dr Ruzeen are supportive, highly experienced practitioners with a deep understanding of the human body from a holistic standpoint and both are a truly safe pair of hands.
For more info or to book a Japanese Integrated Medicine session with Sam Briones in Marlow, click here
For more information or to book an acupuncture treatment with Dr Ruzeen Hettiarachchi in Beaconsfield, click here
Writer – Kate Kirrane
