Meet Dr Christin Zeller (Chinese Medicine)

Acupuncture is an integral part of Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted into so-called various points on the body. Some of these acupuncture points are located on meridians, lines of energy that run across the body. Other points may be chosen based on where a patient experiences pain or where the practitioner feels an imbalance or a tender spot in muscle. Chinese medicine treats a wide range of illnesses and disorders, all based on the concept to restore balance across the body and correct the flow of Qi. In our clinic, we perform traditional Chinese acupuncture as well as some more recent styles of acupuncture, such as motor point acupuncture or scalp acupuncture.

Most importantly, traditional acupuncture has a wider scope than dry needling as it is practised within physiotherapy. There are some similarities and many differences between the two modalities. Essentially, we all use the same type of single use sterile acupuncture needles.  Dry needling is exclusively used to address musculoskeletal issues, aiming to relief symptoms such as pain or a increasing range of motion. Dry needling works with muscles and treats structural problems, such as for example trigger points. Acupuncture as part of Chinese medicine will always see the patient’s health as the bigger picture. Hence, we will treat a muscular problem, yet at the same time, we will treat the underlying causes that led to these problems in the first place. In traditional acupuncture, we work with the flow of Qi and blood based on a map of meridians across the body. This way we can treat a large variety of health conditions, including women’s health, men’s health and children’s health, digestive disorders and many more. We are registered health practitioners with a 4 year degree in acupuncture/traditional Chinese medicine.

Cupping is a modality of Chinese medicine that uses cups (glass, plastic or silicone cups) to create suction to the tissues. This creates a negative pressure which many patients would describe as intense yet pleasant. Cupping styles include stationary, gentle sliding or flash cupping. At the Bright Side Family acupuncture, we use mainly modern vacuum cups made of plastic and silicone. Cupping will commonly leave marks on the skin that fade and disappear within a few days.

Moxibustion involves burning the herb mugwort for its therapeutic warming effect on the body.

The great news about a five elements lifestyle is that as soon as you grasp the concept, you may still choose to eat out, however, you’ll start to make your choices more consciously. Even the smallest improvements are a win.

Following a five elements lifestyle aims to help calm your thoughts and emotions, which ultimately may relieve you from strong cravings and enhance conscious indulgence. Also, you’ll have new ideas that help you to respond to cravings in a comforting way.

Yes absolutely! When we make the choice to have a plant-based diet, eating according to the five elements is an excellent way to make smart food choices and implement changes in the cooking techniques to make sure the body is well nourished and warmed.