Ana-Med Acupuncture focuses on womens health from period problems, fertility and IVF acupuncture, pregnancy and post-natal care, menopause etc. We also enjoy treating a wide range of conditions including mens issues, pain management, and paediatrics
Registered NZRA member, ACC treatment provider / Chinese Medical Practitioner
Welcome to Ana-Med Acupuncture
Ana-Med Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine - helping people in Auckland restore balance with emotional and physical, health and well-being during the various stages of life.
Lee-Ana Lowe is a member of The NZ Register of Acupuncturists (NZRA) and an ACC treatment provider.
Based in Grey Lynn / Ponsonby, Auckland, Ana-Med focuses on womens health including period pain and menstrual problems, hormonal imbalance, natural fertility, acupuncture with IVF, pregnancy, pre-birth and post-natal care, and menopause. Though Ana-Med's focus is on women, we enjoy treating a wide range of conditions including pain management, mens issues and paediatrics.
Ana-Med makes use of natural therapy based on a 3000 year old tradition - Chinese Medicine. With the individual in mind, we take a holistic approach in applying acupuncture, acupressure, diet and nutrition therapy, Chinese herbal medicine (using patent formulas) and supplementation, cupping and moxa (moxibustion) among other things.
Our aim is to provide a centred, calming environment so you can fall into a deep relaxation, allowing the mind to free the body of its daily stresses. We are also able to offer guidance on methods which may aid in the nourishment and enrichment of the body and mind in order to sustain a healthy, balanced way of life.
Our Services
Consultations
Ana-Med Acupuncture provide one-to-one consultations including Chinese Medical diagnostic procedures such as looking at the tongue, feeling the pulse and asking about the general workings of your body and mind.
From the information gathered, treatment is then formulated using the most appropriate modality or modalities for the particular individual and the condition being addressed.
The number of treatments required can vary depending on the condition. Generally more chronic long-standing problems tend to take longer to respond but usually we see some changes happening within 3-4 treatments. For the majority of fertility cases (often from a long-standing disharmony) it is ideal to see the client for three months in order to prepare the body before attempting to conceive. Acupuncture can also be very effective in treating acute conditions often within very few treatments.
Acupuncture is the main modality used at Ana-Med however other modalities that may be used include acupressure, tuina (Chinese massage), ear micro-system, moxibustion, cupping, Chinese herbs, and where appropriate dietary and lifestyle guidance may also be offered.
Modalities
Acupuncture - uses very fine needles inserted at acupuncture points which are generally positioned on one of the various meridians that travel along pathways of the body. Through the insertion of the needles it is thought the qi stimulation can influence the function of the meridians and their associated organ systems (kidney, liver etc) which then facilitates rebalancing of the body.
Acupuncture is thought in western terms to stimulate chemicals and hormones in the body such as endorphins which allows a deep relaxed state of being and helps the body to rebalance. Pictures of acupuncture can be seen at... http://www.acupuncture.org.nz/content/acupuncure-chinese-m/acupuncture/default.aspx
Acupressure - uses pressure on the acu-points which is great for those who dont like needles and can be an effective therapy in itself. Ana-med often uses a combination of acupuncture and acupressure during treatments.
Tuina (Chinese massage) - techniques are sometimes used within a consult in combination with acupuncture and/or other modalities to invigorate the blood and qi in particular areas of need or pain.
Moxibustion or moxa - is a heating technique using mugwort (ai ye) to warm the acu-points and channels adding qi and yang (for more go to TCM) to the body. It can also invigorate the blood promoting the release of stagnation or blockages.
Cupping - can be used in Chinese medicine for musculo-skeletal problems (among other things) where tension and stagnation occurs. Cupping is thought to help disperse this stagnation by circulating the blood and qi in the area. *Cupping will often leave bruise-like marks for a few days. To see pictures of cupping and moxa go to... http://www.acupuncture.org.nz/content/acupuncure-chinese-m/other-modalities.aspx
Chinese herbs - Ana-Med uses mainly patent herbal formulas which are common traditional and modern formulations of various Chinese herbs. Herbs are an important supplemental treatment to any deficiency.
All patent herbs we stock are registered with the TGA (Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration) and therefore are produced in facilities that comply with GMP (good manufacturing practice). To find out more about TGA and GMP follow the links below.
http://www.tga.gov.au/about/tga.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_manufacturing_practice
Ear-microsystem - Areas of the ear relate to different areas and organs or systems of the body in Chinese medicine so we can use this as an adjunct to reinforce treatments.
Diet therapy and nutrition - Chinese diet therapy and medicine in general is all about balance - specifically of the yin and yang of the body. Everything in moderation and nothing in excess are good general rules as well as giving the stomach a nutritional varied diet. For more information on Chinese Diet therapy go to Articles.
Lifestyle - Keeping the body and mind agile and supple through gentle exercises such as Tai chi, Yoga, Meditation and Qigong are also important. These types of practice provide tools to aid in our focus and complete relaxation which can help us maintain mental balance and perspective no matter what challenges may be thrown our way.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a recorded history of over 3000 years.
There are said to be four pillars in TCM - acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tuina (Chinese massage) and qigong (for more detail on these go to Modalities under Services). All are relevant therapies and depending on the condition being addressed a single pillar or a combination of them can be applied. For example if a person is deficient supplementation with herbs and gentle exercise which strengthens such as yoga or qigong as well as acupuncture can be useful. For acute conditions acupuncture is often the modality of choice, and musculo-skeletal issues can combine tuina and acupuncture.
Chinese medical diagnosis involves asking questions about general health as well as observation of the tongue and feeling the pulse. All symptoms are puzzle pieces put together in order to see the person as a whole, and give us direction in ascertaining where imbalances need adjustment. TCM is not only a medical treatment but a way of life and traditionally was used as a preventative against illness and imbalance hence why it has disseminated through all levels of the Chinese culture being revealed in their cooking (using herbs and balancing the properties of foods in a dish) and way of life (daily practice of tai chi, qi gong).
Common terms used in TCM
- Qi - is often translated as energy, energy flow or life force however it is much more complex and in TCM there are many types of qi with different qualities and functions. Zhen qi is the qi that flows through the meridians and organs and wei qi is the qi that is responsible for immunity for example.
- Yin - is the feminine aspect in the taoist philosophy of duality. In terms of the body yin involves the cooling, moisturizing aspect including the blood and fluids.
- Yang - is the masculine part of taoist duality and in the body it includes the warming (yang), moving (qi) aspects such as the movement of the the blood and fluids around the body (metabolism and immunity problems are often related to the yang and qi).
Treatable Conditions
The World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) produced a list of disorders that can be treated successfully with acupuncture - Chronicle No 34, 1980:
Medical Diseases: Common cold, influenza, bronchitis, bronchial spasm, bronchial asthma, heat stroke, pain in the gastric region, spasm of the diaphragm, hepatitis, acute enteritis, dysentery, cardiac disease, hypertension, shock, strained neck, malaria, arthritis.
Surgical Diseases: Lumbar pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, tendon sheath diseases, sprain of the lower extremities, acute appendicitis, diseases of the biliary tract, mastitis, furuncle, acute lymphangitis, simple goitre and hyperthyroidism, haemorrhoids, prolapse of the rectum.
Gynaecological and Obstetric Diseases: Irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea, pelvic inflammatory diseases, prolapse of the uterus, morning sickness, malposition of the fetus, prolonged labour, lactation deficiency.
Pediatric Diseases: Whooping cough, acute infantile convulsions, chronic infantile convulsions, parotitis, poliomyelitis.
Diseases of the Sense Organs and neighbouring structures: Acute conjunctivitis, photophthalmia, myopia, atrophy of the optic nerve, tonsillitis, pharangitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, toothache, deaf mutism.
Nervous and Mental Diseases: Apoplexy, paraplegia, epilepsy, headache, trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis, sciatica, multiple neuritis, neurasthenia, hysteria, schizophrenia, intercostal neuralgia.
Urogenital Diseases: Enuresis, retention of urine, spermatorrhoea, impotence, infections of the urinary tract.
As listed in the NZ Registrar of Acupuncture (NZRA) information sheet.
Women's Health
Ana-Med's focus on women means we aim to help with general period problems or irregularity of a physical or psychological nature, pain, and disorders or disease that may be associated with the menstrual cycle and womens overall health and well-being.
Fertility - TCM and acupuncture seem to have a harmonizing effect on hormones, stress and the immune system all of which are often thought to play an important part in natural and artificially induced fertility. Ideally we would have 3 months to prepare and balance the body of both woman and man before they try to conceive.
IVF - studies have shown an increased chance of pregnancy when using acupuncture alongside IVF procedures. Again 3 months is an ideal amount of time to harmonize the body in preparation for the procedure.
To find out more about studies in this area go to Jane Lyttleton's website.
http://www.acupunctureivf.com.au/
Pregnancy - during pregnancy acupuncture can offer a drug-free option to a number of problems including prevention of miscarriage, morning sickness, foetal development, body pains, hypertension, breech positioning and induction to name a few.
Pre-birth acupuncture - Observational trials done in Wellington (Betts, 2004) have indicated a positive use of acupuncture from 36-37 weeks to help promote a smooth labour with less intervention.
Post-natal care - we can also offer advice on post-natal care and can help with problems that may arise after giving birth such as lack of milk flow, mastitis, post-natal depression etc.
To find out more about acupuncture during pregnancy articles and information click on the link to Debra Betts' website. http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/
Menopause - the symptoms that often come with menopause can be very uncomfortable and irritating. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help ease these symptoms inducing a more harmonious transition into the latter stages of life.
Paediatrics - Children can also benefit from acupuncture for a wide range of digestive, sleep, and respiratory disorders. For young children Lee-Ana does not retain needles for any length of time and acupressure may be used instead if necessary.
About Us
Lee-Ana Lowe
Member NZRA, ACC provider, NDA, Dip Ac, Dip Tuina-Qigong
After completing a BCApSc in Design and Clothing from Otago, while dabbling in the Visual Arts in Nelson, I realized that while it was great being creative and hands on, fashion and art were not the right industry for me. So in 1996 I went looking for different ways of life and cultures starting with WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms). After this I spent time travelling and working moving more into support work, volunteer tutoring and finally teaching English. Throughout this time I also discovered and practiced tai chi, yoga, meditation and became very interested in alternative medicine and therapies.
While teaching in South Korea, after getting sick I couldn't seem to recover on my own so a friend took me to a traditional medical doctor who treated me using acupuncture and Korean Herbal Medicine. This experience guided me - through some internet searching - to the NZ School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (NZSATCM) in Wellington.
The NZSATCM Diploma in Tuina-Qigong sounded ideal as the Diploma entailed traditional Chinese massage (tuina), qigong, tai chi, and TCM theory. After graduating with the Diploma of Tuina-Qigong in 2005 I decided to continue my education while practicing Tuina part time. The Diploma in Acupuncture as well as 2 years of the Diploma in Chinese Herbs were completed within the following 2 years. Throughout my studies I worked in health stores and Simillimum Homeopathic Pharmacy to gain a greater understanding of western nutritional methods as well.
Having found my passion I now find myself redirecting my creativity and hands on approach into therapy processes for my clients. The Chinese medicine and philosophies, meditation, and tai chi provide guidance in the clinic with my intention being centred on helping people to reach a healthier equilibrium on all levels.
Testimonials
"I was recommended to try acupuncture to alleviate the chronic morning sickness that I was experiencing from about week 6 during my pregnancy. I had tried everything and nothing helped to stop my vomiting from the moment I woke up to the moment I lay back in bed again. I was beginning to lose my mind and grip on reality as throwing up 8-10 times a day while trying to hold down a full time job was just wearing me down. My doctor referred me to the maternity mental health unit whereby I was referred to counsellor who wanted to read my head and discuss possibly family upbringing trauma!! I really did loose it then, I was sick before I was sick of being sick!!!!! If that made any sense?
I couldn't have been more surprised when met by Lee-Ana who was a friendly, calming and empathetic individual, yet remaining very professional. The whole process was extremely calming and Lee-Ana made me feel extremely comfortable the entire time checking that I was OK before moving onto another pressure point. The actual needle process is simple and required a gentle tap into each pressure point which for me I didn't even really feel. Absolutely no discomfort. If anything my only reaction was a little europhia. I was so relaxed and it was nice to not vomit for 45 minutes!
I can sincerely say that acupuncture for me worked within 24 hours. The vomiting stopped overnight. Not completely but from 8 - 10 times a day to around 3 times a week!!! AMAZING!
I am now 31 weeks as I write this and must say I am in a totally different frame of mind. In fact I must book in again with Lee-Ana to get ready for childbirth now!! She seriously was a life saver for me and I could not recommend her services more."
P.R.
"I decided to seek the services of Lee-Ana as my body was a little out of tune. I have been undergoing a course of acupuncture with Lee-Ana for some weeks and I am absolutely delighted with the enhanced sense of wellness I have felt as a result."
A.F
"When asked what was found as a result of using this service... Improved general wellbeing, with specific relief from headaches, improved feeling in feet and reduced stress levels."
A.F & T.F
"Lee Ana's service is exceptional. She is professional, gentle, caring, understanding and friendly to name a few. She is always the first person I recommend for all kinds of illnesses or just for those needing help to achieve balance and well being (She has successfully treated my whole family with a myraid of different ailments!)."
K.B
"Lee-Ana strikes the right balance of offering a relaxed, yet professional service and I felt like I could completely relax during the treatment.
I went to Lee-Ana after a referral and for the purpose of trying something a bit different as I embarked on my second round of IVF. I believe that having acupuncture has had a very positive effect on my latest IVF treatment, both from a physical and emotional perspective and I'm thrilled to say I'm now 14 weeks pregnant!"
M.G
"In my case I would recommend Lee-Ana's treatments especially if you are dealing with infertility, have complex needs, or just generally need to take time to focus on your wellbeing. Lee-Ana achieves excellent outcomes in a respectful, honest and constructive way. Lee-ana is highly skilled, professional, very calming, insightful and therapeutic in her responses and treatments. It is difficult to describe her ability to make you feel calm, and she remains empathetic though realistic when dealing with complex (and often sad) situations."
N.M
"When asked what was found as a result of using this service.....I am more relaxed and a lot calmer, we have had the best service one could ever ask for."
J.D
"I was diagnosed with ‘trigger thumb’ and referred to a specialist for surgery. I was in a lot of pain, and my thumb would constantly ‘lock’. Prior to having the surgery a friend said I should try acupuncture, at least as a ‘last resort’ before going ‘under the knife’. I postponed the surgery, and attended acupuncture sessions with Lee-Ana.
I had never had acupuncture before and I ‘hate’ needles. I noticed a small difference after my first consultation, but was not quite sure. After the second and subsequent sessions, I was left in no doubt that the acupuncture was making a ‘huge’ difference. It took ten sessions of acupuncture, amazing massage and Chinese therapy, and the trigger thumb was healed. In addition to this, there were the wonderful side-benefits of feeling less stressed and an overall enhanced general well-being.
When I went back to my GP to let him know and to cancel the surgery, he said he had ‘heard that this treatment could be effective’; I am still not sure why he did not recommend, or even tell me about it. I cannot thank Lee-Ana enough for her care and expertise with her treatments. If I had not been to see her I would almost definitely have had surgery, which I have heard, in some cases causes more problems."
S.T
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
Registered NZRA member
ACC provider
NDA
Dip. Acupuncture
Dip. Tuina-Qigong
Service Categories
Acupressure, Acupuncture, Chinese Massage, Cupping, Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Womens Health
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