Dr Maggie Ju Acupuncture London Chelsea, North Kensington, Notting Hill, and Richmond

In our fast-paced, modern world, stress has become an unwelcome companion for many of us. From demanding jobs and hectic schedules to personal responsibilities and global uncertainties, stress seems to lurk around every corner. While stress is a natural response to challenging situations, chronic stress can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. Physical Health One of the most compelling reasons to eliminate stress from your life is its profound impact on physical health. Chronic stress has been linked to a multitude of health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and a weakened immune system. When we are under constant stress, our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol, which can wreak havoc on our cardiovascular system and overall health. By reducing stress, you can significantly lower the risk of developing these serious health conditions. Mental Well-being Stress doesn't just harm your body; it also takes a toll on your mental health. ...

In an era where healthcare is constantly evolving, patients and practitioners are increasingly seeking holistic and comprehensive approaches to healing. Integrated medicine, often referred to as integrative medicine, is gaining prominence as a philosophy that combines the best of conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. This approach focuses on treating the whole person, considering not only physical symptoms but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. In recent years, the field of healthcare has seen a notable shift towards a more holistic approach to healing. Patients and healthcare providers alike are recognizing the importance of integrating traditional and complementary therapies to achieve optimal health and well-being. One such complementary therapy that has gained widespread recognition is acupuncture. We will explore the concept of integrated medicine and delve into the many benefits of incorporating acupuncture into conventional healt...

In the fast-paced modern world, where stress and anxiety seem to be constant companions, people are constantly seeking ways to find balance, inner peace, and physical well-being. One ancient practice that has been gaining popularity worldwide for achieving these goals is Qigong. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, Qigong is an art that combines movement, meditation, and controlled breathing to cultivate and balance the vital life force within us, known as "Qi" or "Chi." The Origins and Essence of Qigong Qigong, pronounced as "chee-gong," traces its roots back to ancient China, where it developed as an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts. The term "Qi" refers to the vital energy or life force that flows through all living beings and the universe. "Gong" translates to "work" or "cultivation." Thus, Qigong can be understood as the cultivation and harmonization of one...

Microcirculation plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It refers to the flow of blood through the smallest blood vessels in the body, including arterioles, capillaries, and venules. This intricate network of vessels delivers essential oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to tissues and organs, while removing waste products and toxins. Various factors can impact microcirculation, leading to health issues. One alternative therapy that has gained recognition for its potential to improve microcirculation is acupuncture. In this article, we delve into the concept of microcirculation and explore how acupuncture can positively influence this critical bodily function. Understanding Microcirculation: Microcirculation comprises the tiniest blood vessels in the body, measuring less than 100 micrometers in diameter. Arterioles, which branch out from larger arteries, deliver oxygenated blood to capillaries. These microscopic vessels, only one cell thick, connect arterioles and...

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that can significantly impact a person's well-being and quality of life. Traditional treatment approaches for PTSD often involve a combination of therapy and medication. However, in recent years, alternative and complementary therapies have gained attention as potential adjunctive treatments. One such therapy is acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. What is PTSD: PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person but often include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, anxiety, and depression. While therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), remain the primary treatment options, some individuals may not respond fully or may...

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), has emerged as a challenging condition affecting a significant portion of individuals who have recovered from acute COVID-19. It encompasses a wide range of persistent symptoms that can endure for weeks or even months after the initial infection. As medical professionals and researchers seek effective approaches to manage the lingering effects of long COVID, complementary and alternative therapies are gaining attention. Among them, acupuncture has shown promise as a potential treatment modality. In this article, we talk about the role of acupuncture in alleviating the symptoms of long COVID and its potential benefits for affected individuals. Understanding Long COVID: Long COVID is a complex condition characterized by an array of persistent symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, and mental health issues. These symptoms can significantly impact an individua...

The field of medicine has made remarkable advancements in surgical techniques, allowing for safer and more successful procedures. However, the journey to complete recovery after surgery can still be challenging for patients. Fortunately, complementary therapies like acupuncture have emerged as valuable allies in promoting post-surgical healing and enhancing overall well-being. In this article, we explore the role of acupuncture in surgery recovery and its numerous benefits for patients. Acupuncture and Surgery Recovery: Pain Management: Pain is a common concern after surgery, and managing it effectively is crucial for a smooth recovery. Acupuncture has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing pain by promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This drug-free approach can provide substantial relief and potentially minimize the need for strong pain medications, thereby reducing the risk of side effects and dependency. Inflammation Reduction: Surgery often trigge...

Stress is a natural response of the body to harmful situations, and its symptoms can vary from person to person. Emotional symptoms may include agitation, frustration, irritability, difficulty relaxing, anxiety, and depression. Physical symptoms can manifest as low energy, tiredness, headaches, muscle tension, insomnia, digestive problems, frequent illness, and loss of libido, among others. Behavioral symptoms may include constant worrying, lack of concentration, poor memory, slow thinking, pessimism, and changes in appetite. Anxiety, a common result of stress, can bring about both emotional and physical symptoms. Increased heart rate, nausea, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, and headaches are some of the physical manifestations of anxiety. While it is normal to feel anxious in stressful situations, persistent or unexplained anxiety can become abnormal and disruptive to one's overall well-being. The frontal lobe, located at the front of the brain beneath the frontal bone...

The frontal lobe is located at the front of the brain just underneath frontal bone. It controls important cognitive skills, such as emotional expression, personality, problem solving, memory, language, communication skill, judgment, and sexual behaviors. It makes up about one third of the brain and is the largest lobe of the brain. It also controls muscles movement and speech. The frontal lobe enables us to respond to any changes accordingly. Acute stress can impair the function of the frontal lobe that required complex and flexible thinking by increasing both dopamine and noradrenaline release. Chronic stress induces the structural changes. chronic stress weakens the structures that provide negative feedback on the stress response and strengthens the structures that promote the stress response. Stress and anxiety are related to this part of the brain that is not functioning well. The stress and anxiety of frontal lobe is reflexed at the forehead tension. Acupuncture releases the str...

If you are very stressed and cannot get rid of it, there are 10 reasons why you should try acupuncture to relieve your stress. No1 Stress impairs the brain. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) regulates our thoughts, actions and emotions through extensive connections with other brain regions. Research has shown that Acute stress impairs PFC function, while chronic stress leads to more extensive functional and structural alteration of PFC. No2, Stress makes you anxious. Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. It can be a reaction to stress. Stress can make existing anxiety worse that makes you more anxious, irritable, agitated and unable to relax. Stress also makes you unable to concentrate and forget things. No3, Stress spoils your look. Stress creates tension on the face to make the expression muscles contract, as a r...

What is stress? Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. When under stressed, the body thinks it is under attack and releasing a complex mix of hormones and chemicals such as noradrenaline and cortisol to prepare the body for physical and mental action. We all know what it’s like to feel stressed - being under pressure is a normal part of life. But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to physical and mental health problems or make existing problems worse. Research by the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment indicates that in 2015, 42.8% students reported more than average stress in the past 12 months, with 10.7% reported being under tremendous stress. Furthermore, 30% of college students reported that stress had negatively impacted academic performance, and 76% of students reported feeling overwhelmed with all they h...

What is anxiety? Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear. This feeling can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life, you may feel worried or anxious about something that is important such as job interview, exam etc. This is quite normal. However, for some people their feelings of anxiety are constant and hard to control their worries which can affect their daily lives. Excessive or persistent anxiety can have a detrimental effect on your physical and mental health. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): is a condition that makes one to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event. People with GAD feel anxious most days and have difficulty to relax. The symptoms include feeling restless or worried, or anxious, having trouble to concentrate or sleep, dizziness, tension on the chest, or heart palpitations. The exact cause of GAD isn't clear. Research suggested that overactivity in areas of th...