Still Point
Holistic Therapies in CENTRAL London:
LONDON BRIDGE, COVENT GARDEN, ISLINGTON, FARRINGDON & WAPPING
Kristina Maderic BSc (Hons), Lic Ac, MAAC
Therapies & services
First appointment
In our first appointment together, we will discuss your situation and what you are looking to achieve. We will discuss your problem and what therapy you are looking for, and I will also advise you on the therapy or the blend of therapies I offer that may help.
Fertility acupuncture and any other complex issues to be addressed with acupuncture require ideally 90 minutes for the first appointment as we start with traditional Chinese medical diagnosis.
Acupuncture follow ups are usually 60 minutes. Other treatments timings can be 60, 45 or 30 minutes.
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a healthcare system based on ancient Chinese principles that go back over two thousands years. It has a very positive model of good health and function, and looks at pain and illness as signs that the body is out of balance. The overall aim of acupuncture is to restore the body’s equilibrium. What makes this system so uniquely suited to modern life is that physical, emotional and mental are seen as interdependent, and reflect what many people perceive as the connection between the different aspects of their life.
Acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined for centuries. The focus is on the individual, not their illness, and all the symptoms are seen in relation to each other. Each patient is unique; two people with the same western diagnosis may well receive different acupuncture treatments.
Traditional acupuncturists believe that illness occur when the body’s qi, or vital energy, can not flow freely. There may be many reasons for that, including emotional and physical stress, poor nutrition, infection, injury, trauma, weather such as extreme heat or cold, living conditions such as damp, hereditary factors. By inserting ultra-fine sterile needles into specific acupuncture points, an acupuncturist seeks to re-establish the free flow of qi to restore balance and trigger the body’s natural healing response.
When appropriate, during acupuncture treatment other suitable methods based on Chinese medicine may be used such as:
Moxibustion (warming certain points or parts of the body with a lit herb called Mugwort to induce a certain healing response)
Cupping (creating a vacuum with static or sliding cups)
Guasha (scraping the skin for certain health benefits)
Tuina massage
Qi Gong exercises
Individually tailored diet and lifestyle advice according to the TCM diagnosis
I practice Integrated Five Elements and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) styles. They complement each other very well, and are used according to the needs of the person treated.
Traditional Five Elements style is based on the ancient principle of movement of energy in nature and it flows continuously through the 5 phases. The elements/seasons are Wood/spring, Fire/summer, Earth/harvest time, Metal/autumn and Water/winter. This ancient practice recognises that these elements are present in the nature and in our body too. When one or more of them are not flowing smoothly, an imbalance is created which may manifest in emotional, mental or physical health issues. By working on a core element imbalance, equilibrium and good health may be restored. Five Elements is an effective holistic approach that may particularly be beneficial for mental/emotional conditions which could link to physical problems. It is a gentle, often subtle but powerful approach.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is nowadays the most commonly practised style of acupuncture in China and around the world. Based on Chinese medical classics, it has been developed in the middle of the last century in order to systematise other available styles and make it more accessible to the wider number of people. TCM is particularly effective in supporting and treating the organ systems and physical body, and therefore may be chosen either with either acute or chronic issues.
I have completed a number of CPD courses in some other acupuncture styles and techniques to broaden my understanding and practice, such as Dr Tan style, Tung style, various Japanese approaches.
Fertility and Women’s health is at the heart of my practice and I have been engaging in an ongoing study and practice of fertility acupuncture with a number of teachers and experts in this field.
I am a member of the London Acupuncture Childbirth Team and Acupuncture Fertility Network.
Craniosacral Therapy
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle but potent form of holistic therapy that promotes health. It has the ability to reach deep levels of relaxation and balance, as well as profoundly affecting any aspect of body, mind and spirit. It is suitable for anyone; from those starting on the fertility journey, through pregnancy; from newborn babies to elderly.
Its origins lie in the field of osteopathy. The craniosacral system puts emphasis on anatomy and function of the bones, membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. From there attention may be extended to fascia, nervous system, any organs or any other physical body structures; as well as emotions, traumas and any patterns held within the physical or energetic field. Underlying all of these, supporting and organising is universal life force that governs life.
According to where the need for healing presents itself, craniosacral treatment can be approached through more physical biomechanic style, or anywhere from and through to those more subtle energetic and spiritual forces which is known as biodynamic approach. My training in integrated craniosacral therapy enables me to connect with any relevant aspects that are calling for attention.
It can be done in person, or remotely from a different location.
How it works?
I use light touch to connect with and listen to the body in a similar way that a counsellor may listen to the words, and then follow its subtle clues. This enables the body to express, unwind and release any physical or emotional holding, pain or trauma. The natural healing response appears which eventually leads to an overall sense of balance and well-being.
Some people choose craniosacral therapy to deeply relax and relieve everyday stresses; to find inner balance and harmony; to assist any health condition; as a support through any stage in life; to help babies and mothers to quicker recover from birth, or because wanting to dig deep and explore the emotions and trauma held within the body.
Through experiencing the continual personal benefit and healing originating in that area, I am passionate about exploring the vast field of birth and earlier embryonic existence related trauma, through the lenses of Pre and Peri birth Psychology, within the context of craniosacral therapy.
For more information please check the Craniosacral Therapy Association and The College of Craniosacral Therapy.
Fertility and Beyond
Whether natural or assisted, acupuncture can support women and their partners throughout their fertility journey by helping to balance hormones and other physical or emotional issues.
Although my focus is in the present moment finding the best possible way towards conception I know, my intention at the same time is also aimed towards successful and healthy pregnancy, birth, post birth and beyond. Individual Chinese medical dietary and lifestyle advice is always my starting point.
Emotional balance and support that is inherited in treatments is often very appreciated by many women, especially during IVF and other assisted treatments.
Women who went through miscarriage(s) I aim to support sensitively by meeting where they are at emotionally and physically, finding ways to heal and strengthen chances for future successful pregnancy.
When appropriate for a particular issue I may suggest adding craniosacral, or in some cases scar therapy or fascial release.
Scar therapy can be especially helpful in some cases of previous abdominal surgeries such as caesareans, gynaecological and any type of laparoscopies and other procedures that result in scars and internal adhesions which may be causing some interference with the optimal functioning of the reproductive system, and in some cases even be the reason for miscarriage or inability to get pregnant. Scar therapy can also be helpful for addressing any related emotional trauma.
Pregnancy can be supported in any stage with acupuncture and/or craniosacral therapy, with issues such as morning sickness including hyperemesis gravidarum, stress, different types of back pain, preparation for labour, inducing birth etc. Or treatments can just promote general state of relaxation and well-being, and add an extra layer of support for mother and the baby in this precious time of life.
Post Partum treatments can help women recover quicker from birth and address any issues that may arise in this stage, such as different pains, stress, breastfeeding issues, diastasis recti etc.
Birth Trauma - Craniosacral treatments with the emphasis on pre and peri birth approach can be a safe space for meeting any birth trauma, whether more recent or decades old.
Mother And Baby Craniosacral Treatments can be helpful with most issues babies may be facing, and a wonderful way to bring calm and healing to both mother and the baby.
Scar Therapy
Scar therapy is a method of non-invasive physical therapy developed to treat scar tissue, fibrosis and adhesions after surgery or injury. It is done directly on and around the scar using special massage techniques, fascial release, tools such as guasha and cupping, or intra-orally for facial scars. I work with scars holistically including the wider health picture and general physical and emotional well-being, within the context of craniosacral or/and acupuncture treatments.
Scar therapy promotes functional and cosmetic improvements after surgery or injury. It stimulates changes in scars not only on the skin surface but also any adhesions or fibrosis in the underlying tissue which may be causing different symptoms such as pain, tightness, tingling, sensitivity, numbness, breathing challenges, restrictions of movement within fascial network, fertility issues etc.
In some cases both recent and old scars may hold various degrees of emotional trauma; scar work in the context of fascial unwinding, craniosacral or acupuncture treatments can provide the safe space for enabling release and supporting emotional well-being.
I have a particular interest in abdominal scars resulting from any type of local surgeries such as caesarean, appendicitis, laparoscopies etc.
Reflexology
Reflexology, a therapy that has been practiced for thousands of years, involves massaging pressure points on the hands or feet, known as reflexes, which correspond to different organs and areas of your body.
Gently massaging the reflexes in your feet and hands stimulates your body’s natural healing powers, promoting calm and relaxation with a deep sense of well-being; people often find themselves falling asleep during treatment.
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage involves massaging points and areas on the head, neck, shoulders and upper back in order to ease tightness, improve your physical well-being, reduce the effects of stress and promote relaxation.
Please note that I do not use oil, massage is done over the clothes so it’s best to wear a comfortable t-shirt.
For more information about the services Still Point in Central London offer, please get in touch.
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