Stella Byrne

Stella is a qualified acupuncturist who trained for over three years in Five Element acupuncture in London. She also completed advanced training at the Kite Clinic in Bond Street, London, which is renowned for its work with people with fertility issues.

Stella previously worked as a registered nurse, and am a member of the British Acupuncture Council whose members observe a strict code of safe practice requiring the use of sterile disposable needles.

Stella is available for treatments Monday - Friday (Mornings only) by appointment

Five Element Acupuncture

Acupuncture can improve your physical and mental health, enabling you to live your life to your full potential. Acupuncture is a safe and gentle approach to help you to deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life. These stresses and strains can become physical and emotional symptoms in your body. These might include:

Anxiety
Arthritis
Back pain
Depression
Insomnia
Fertility issues
Menstrual problems
Migraines
Other recurring illnesses

What is Five Element Acupuncture?

The Chinese saw the Five Elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood as forces of nature whose energies pass through our bodies as organs. An illness is said to relate to an imbalance in the relationship of the elements to one another. Treatment is directed at correcting this imbalance by the insertion of fine needles into specific points which relate to the different organs. The points used today are the same as those used for thousands of years. This long history has meant that a body of medical knowledge about us in health and ill health has been developed over centuries.

The Five Elements relate to the seasons, and each organ of our body also relates and responds to the energy of each season.

Wood Wood is the element of spring, when we see trees and plants that previously looked dead burst into life with a ceaseless force of creation and energy. They each know their great plan for growth. As spring approaches we often feel this force within us to get moving, spring clean and think about our plan and where we are going with our lives. An imbalance in wood can lead us to have no plan, no growth or vision of the future, or an excessive, exhausting energy that doesn’t know when to stop, like the ivy that grows and clings to everything. This can lead to physical problems such as migraines and muscle problems. The organs associated with wood are the liver and gallbladder.

Fire Fire is the element of the summer, when we see trees and plants producing wonderful flowers, the light changes and we too feel light and lifted and free and joyous. An imbalance in fire can lead us to not experience the joy and love of life, or can lead us to “burn our candle at both ends” and wear ourselves out with an over abundance of joy or an unquenchable need to love and be loved. The fire organs are the heart and small intestine.

Earth Earth relates to late summer, when the trees are heavy with fruit. It is about the fire of summer abating, and heralding the time for us to “earth” or nurture ourselves, preparing for autumn with our own harvest, a “taking stock” of our lives. An imbalance can lead to us over nurturing others at the expense of our own well being, or conversely, selfishly hoarding everything for ourselves and being unable to give anything to others. Physically we may experience stomach or digestive problems, as the earth organs are the stomach and spleen.

Metal Metal relates to autumn. The energy begins to turn inwards, conserving what is needed to get through the winter. Leaves turn brown and fall to the ground. If autumn doesn’t happen, if the leaves don’t fall, there can be no new growth in Spring. An imbalance in us can lead to us getting rid of everything, things that are of value as well as things that are not, relationships, possessions etc, or a hoarding of everything good and bad which can then impede future growth. We may experience bowel, skin or respiratory problems as the metal organs are the lungs and large intestines.

Water Water is the element associated with winter, when energy must be conserved, trees appear dead, animals hibernate and there is a fear that the days will never be light again or new growth appear. An imbalance can lead to excessive fear for our own survival, a feeling of being permanently stuck in the gloom and quiet of winter, or a complete lack of fear that leads us to take unnecessary risks in all aspects of our lives. Physically we may experience back or joint problems. The water organs are the bladder and kidneys.

Through regular acupuncture treatments you will begin to see which of these energies relates most to how you see yourself and live your life. As balance is restored you are able to live comfortably in each of the seasons, embracing the challenges and joys of each one. This balance will be reflected in every area of your life on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Health and well being returns and you begin to feel “in your element”.

What happens during a treatment?

I will take a full history from you and check for any imbalance in your energy. One of the ways that I will do this is through “reading” your pulses. The readings are taken from the pulse on your wrists and will give me information about each of your organs. I will then insert fine needles into various specific points on your body that relate to the organs which appear to be out of balance. The needles are rarely left in, and will just produce a mild warming or tingling sensation.

How many sessions will I need?

This will depend very much on what symptoms you are experiencing but I recommend 1 weekly session for 4-5 weeks after which treatments can normally happen less frequently

Cost: Initial Consultation £55 (90mins) ● Follow Up £40 (45-60mins)

Zero Balancing

What is Zero Balancing?

Zero Balancing is a gentle yet powerful hands-on method of balancing body energy with body structure. Using finger pressure and held stretches, it invites the release of tension accumulated in the deep structures of the body. The specific quality of touch enables physical structure and energy to be engaged simultaneously in a way that harmonises the relationship between them. Zero Balancing provides a point of stillness around which the body can relax, giving an opportunity to let go of unease and pain, and experience a new level of integration. The name Zero Balancing arose spontaneously from a recipient's description of the session she had just received.

How did Zero Balancing originate?

Dr. Fritz Smith, an osteopath, physician and acupuncturist, developed the principles of Zero Balancing in 1975. He understood the importance of integrating mainstream Western scientific approaches to body structure with concepts of energy and healing used routinely in the East. Fritz Smith describes his insights into both models of health care in his book 'Inner Bridges', (available from ZBA UK). He teaches internationally, training practitioners and teachers to use and teach Zero Balancing. Zero Balancers* are also health care professionals in other fields. The ZBAUK organises the thorough training programme that leads to accreditation as a Certified Zero Balancer.

What happens during a Zero Balancing session?

Zero Balancing is a hands-on bodywork. It is done with the client clothed and lying on his or her back. A short health history will be taken before the session starts. It is not necessary for the client to talk during the session. A session may take anywhere between twenty and forty minutes. Zero Balancing promotes a deep state of relaxation, and it is common for people to feel refreshingly rested and revitalised after the first session. It is often recommended that a person have three weekly sessions to begin with, and then decides with their practitioner what frequency would best serve them. Some people continue to have Zero Balancing sessions regularly as a way to maintain good health, whilst others find it beneficial at times when they need to be functioning at their best, or during times of particular stress, or during transitional periods in their lives.

People who receive Zero Balancing may progress into a new state of awareness from which old patterns and habits in the body and mind may be more readily released. This can manifest as noticeable changes in the way physical structure and movement are experienced, or as a shift in inner landscape so that new opportunities and choices become apparent.

How can Zero Balancing help?

Zero Balancing promotes a deep sense of physical and emotional harmony, allowing our own natural healing process to work more effectively. It benefits a wide range of people and has extensive applications in health and in personal development. The following are some of the areas in which it may be especially useful:

Flexibility & Posture: Zero Balancing focuses on the groups of joints in the body that are involved with the smooth transmission of forces through the weight-bearing skeleton - in effect they act as shock absorbers. Zero Balancing evaluates and improves the function of these joints, working towards optimum balance and efficiency in their relationship with each other and with the whole body. This encourages natural realignment and improved posture.

Stress Reduction: Zero Balancing is an effective and gentle way of dealing with accumulated stress in the body and mind. People feel relaxed, refreshed and invigorated after a session, more able to understand and deal with the causes of their stress.

Body Pain: Pain usually occurs in areas where energy flow is blocked or weakened, commonly in areas of tension or overuse. Zero Balancing restores energy flow, so removing the causes of pain and improving body awareness. There is a corresponding increase in flexibility, range and performance.

General Wellbeing: Zero Balancing generates an active and conscious state of wellbeing. Pleasurable in itself, it can provide a foundation for continuing good health. If you feel good, Zero Balancing offers you the opportunity to feel even better.

Reparative Touch

Natural responses to touch can become distorted by events such as trauma, abuse or prolonged physical or emotional pain. Zero Balancing establishes a clear interface between the therapist and the client in which the boundaries of touch and communication are distinct and non-intrusive. The safety of this respectful connection enables the client to reclaim their body and rediscover the positive aspects of human touch.

Personal Process

Zero Balancing can facilitate the release of outdated mental habits and patterns of emotional responses. Unresolved issues from our personal history may be held in the body and act as obstacles to personal development. Zero Balancing can help access and clear these obstructions, strengthening our ability to adapt to change and to reconnect with our essential selves.

Please note: Zero Balancing is a complement to medical health care and not a substitute for it. The work is not designed for the acutely ill or disturbed person, nor should it be used following surgery or a bone fracture until sufficient structural healing has taken place. Stella is happy to advise whether Zero Balancing is suitable for you.

Cost: £40 (60mins)