Acupuncture

Doctor Merrell-Keijzer uses acupuncture for various conditions. In certain cases she uses traditional acupressure, tuina (pronounced: twiena), a particular form of massage. Because acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the patient will feel good and have reduced levels of pain after the therapy. Endorphin is a chemical similar to morphine and is produced naturally by the body.

Acupuncture has been used for over 5000 years. Contrary to popular belief, inserting needles in the skin of adults and children is a painless procedure. Acupuncture is effective against depressions, RSI (repetitive strain injury), arthritis, hernias, tennis elbows, the burn-out syndrome, stress, menopause and other problems cause by hormones, eczema, auto-immune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome and the widespread symptoms of fatigue experienced by many due to life in our stressful societies.

Needles
Acupuncture needles are much thinner than those used for drawing blood and are only inserted a few millimetres under the skin. In addition, doctor Merrell-Keijzer uses a special appliance for inserting needles quickly, so the patient will feel next to nothing or is even unaware of the needle being inserted.

Balance
Besides acupuncture, doctor Merrell-Keijzer works with Chinese herbs. The combination of herbs and acupuncture can, for example, reduce and regulate undesirable hormone fluctuations. The therapy works to regulate balance within the body.
Eastern medicine works with the principle of yin and yang (the passive and the active, the female and the male, elements that are in balance in a healthy body) and regulating all organs, which are linked to the meridians. When meridians (energy channels) are in balance, they regulate a good circulation of chi (our energy). When a body is not in balance, it cannot function properly.

Healthy living
A healthy lifestyle, sufficient exercise and responsible dietary patterns are equally important as good therapy. Those aspects aid the strengthening of the immune system and thus help minimise allergies and other problems. TOGA clinic can also provide you with advice on leading a healthier lifestyle.