Acupuncture

“My acupuncture practice was established to provide assistance for those seeking improvement in their health and well being”.

Acupuncture is the process of placing fine hair-thin needles at specific points on the body to direct vital force, or Qi, which flows throughout a person's body in specific patterns. When this flow is blocked or disrupted, illness and dysfunction results. The acupuncture treatment is designed to promote and restore the balance of energy.

From its inception in China more than 3,000 years ago, acupuncture has been used traditionally to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve general health. The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health (USA) recognize acupuncture as an effective treatment for many health conditions.

Acupuncture directly benefits a person's bodily health by increasing circulation, reducing swelling, releasing endorphins, and stimulating the limbic system. As a result, a wide variety of conditions are treated, from emotional disorders (anxiety, depression) to digestive complaints (nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome).

It can be beneficial for pain syndromes due to an injury or associated with chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis. Respiratory conditions, including sinusitis and asthma have been relieved with acupuncture, as have many gynecologic disorders and infertility. Acupuncture has also proved beneficial for reducing fatigue, improving sleep and recovery from addictions. It promotes overall well-being.

Most people find acupuncture treatment to be very relaxing, even blissful!

Yes. Acupuncture has few unpleasant side effects and does not interfere with any medical treatment you may already be receiving. I use sterile disposable needles that are used once only.Occasionally patients may get a small local bruise or feel light headed for a few moments.

The Japanese style of acupuncture is very effective and pain free.The obvious differences between Japanese and Chinese acupuncture practice are that the needles are far finer, they are also inserted barely deeper than 1-2mm with an absolute minimum of manipulation.

Acupuncture is used by millions of people worldwide. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety.

Many people have heard about Chinese Medicine. They are now curious to know whether their health or condition can benefit from acupuncture.

The WHO has determined that acupuncture is an effective therapy for over 200 clinical conditions including:

  • Neck and back pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Migraine and headaches
  • TMJ
  • Injury rehabilitation
  • Repetitive Stress/Strain Injuries (including Carpel Tunnel)
  • Respiratory problems including asthma, allergies and colds.
  • Sleep disorders
  • Digestive problems
  • Gynecological conditions including infertility, painful periods and menopausal symptoms
  • Circulatory disorders
  • Addictions
  • Chronic disease management including post chemotherapy treatment and palliative care.

Acupuncture also reduces stress and anxiety and helps patients enter a deep state of relaxation, which enhances the healing process.

Ear acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of disorders and is commonly used to treat addictions such as smoking, eating, alcohol and drugs. There are specific points on the ears which correspond to different organs and areas of the body. These points can be needled or stimulated with tiny seeds or metal balls, secured with tape.

It is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing, without the use of drugs. According to the principles of Eastern medicine, skin is viewed as a reflection of internal health. Through the use of acupuncture, this rejuvenation process stimulates the body’s own healing mechanism to balance, strengthen and improve the condition of your health and your skin.

ADDITIONAL MODALITIES MAY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT:

  • Moxibustion: A form of heat therapy that uses an herb called Mugwort to stimulate acupoints and restore the smooth flow of Qi.
  • Cupping: Glass or plastic cups are used to create suction on the skin to increase circulation, break up congestion and relieve pain.
  • Gua Sha: A small, flat utensil that is moved across the skin to unblock areas of stagnation.
  • TDP Lamp: an infrared heating device that has a mineral plate with special healing properties. Good for pain management.
  • Electrical stimulation: A mild electrical current is attached to needles to provide continuous stimulation to the acupoints.
  • Nutrition and Exercise: Individual nutritional and exercise advice based on the theories of East Asian Medicine and modern research.

Patients are always given suggestions for self-care between appointments.
Referrals to other specialists as needed.

Acupuncture for Fertility

Acupuncture for fertility is an effective and natural way to support your efforts in building your family. I have extensive experience supporting women and couples in achieving their family building goals. I am passionate about reproductive medicine and supporting you through your fertility journey. I am also committed to collaborating with your whole health care team. Here are some of the conditions acupuncture and East Asian Medicine can treat to improve fertility:

  • female infertility (diminished ovarian reserve, advanced maternal age, recurrent pregnancy loss, autoimmune, hormone imbalances, thin uterine lining, natural conception)
  • menstrual disorders and/or pain (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, PMS)
  • polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • endometriosis
  • anxiety and depression
  • male infertility (low sperm count, poor motility, and poor morphology)

Additionally, patients often report depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, nasal allergies, and/or digestive complaints that co-occur with their primary health concern. In my years of clinical experience, patients often report the primary and co-occurring health complaints improved with treatment.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) can be an effective treatment to conceive. It may be the only way for some to realize their dreams of parenthood. For others, the stress, cost, and physical demand require additional support. Acupuncture is an effective treatment to reduce stress associated with IVF and can improve birth outcomes. Acupuncture for IVF significantly increases the chances of live birth when used during an IVF cycle when compared to those who did IVF alone. Regardless of the medical diagnosis, acupuncture can support the following assisted reproduction cycle types:

  • Fresh embryo IVF cycle and transfer
  • Frozen embryo transfer
  • Donor cycle
  • Gestational surrogacy
  • Pre-implantation Genetic Screening or Diagnosis or Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening
  • Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
  • Intra-uterine inseminations

New Patients:

Once you schedule an appointment, my intake form will be sent to you. You can print and fill out the form beforehand or arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time and complete it here.

During your first visit, we will review your full medical history as well as your current health status. The holistic approach of East Asian medicine takes everything into account .This includes questions about your energy levels, sleep, digestion, diet and general lifestyle to name a few. My Eastern Medicine diagnosis would also involve an examination of your pulse and tongue to identify any patterns. After a complete initial consultation, we will discuss the treatment plan.

The needles are inserted and you will lie comfortably for 20 to 45 minutes depending on the person and the condition being treated.

Acupuncture is not painful, but you can get a dull pulling, an itching, a slight electrical sensation or no sensation at all, at the point locations.

Please note, acupuncture is cumulative. Acute conditions, like a cold or flu can resolve with one treatment, but chronic conditions may require multiple sessions.

The overall health of my patients is met through evidence based treatment, education, and lifestyle management utilizing the theories and philosophies of East​ ​Asian​ ​Medicine.

ABOUT

Simone Kredo MAc, is a highly skilled acupuncture practitioner who strives for a balanced, calm and healthy life for herself, and her patients. She earned her Master of Science in Acupuncture degree in 2000 from the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Seattle. She is Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture in the USA(2000) , and licensed in the State of New York. She is also registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa, since moving to Cape Town (2011). She has taken post graduate courses in integrative cancer care through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She previously consulted with Dr S. Edelstein (obstetrician/gynaecologist and fertility specialist) in Cape Town for 4 years. She continues to improve her skills by attending as many seminars and webinars as possible and being part of a study group.

Most recent international conferences attended:

2018 - Integrative Fertility Symposium, Vancouver, CA

2019 - International Community for Chinese Medicine (ICCM) ,Tel Aviv, Israel

How it all began….

I started studying herbal medicine(phytotherapy), remedial massage, shiatsu and reflexology in my spare time whilst a student at UCT (University of Cape Town). There were no advanced degrees in complementary medicine in South Africa at the time, so I chose to pursue my dream of a career in holistic health elsewhere. I studied Naturopathic Medicine in Sydney Australia and graduated in 1995. I moved to the USA and began my Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine where I graduated with a specialization in Japanese Acupuncture and Meridian Therapy in 2000. I have been treating patients with one or more therapeutic modality, since 1988! My intention is to support each patient with individualized care. To address their particular health needs and to discover a personal solution for their stress management. I believe acupuncture can play a part in integrating the mind, body and spirit of a patient. My goal is to stimulate your body’s own natural resources, so that you heal from the inside out. Whatever changes you need to make to shift yourself towards your goal..I encourage you to make them. Whether it be a switch in perception, or a physical act like eliminating a bad habit, you do need to try and meet me in the place that serves you best. I value a multi-disciplinary approach to improve the quality of life of my patients. I will strive to deliver the highest level of supportive care and I am happy to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide you with an integrated solution to your health issues.

  • Post graduate study in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Case Management and Acupuncture Energetics (2007-2010) Emperor’s College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles Dongguk Royal University, Los Angeles
  • Masters Degree in Acupuncture (1997- 2000)
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Japanese Meridian Therapy (1999-2000) Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Seattle
  • Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (1990 -1995) Nature Care College of Naturopathic and Traditional Medicine , Sydney, Australia
I volunteered for 3 years at Kang Wen Community Clinic in Seattle. Currently volunteering with Flying Needle Project - Cape Town
  • Building families: Interested in treating patients who are having difficulty conceiving, using a holistic approach to fertility treatment.
  • Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI): The study of the profound connection between the mind and the body. How chronic stress,depression, anxiety, fear and trauma impacts the body.
  • Public Health: I believe that access to all forms of health care should be the right of each individual.

Testimonials

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Contact Details

  • Simone Kredo M.Ac
    Reg No. A11101
    Practice Number : 105 000 0450456
  • 9 Brownlow Mansions
    5 Brownlow Road
    Tamboerskloof
    Cape Town
    8001
  • Phone : 076-8131845
  • Email : simonekredo@gmail.com