Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in China over 2,000 years ago.  It was developed to restore health and well-being by inserting fine needles into specific areas of the body.  There are a system of points in the body that are linked together by a network of “meridians”.  Problems occur when there is a blockage of energy (Qi) flow through the body.  When body systems work together properly, they are in the state of homeostasis or “balance.”  When they lose this state of balance, they are considered to be in a state of disease.  This approach is used to treat patterns of disharmony by attempting to modify the activity of these systems.

Acupuncture treats the body as a whole; treating not only the signs and symptoms the patient is experiencing [branch], but also the underlying cause of the ailment [root].  The treatments are also based on strengthening the body’s resilience, thus encouraging the body to heal itself.  During the course of your treatments, you will likely notice that as the condition you originally came in for improves, other aspects of your health or symptoms may concurrently be relieved.  This happens because we are treating the “root” of your body’s health imbalance.

* Includes specific conditions that the World Health Organization (WHO) determined may respond to acupuncture:

The techniques listed below may also be used as part your treatment:

+ Electro-acupuncture (“E-stim”):
Small electrical currents (microcurrent or millicurrent) are sometimes added to the acupuncture needles to create a pronounced effect.  The sensation is typically one of “tapping,” or “pulsing” where you will feel a painless movement of the muscle near the stimulated needle.  It is typically used in musculoskeletal pain or stasis of varying types.  Microcurrent stimulation is effective in treating acute injuries and may also help in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and depression.  Microcurrent is similar to the body’s own electrical impulses and is generally applied with very little or without any sensation.

+ Cupping:
Cupping is a technique that uses the application of glass cups and negative pressure to particular regions of the body. The cups may be stationary and/or sliding may be incorporated. When used for musculoskeletal conditions, it is effective in decreasing stiffness and pain, improve tissue health and increase mobility. It can also help break up scar adhesions/tissue and mechanical connective tissue changes following inflammation or trauma. Cupping can also be used as a form of detoxification because it has been found to activate the lymphatic system and help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries.  Cupping may also be used to treat respiratory conditions (common cold, bronchitis, asthma) and gastrointestinal disorders, decompression of adhesions; reducing inhibition of fluids and nutrient exchange.

+ Gua Sha:
Gua Sha is a technique which involves “scraping” the skin with a smooth surface (typically a ceramic spoon, lid, coin or special tool) in areas where there is congestion or pain.  Gua Sha is a traditional form of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM). It promotes healthy circulation to the area, relieves pain and tension, and restores proper function to the muscles.  It is typically used in the case of the common cold, head and ear congestion and general muscle pain.

+ Moxibustion:
Moxibustion is an ancient Chinese medicine technique which involves the burning of Artemesia Vulgaris (a.k.a. mugwort) to facilitate healing.  Moxibustion is used to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi and maintain general health.  The sensation that moxa produces is a pleasant warmth that penetrates deep into the skin.  The burning of moxa is used to treat many conditions:  expels cold conditions, increases circulation, stimulates menstruation, ease menstrual cramps, treat infertility, treat bronchial asthma, treat arthritis and many more.  There are several different types of moxa – all of which are used depending upon various conditions (environment and patient), techniques used and the preference of the practitioner.

+ Tui Na:
“Tui Na” literally translates to “push-pull” and is a type of medical massage.  Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tui Na incorporates techniques that are similar to massage, chiropractic, osteopathic and physical therapy.  Tui Na uses a variety of hand techniques and passive and active stretching to correct anatomical musculoskeletal conditions, neuromuscular patterns and increase circulation at different areas of the body.