Acupuncture (Traditional Chinese)
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involving insertion of tiny thin needles into the body. Acupuncturists believe in a life force energy called Qi (pronounced “Chee”).
Qi flows from the body’s primary organs to the ‘superficial’ body tissues of the skin, muscles, tendons, bones, and joints, through energy channels called meridians. For those patients uncomfortable with needles, acupressure is also an option. Acupuncture treatment may also include Tui Na massage, cupping therapy, Gua Sha, and electro-acupuncture.
How can acupuncture help me?
The basic philosophy behind acupuncture is to restore balance to all of the body systems, and can therefore be beneficial for patients suffering from:
-Allergies, asthma, and respiratory conditions
-Chronic pain
-Digestive health (gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome)
-Edema (water retention, swelling)
-Fatigue and burnout
-Insomnia
-Migraines and headaches
-Reproductive health and hormonal imbalances
-Stress, anxiety, and depression
-Women’s health (menstrual pain and dysfunction, pregnancy and post-partum support, menopause)
What is Tui Na massage?
Tui Na massage is a TCM massage often used in conjunction with acupressure and/or cupping. This massage involves brushing, kneading, rolling, and pressing along the meridians and acupuncture points to stimulate energy movement in the meridians and muscles. Tui Na is good for acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions as meridians and acupuncture points are connected to internal organ disorders.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy involves the application of a heated or pumped cup to create local suction on the skin. This increases blood flow and promotes the body’s way of natural healing. Cupping helps with pain, inflammation, detoxification, relaxation, well-being, and can often be beneficial to jump start or restart a blunted healing response.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha involves using a jade stone to gently scrape along meridian channels to improve circulation and energy flow. Gua Sha reduces inflammation and is useful for chronic pain, muscle and joint pain and stiffness, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
What is Electro-Acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture is the stimulation of inserted acupuncture needles with gentle electric current. The therapeutic goal is to promote the circulation of Qi, blood, and to stimulate healing. Electro-acupuncture works by stimulating muscles and nerves, circulating essential nutrients to damaged tissues, and decreasing inflammation. Patients may experience a light tingling or pulsing sensation during this treatment. Treatment with electro-acupuncture is limited to 10-20 minutes.
