Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a healing modality that dates back over 2,000 years, and is one of the many therapeutic methods used in Chinese Medicine along with Herbal Medicine, Chinese Medical Massage (Tui Na), Exercise (Qigong), Nutritional counseling, Stress management, Meditation (Breathing techniques) and other therapeutic techniques. It was first documented in the “Huang Di Nei Jing” or (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine) around 200 BCE.
There are 12 main meridians connecting to the main organs of the body, the lungs, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, urinary bladder, kidney, pericardium (used for many spiritual and emotional disorders), triple burner (associated in fluid distribution), gallbladder and liver. The meridians are energetic extremities by which the practitioner can access the qi through inserting a needle at specific locations on the meridian. Acupuncture involves using very fine needles that are inserted into specific points along the acupuncture meridians allowing the practitioner to access the qi of the organs to nourish and harmonize the body, creating balance and harmony of the mind, body and spirit.
Qi (pronounced chee), is the “vital energy” that circulates in all living objects and is essential to the health of the being. According to the Chinese belief, disease and illness occur when the qi of the body is imbalanced and disharmonious due to a dis-regulation between Yin and Yang energies. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of the qi, blood, fluids, and yin and yang energies thus promoting health and preventing illness and disease.
Acupuncture needles are very thin and cause minimal to no pain upon insertion. The needles used are much thinner than the hypodermic needles used by doctors. Many patients report a relaxed feeling and comfort and even fall asleep during the treatment. The sensations that follow the insertion of the needles vary from nothing at all to a relaxed heavy sensation, numbness/achiness, or warmth feeling.
From a Western scientific understanding, acupuncture has been proven to regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and boost the immune system to fight and prevent disease. Studies have also shown that acupuncture alters brain chemistry by releasing neurotransmitters and neurohormones, and releases endorphins to aid in pain killing.
Conditions Acupuncture Treats
Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Digestive Disorders
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Urinary
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Cupping
Cupping is a therapeutic method used for many years as a part or Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is very useful for many types of pain, common cold, cough, skin conditions, insects and snake bites.
It acts to release toxins, improve circulation, reduce pain, relax stiff muscles and tissues. We can either provide fire or suction cupping techniques. In fire cupping, the practitioner will ignite an alcohol soaked cotton ball and thrust it inside the glass cups and after the cotton ball is removed the cups are then placed on the skin of the patient. However, in suction cupping, the use of an air pump and air pressure cups are used without the use of a flame. The heat or air inside the cup will create a partial vacuum which allows for the cups to have suction and the skin is being pulled into the cups.
The cups will either be left in place for 5-15 minutes which is known as "stationary cupping" or can be moved up and down the area which is being treated, "sliding cupping". Usually there will be a red to purple circle-like-mark depending on the amount of stagnation in the localized area, which will be present for a few hours to a couple of days. There is no pain associated with cupping, often the patient will experience a relaxed warmth and tingling sensation, sort of like a nice, deep, comfortable massage.
It acts to release toxins, improve circulation, reduce pain, relax stiff muscles and tissues. We can either provide fire or suction cupping techniques. In fire cupping, the practitioner will ignite an alcohol soaked cotton ball and thrust it inside the glass cups and after the cotton ball is removed the cups are then placed on the skin of the patient. However, in suction cupping, the use of an air pump and air pressure cups are used without the use of a flame. The heat or air inside the cup will create a partial vacuum which allows for the cups to have suction and the skin is being pulled into the cups.
The cups will either be left in place for 5-15 minutes which is known as "stationary cupping" or can be moved up and down the area which is being treated, "sliding cupping". Usually there will be a red to purple circle-like-mark depending on the amount of stagnation in the localized area, which will be present for a few hours to a couple of days. There is no pain associated with cupping, often the patient will experience a relaxed warmth and tingling sensation, sort of like a nice, deep, comfortable massage.
Gua- Sha
Gua-Sha is a therapeutic method which involves scraping the skin with a specialized tool or spoon until Sha rises up. The Sha is petechiae that is raised from scraping of the skin and it can vary from light pink, red to purplish in color depending on the severity of blood stasis in the body. It is believed that Gua-Sha can help with clearing heat and toxins out of the body as well as acute or chronic pain, fever, cough, fatigue, nausea and digestive disorders. The Sha will usually disappear within 2-3 days.
Tui- Na
Tui-Na literally means “grasping” and “pushing” is a form of therapeutic massage that has been utilized in Chinese Medicine for 2,000 years. It uses the same theory and principles of Chinese Medicine where the qi flowing through the meridians is essential to be harmonious thus preventing disease and illness. The practitioner will incorporate different techniques of massage to aid in the relief of your condition. Tui Na is a useful method of treatment for the elderly, pediatrics and the general adult population.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used as the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years. It focuses on restoring balance of the mind, body and spirit of the person. According to Chinese Medicine, it is believed that illness and disease occur due to an imbalance of the body’s qi and yin/yang energetic forces that are present in all of nature and the environment.
Chinese Herbal formulas and remedies include more than 300 different ingredients that work in harmony to aid in the treatment of the individual. The herbs are primarily of plant origin consisting of the root, stem, seeds, branch, leaves, twigs and the bark. Other herbal constituents involve rocks, minerals and animal products.
Herbal formulas may consist of 4-12 different herbs and may be prescribed in the form of pills, raw, tinctures, powders, soaks and poultices.
A practitioner of Chinese Medicine will create an herbal formula based on your diagnosis which will aid in the relief of your condition and restore balance and health in your body.
Chinese Herbal formulas and remedies include more than 300 different ingredients that work in harmony to aid in the treatment of the individual. The herbs are primarily of plant origin consisting of the root, stem, seeds, branch, leaves, twigs and the bark. Other herbal constituents involve rocks, minerals and animal products.
Herbal formulas may consist of 4-12 different herbs and may be prescribed in the form of pills, raw, tinctures, powders, soaks and poultices.
A practitioner of Chinese Medicine will create an herbal formula based on your diagnosis which will aid in the relief of your condition and restore balance and health in your body.
Qi- Gong
Qi-Gong is a healing technique through the practice of meditation and breathing exercises which promote a full body circulation for relaxation and stress relief.
