Treatments
Acupuncture Techniques
Acupuncture
The gentle insertion of tiny thread-like needles in specific acupoints near the surface of the body that influence blood and oxygen circulation, nervous system function and organ function. Acupuncture is one of the main treatment modalities in Chinese medicine and requires specific knowledge in anatomy, physiology and Traditional Chinese Medical Theory.
Acupuncture is consider “bi tong” or painless, but it is not without sensations. You may experience a quick pinch on insertion, heat, itching or pressure at the site of the needle. Nothing should be sharp or painful. In most cases, people feel a sense of deep relaxation, and have fallen asleep during treatment. Our clinic uses high quality, pre-sterilized, disposable needles and are discarded in medical waste after each treatment.
Cupping
This technique consists of placing glass jars over an area of skin. The increase in temperature removes the oxygen within the jars creating a vacuum, drawing up the skin and opening the pores. The suction created helps stimulate the flow of blood, balance and harmonize the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. On occasion, temporary discoloration can occur over the area where the cups are applied, which generally dissipates within a few days. Light red indicates heat and inflammation, purple means blood is not flowing through the muscles. Cupping is indicated of conditions like muscle pain and tightness, colds with fluid accumulation, and swelling.
Gua Sha
This technique involves stimulation or scraping of the skin using a flat edge instrument and lubrication. This may create a reddening of the skin and /or the appearance of small red petechiae known as “sha”, which generally disappears within 1-5 days. The idea of raising sha to the skin surface is the remove qi and blood stagnation to promote normal circulation and metabolic processes of the body. Gua sha can be used for muscle pain and tightness, colds and to bring down fevers.
E-stim
E-stim also known as electrical stimulation is the use of applying a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles as a mean of stimulating specific points or channels within the body. This technique can be used to tonify acupuncture points and move stagnation within an area of the body.
Moxibustion
This is a very important warming technique that is commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture. Moxa is the dried leaves of Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) that is burned and placed indirectly on acupuncture points. It comes in many forms; loose, mini stick-on, and a cigar-like stick. Moxa can also be placed on the top of needles during treatment. This Technique is used to remove cold and tonify Qi and blood, increase circulation, dry up secretions and strengthen vital energy.
Transdermal needles
Also known as “tacks”, are mini needles connected to adhesive tape. The needles penetrate the skin on a superficial level and can be left on for up to five days. Tacks are most commonly placed within the ears and can be inserted anywhere on the body. These are used to stimulate acupuncture points and are excellent for children. Similar to reflexology, tacks can be used for a variety of conditions.
Massage Therapies
Therapeutic massage
Designed to relieve muscle and joint pain, increase blood supply to the tissues, reduce pain, increase range of motion and restore muscle function. Slow, light to deep pressure manipulations in conjunction with smooth Swedish strokes that work best on more general body aches and pains.
Swedish massage
More for relaxation, a total body massage utilizing long smooth, gentle strokes with little to no deep pressure.
Deep tissue massage
A deeper massage that targets specific muscle groups. Good for people with long-standing, chronic muscle dysfunction with very tight, locked up muscles.
Sports massage
Designed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimum performance, recover after a big event, or better function during training.
Hot stone massage
Heated stones are used conjunction with a variety of massage techniques to assist in releasing tension and stress build up in the muscles, enabling you to melt away into total relaxation.
Pregnancy massage
Therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience.
Raindrop Technique
The Raindrop Technique is a mild and non-intrusive application of dropping essential oils directly onto the spine and feet along with specific massage techniques to allow the oils to enter the skin. Great for people dealing with low immunity, chronic health problems or detoxification.
Reflexology
A unique vita-flex pressure technique is used with specific therapeutic grade essential oils applied to areas of the feet corresponding to each and every organ of the body. Good for foot or heel problems and/or internal health problems.
Reiki natural healing
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive form of energy work that supports physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Based on the theories of Chinese Medicine, this is meant to help restore balance to the body.
Chakra balancing
The seven Chakras relate to the neurological plexuses along the spine and to the major endocrine glands. When we are in a state in ill health, the chakras may be distorted, out of alignment or even stagnant.
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine is the understanding and clinical usage of hundreds of plant-, animal-, and mineral-substances. It requires extensive knowledge in botany, pharmacology and Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis. Chinese medicine targets the symptoms by treating the root cause of the problem. Two people with the same symptoms, such as headaches, may have a different cause and therefore, would be treated with different herbal remedies.
Most peoples’ fears regarding herbs are unwarranted. Chinese Medicine has been used safely and effectively for over 3000 years. Herbal interactions are extremely rare, virtually non-existent, when administered by a trained practitioner. Due to the strength of the herbs as well as the dosage, Chinese herbs are regulated, and most formulas are sold only by licensed practitioners.
Our clinic uses only the highest quality, laboratory-tested herbs. We carry patent teapills, powdered concentrates, tinctures, raw herbs, ointments and salves, and can design custom formulas to meet the specific needs of each patient. We also carry a variety of homeopathic remedies and pediatric formulas.
Chinese herbs are used to restore function, and once this has been achieved, there may be no need to continue taking herbs. Some herbs can be used to help maintain function, at lower dosages, but most formulas are not meant for lifelong consumption. In acute cases, herbs may only be administered for only a few days; in chronic cases, several months to a few years. Either way, a licensed practitioner should be able to tell you when and how to use herbs most effectively.
Our practitioners have over 20 years experience in herbalism, and we offer herbal consults with or without acupuncture.
