In addition to acupuncture we offer the following therapies at our clinic.
- Acupressure Massage
- Cupping/Gua Sha
- Electro-Acupuncture
- Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
- Herbal Prescriptions
- Moxibustion
- Nutrition
- Tuina or Chinese Bodywork
Below is information about our lesser known therapies.
Acupressure Massage
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that involvoes applying pressure to certain point on the body to relieve pain. Acupuncture and Acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture uses needles, while Acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands. Acupressure is a very effective method for tension related ailments.
Cupping/Gua Sha
Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle. Cupping is applied to certain acupuncture points, as well as regions of the body that are affected by pain. During this process toxins are brought to the surface of the skin and helps with lymph drainage as well as blood circulation, which is fundamental to the healing process. Cupping is mainly recommended for the treatment of pain, gastro-intestinal disorders, lung diseases (especially chronic cough and asthma), and paralysis, though it can be used for other disorders as well. Contraindications for cupping include: areas of skin that are inflamed, cases of high fever, convulsions or cramping, easy bleeding, or the abdominal area or lower back during pregnancy. Both cupping and Gua Sha are recognized by The American Pain Foundation to help reduce pain.
Gua Sha involves repeated pressured strokes along the pathway of the acupuncture meridians. Similar to cupping Gua Sha helps to bring toxins to the skin’s surface and helps with lymph drainage and blood circulation to relieve pain and reduce the body’s inflammatory response.
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-Acupuncture is used to break up scar tissue/adhesions. It is also used to reduce inflammation. Electro- Acupuncture works by sending therapeutic electric currents to the affected areas.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is also known as Cosmetic Acupuncture. This therapy combines the use of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture points on the body and micro-current stimulation on local points on the face to increase blood flow and stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin. Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restore organ balance to eliminate the root cause of facial skin problems. In order to attain desired effects, a series of 10 to 15 weekly Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture treatments are required. After completing a course of treatment, maintenance sessions can prolong the results. Maintenance sessions usually occur monthly for 2 to 3 months and then seasonally for as long as you wish to maintain results.
Herbal Prescriptions
Herbal prescriptions or formulas are combinations of herbs used to treat various conditions ranging form the common cold to infertility. Currently, more than 30,000 herbs exist in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Combinations of these herbs are an excellent way to treat an individual’s entire constitution and not just the chief complaint. A thorough analysis of any Western medications a patient is taking is required before an herbal prescription will be prescribed.
Moxibustion
Moxa, or the herb Artemesia Vulgaris, is used as a warming agent on the body to move blood, body fluid, and other nutrients to the affected area. Often, when there is pain, inflammation, and/or cold sensation in the body, moxa can be an excellent approach towards moving nutrients to the affected tissues.
Nutrition
Nutrition is used to treat the body’s constitution naturally with foods. Once we determine your constitution, we can advise you of healthy foods to eat and specific foods to avoid to help with your unique health concern.
Tuina or Chinese Bodywork
Tuina is used to adjust and realign bones and muscles into place. It is also used to relieve muscle spasm, strain, and/or injury. Tuina is a type of Chinese bodywork which encompasses the principles of acupressure, massage, and slow-moving techniques into one therapy.