Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. Acupuncture is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism and dates back more than 2000 years. According to Classical Chinese Theory, channels of energy called meridians run in regular patterns both externally and internally throughout the body, creating a network akin to the circulatory, myofascial or nervous systems. The energy of these meridians is called Qi and acupuncture points are gates along these meridians. Pain and disease are considered to be the result of blockages or imbalances in the flow of Qi. Any disharmony of Qi affects multiple facets of the person: spiritual, emotional, mental and physical. Acupuncture consists of insertion of very fine needles into specific points to influence the flow of Qi throughout the body. The goal of an acupuncture treatment is to restore balance and thus, restore health.
Commonly Treated Disorders
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Pain Conditions
Neck pain Back pain Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand pain Knee, Ankle and Foot pain Sciatica Tennis elbow Headaches and migraines Jaw pain (TMJ) Arthritis Tendonitis Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Gynecological Conditions Amenorrhea (lack of menses) Dysmenorrhea (painful menses) Irregular Menses Menopausal Symptoms PMS |
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Constipation Diarrhea Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Heartburn Acid Reflux Chronic Indigestion Respiratory Conditions Allergies Asthma Sinusitis Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Anxiety Insomnia Stress Depression |
Adjunct Therapies
Moxibustion:
The herb “mugwort” (artemisia vulgaris) is warmed over acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Moxibustion may be used alone or in conjunction with acupuncture.
Gua Sha:
Gua Sha is a technique that involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation where the skin is pressed in strokes by a round-edged instrument that results in the appearance of small red petechiae called Sha. Raising Sha removes stagnation, relieving pain and promoting normal circulation and metabolic processes. These marks should fade in a few days.
Cupping:
Cupping is another traditional means of promoting the body’s innate healing process. It is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, where cups made of glass or plastic are applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping brings fresh blood to the area and helps improve circulation. Traditional cupping, sometimes referred to as “fire-cupping”, uses heat to create the vacuum-like suction. Modern practitioners sometimes use cups in which the air is suctioned out with a small pump.
Tui Na:
Tui Na means to "push pull" and is the name given to Chinese medical massage. Tui na uses a variety of techniques combined with passive stretching to correct anatomical musculoskeletal relationships, neuromuscular patterns, and to increase the circulation of qi and blood in the body. It often includes stimulation of specific points to harmonize the flow of qi and blood through the meridians to facilitate healing and prevent injury.
Dietary and Lifestyle Counseling:
Oftentimes the foods we eat and our lifestyle choices can contribute to our recovery from injury or disease, or they can impede it. We work with patients, when appropriate, to increase their awareness of food and lifestyle habits they engage in that both help and hinder their ability to reach their desired health-related goals and outcomes.
The herb “mugwort” (artemisia vulgaris) is warmed over acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Moxibustion may be used alone or in conjunction with acupuncture.
Gua Sha:
Gua Sha is a technique that involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation where the skin is pressed in strokes by a round-edged instrument that results in the appearance of small red petechiae called Sha. Raising Sha removes stagnation, relieving pain and promoting normal circulation and metabolic processes. These marks should fade in a few days.
Cupping:
Cupping is another traditional means of promoting the body’s innate healing process. It is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, where cups made of glass or plastic are applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping brings fresh blood to the area and helps improve circulation. Traditional cupping, sometimes referred to as “fire-cupping”, uses heat to create the vacuum-like suction. Modern practitioners sometimes use cups in which the air is suctioned out with a small pump.
Tui Na:
Tui Na means to "push pull" and is the name given to Chinese medical massage. Tui na uses a variety of techniques combined with passive stretching to correct anatomical musculoskeletal relationships, neuromuscular patterns, and to increase the circulation of qi and blood in the body. It often includes stimulation of specific points to harmonize the flow of qi and blood through the meridians to facilitate healing and prevent injury.
Dietary and Lifestyle Counseling:
Oftentimes the foods we eat and our lifestyle choices can contribute to our recovery from injury or disease, or they can impede it. We work with patients, when appropriate, to increase their awareness of food and lifestyle habits they engage in that both help and hinder their ability to reach their desired health-related goals and outcomes.
