Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the modalities of Traditional Oriental Medicine. It consists of the insertion and manipulation of sterilized, stainless-steel needles into the body at specific points on the surface of the skin. These acupuncture points have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine help to promote natural healing and improve body function by restoring balance.

How does it work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine was developed over several thousand years. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is commonly translated as “vital energy”. Qi is the life force that moves throughout the body continuously through the meridians. Meridians are the channels or pathways through which vital energy or Qi flows to different parts of the body. Acupuncture regulates the flow of Qi, tonifying where there is deficiency and draining where there is excess. In this way, acupuncture restores balance to the body and its counterparts.

There is a saying in Chinese Medicine, “If there is pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow there is no pain”.

Is it safe?

Yes. Acupuncture needles are sterilized, pre-packaged disposable needles. When treatments are administered by a licensed professional who is board certified by the National Certification Committee for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), acupuncture is not only safe, but also highly effective.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are as thin as a hair, therefore, insertion of the needles is usually pain-free. In some cases, you won’t even notice the needles being placed in the body. What you will notice is a warm, tingling, sensation of heaviness in the area where the needle was placed or in other areas corresponding to the acupuncture point and the meridians.

What does it treat?

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies over 40 conditions where acupuncture has proven effective, such as:

  1. Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders: Earaches, laryngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, toothaches
  2. Respiratory Disorders Allergies, Asthma, bronchitis, colds&flus, emphysema
  3. Gastrointestinal Disorders Colitis, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, indigestion, nausea, ulcers
  4. Circulatory Disorders Angina pectoris, Arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol. Hypertension
  5. Urogenital Disorders Cystitis, Neurogenic bladder, prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis, stress incontinence
  6. Gynecological Disorders Endometriosis, infertility, menopausal syndrome, menstrual irregularity, PMS, induction of labor, malposition of fetus
  7. Musculoskeletal Disorders Arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, tennis elbow, TMJ, sciatica
  8. Psychoemotional & Neurological Disorders Anxiety, depression, dizziness, facial pain and spasm, headache, insomnia, intercostals neuralgia, knee pain, migraine, neck pain, post-stroke paralysis, post-operative pain, sciatica, sprain, tinnitus, trigeminal neuralgia, temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
  9. Oncology adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, including nausea & vomiting

CUPPING

A traditional non-invasive technique found in many cultures to relieve pain by releasing blockages caused by injury, or congestion. Placing fire inside the cup, which is then placed directly onto the skin, creates a vacuum, or suction. As the air cools in the cup, a vacuum forms that pulls up on the skin, stimulating the affected area by drawing blood to the surface and increasing circulation. The cups made of metal, wood, bamboo, plastic or glass create an acupressure effect.

Benefits

Cupping facilitates the movement of Qi, blood and body fluids in the affected area by removing stagnation, or blockages. This technique works by causing tissues to release toxins and it also activates the lymphatic system. Deoxygenated blood cells are pulled up to the surface allowing new oxygenated blood cells to flow through to the affected areas, thereby relieving pain syndromes or fluid build up, and easing stress and aches. It is used for back pain, musculoskeletal pain, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis and the common cold. Cupping can result in temporary bruises on the surface of the skin.

MOXIBUSTION

A technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine dating to more than 3,000 years ago. Moxibustion, also known as “moxa”, is a stick or cone of burning mugwort, Artemesia Vulgaris, or Ai Ye, which is placed over the affected area of the body or over acupuncture points. Mugwort can also come in loose form. There are also different types, or grades of moxa depending on the preference and technique used by the acupuncturist.

Benefits

Moxa is used for people with pain, inflammation, menstrual cramps, diarrhea, vomiting colds/flu, low energy, digestive disorders, or conditions that respond to heat. It is particularly well known for its ability to turn breech babies into a normal head-down position that is considered safer during childbirth. In a 1998 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 75 percent of the pregnant women in the study had breech fetuses that turned in the normal position. Moxa significantly increase fetal movements in pregnant women. The benefits: to stimulate and strengthen the Qi and blood of the body, bring warmth and helps to strengthen the activity of the blood, and helps to prevent disease and maintain overall health.

HERBAN ACUPUNCTURE