Acupuncture Needles
: Only disposable, sterile, stainless steel Acupuncture needles are used in this clinic. Acupuncture needles are very thin and flexible, and are nothing like the hypodermic needles people are familiar with. There is very little, if any, discomfort during their insertion. Needles are placed in various locations in the body along meridian pathways to treat specific conditions. The depth of insertion is determined by the nature of the problem, body area, and individual body composition. Once inserted, people report a variety of sensations including: heaviness at the point of insertion, tingling, warmth, or a dull aching sensation, which are all signs of Qi movement. Overall, people feel a deep sense of relaxation, and often fall asleep. This deep sense of relation and rest is critical in the healing process allowing the body to rebuild itself.
Tuina and Myofascial Therapies: Tuina literally translates as “push pull.” These are hands on techniques that enhance the movement of blood and Qi (energy) in the body through massage, stretching, and gentle mobilization, treating injuries, arthritis, sciatica, stress, constipation, and headaches.
Electrical stimulation: The use of a small, battery-powered stimulator with wires that are attached to acupuncture needles, which then induces a slight pulsing sensation. This modality is excellent at moving stagnant Qi and is most often used for the treatment of injuries, pain management, and addictions.
Moxibustion: The Chinese herb known as Ai Ye (Folium Artemisia Vulgaris – commonly known as mugwort) is applied as indirect heat over a single acupuncture point, or a group of points. This generally produces a warm pleasurable sensation of relaxation. In some cases the area may be red for several hours after treatment, and are not indications of complications or injury.
Cupping: The application of round glass cups over a large muscular area, such as the back, to enhance blood circulation to the designated area. Cupping has also been found to have deep tissue benefits. The suction can draw toxins from stagnant tissue to flush the area. Cupping is used to treat a variety of disorders such as colds and flu and upper respiratory infections. It is also highly effective in treating muscular pain, bone pain and spasms, particularly in the back and shoulders.
Gua Sha: A Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves stimulation of the surface of the skin with a round-edged instrument. The “scraping” of the skin results in the appearance of reddish/purple petechiae breakage of the subdermal blood vessels, which lasts 3-5 days after treatment. The appearance of the “sha” (toxins) is a desirable confirmation of the efficacy of the treatment. Gua Sha removes blood stagnancy, which is considered to cause harm to the body by disallowing healthy circulation of the blood through the tissues. Immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever/chills, cough, and nausea is commonly experienced. Gua Sha also treats muscle and tendon injuries, headache, digestive disorders, breathing problems, sluggish circulation and fibromyalgia.
Medical Qigong Prescription Exercises: Medical Qigong exercises are specific movements that move energy throughout the Acupuncture Meridian system, pumping the Lymphatic system, and regulating the Nervous system. Qigong means the “skill of cultivating vital energy, or the ability to work with the electromagnetic energy of the body.” Qigong is a mind-body practice that improves one's mental and physical health by integrating postures, movement, breathing techniques, and focused intention. Medical Qigong prescription exercises are tailored specifically to each patient’s health condition.
Medical Qigong Therapy: Medical Qigong Therapy is the eldest therapeutic modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The practitioner often works about a foot away from the patient’s body, as well as lightly touching the patient to guide and manipulate the movement of Qi (energy) throughout the body. As the stagnant energy releases, patients may feel sensations as the energy moves, such as warmth, tingling, coolness, vibration, and sometimes twitching. Patients find the treatments most often to be extremely relaxing and energizing. At times, patients may experience emotions that have been suppressed and will have an emotional release either during or after the treatment. This is however extremely beneficial because one of the primary goals of Medical Qigong Therapy is to release emotions that are held within the body’s tissues. This kind of emotional release is extremely beneficial to our psychological and physiological well-being.
Herbal Medicines: Made mostly from roots and barks. They are used to facilitate the body's own restorative process through natural and gentle means. Chinese herbal medicine is used for the treatment of illness, but also used in the prevention of illness. Herbal formulas are taken in various forms: tea, capsules, tablets, tinctures, or powders.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: The use of hands to produce gentle and rhythmic strokes done to increase the distribution of proteins and nutrients, removing waste, and water. The Lymphatic system is the structural foundation of the Immune System.
The benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy have shown to:
- Increases blood circulation: without increasing blood pressure.
- Promotes relaxation and antispastic effects: by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Edema: Adequate lymphatic drainage is needed to prevent the accumulation of excess tissue fluid.
- Post-surgical: Manual Lymph Drainage creates anastomosis (alternative drainage paths) helping the healing process.
- Scarring: Lymphatic Drainage Therapy has been shown to improve the scarring process.
- Acne: Clearer skin and a more radiant color tone. Acne can be a lymph blockage.
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Acupuncture for Addictions: Is used to aid the post-withdrawal effects of ending Addictions to Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol. The treatment protocol requires 9 consecutive 35-minute sessions of auricular (ear) acupuncture techniques, which stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain to ease the post-withdrawal effects. Individual treatment varies, and more treatments may be required for continued support. In addition to Acupuncture, Qi Gong and Breathing Exercises, Nutrition, and Herbal Formulas are also prescribed.
