ACUPUNCTURE
Super-thin, flexible, sterile, stain-less steel needles are inserted into the skin at specific locations along the Channels, at/around tender areas, or into muscle bellies or trigger points. The needles are placed anywhere from a fraction of a millimeter deep to up to 2-3 inches, depending on the intention or style of treatment. The needles may be left in place for as brief as a second, or up to 45 minutes. The sensation of insertion may be very subtle, or cause brief, mild discomfort depending on the technique used. These needles are, by law, sterile, single-use surgical-grade needles that are safely disposed of immediately after use. They are used one time only and are never re-used.
One main goal of acupuncture is to break-up areas of stagnation (stuck-ness). This helps to restore a balanced, smooth flow of Qi and Blood through the body via pathways that lead to and from the extremities (arms, legs, head) and the organ systems. Stagnation causes pain, and inflammation, and by blocking nourishment to the areas and organs they feed into results in numbness, weakness, and eventually chronic disease and dysfunction. Stagnation can be caused by traumatic tissue injury (accidents, surgeries), over-use (excessive exercise, repetitive motion activities such as computer-typing/mouse-work, knitting, golf, baseball, tennis, frisbee causing tendinitis, golfer's or tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis), under-use (immobility), emotional stress, Cold, and poor nourishment or fluid intake. Smooth flow of Qi and Blood helps the organs, tissues, brain, and Spirit/Mind receive nourishment that is essential to heal and function properly.
Super-thin, flexible, sterile, stain-less steel needles are inserted into the skin at specific locations along the Channels, at/around tender areas, or into muscle bellies or trigger points. The needles are placed anywhere from a fraction of a millimeter deep to up to 2-3 inches, depending on the intention or style of treatment. The needles may be left in place for as brief as a second, or up to 45 minutes. The sensation of insertion may be very subtle, or cause brief, mild discomfort depending on the technique used. These needles are, by law, sterile, single-use surgical-grade needles that are safely disposed of immediately after use. They are used one time only and are never re-used.
One main goal of acupuncture is to break-up areas of stagnation (stuck-ness). This helps to restore a balanced, smooth flow of Qi and Blood through the body via pathways that lead to and from the extremities (arms, legs, head) and the organ systems. Stagnation causes pain, and inflammation, and by blocking nourishment to the areas and organs they feed into results in numbness, weakness, and eventually chronic disease and dysfunction. Stagnation can be caused by traumatic tissue injury (accidents, surgeries), over-use (excessive exercise, repetitive motion activities such as computer-typing/mouse-work, knitting, golf, baseball, tennis, frisbee causing tendinitis, golfer's or tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis), under-use (immobility), emotional stress, Cold, and poor nourishment or fluid intake. Smooth flow of Qi and Blood helps the organs, tissues, brain, and Spirit/Mind receive nourishment that is essential to heal and function properly.
Acupuncture needles with Moxa
MOXABUSTION ("Moxa")
Refers to the burning of Chinese Mugwort (Moxa) to provide a gentle source of penetrating warmth to stimulate circulation and promote healing. It is especially useful for conditions that are worse in the cold, such as some kinds of arthritis. It is commonly used for pain, injuries, infertility, and weakness or lack of energy. It is also used during the third trimester of pregnancy in the case of a breech presentation, to help the fetus turn head down in preparation for delivery.
There are a few techniques for using Moxa - it can be attached to the end of an acupuncture needle, or made into a cone which is then placed onto the body on top of a protective medium, such as a slice of ginger or layer of salt. Most commonly, a moxa stick is used. A moxa stick is a tube of densely packed mugwort fiber which is lit at one end and then held over the area needing treatment. A soothing warmth is felt by the patient.
Refers to the burning of Chinese Mugwort (Moxa) to provide a gentle source of penetrating warmth to stimulate circulation and promote healing. It is especially useful for conditions that are worse in the cold, such as some kinds of arthritis. It is commonly used for pain, injuries, infertility, and weakness or lack of energy. It is also used during the third trimester of pregnancy in the case of a breech presentation, to help the fetus turn head down in preparation for delivery.
There are a few techniques for using Moxa - it can be attached to the end of an acupuncture needle, or made into a cone which is then placed onto the body on top of a protective medium, such as a slice of ginger or layer of salt. Most commonly, a moxa stick is used. A moxa stick is a tube of densely packed mugwort fiber which is lit at one end and then held over the area needing treatment. A soothing warmth is felt by the patient.
CUPPING
Glass, bamboo, or plastic 'cups' are placed onto specific areas of the body using a flame or a suction device. This creates a vacuum in the cup allowing it to stay in place and provide gentle suction.
This technique strongly stimulates circulation of the area, relaxes tense muscles or spasm. It can also be used to 'draw out pathogens' (Wind, Damp, and Cold), as in the case of common colds or flu.
There are a few ways to use cups. Stationary cupping involves placing the cups and leaving them in place for a while. This usually leaves a purple-blue colored circle on the skin for several days (basically a cup-hickey). Slide-cupping involves placing the cups on the body with a little massage oil and sliding them back and forth (a favorite of my patients!).
In Flash-cupping, cups are repeatedly placed on the body and then quickly removed, over and again, in order to provide a milder yet effective stimulation.
Glass, bamboo, or plastic 'cups' are placed onto specific areas of the body using a flame or a suction device. This creates a vacuum in the cup allowing it to stay in place and provide gentle suction.
This technique strongly stimulates circulation of the area, relaxes tense muscles or spasm. It can also be used to 'draw out pathogens' (Wind, Damp, and Cold), as in the case of common colds or flu.
There are a few ways to use cups. Stationary cupping involves placing the cups and leaving them in place for a while. This usually leaves a purple-blue colored circle on the skin for several days (basically a cup-hickey). Slide-cupping involves placing the cups on the body with a little massage oil and sliding them back and forth (a favorite of my patients!).
In Flash-cupping, cups are repeatedly placed on the body and then quickly removed, over and again, in order to provide a milder yet effective stimulation.
TUI-NA (bodywork)
This is a Channel-based massage technique intended to warm the tissues and release areas of stagnation by promoting Qi and Blood flow. It may involve a combination of acupressure, superficial effleurage or kneading, deeper myo-fascial tissue release, and percussion (as in this picture). A treatment session can be gentle or vigorous but pretty much always results in a greater sense of relaxation and relief. It is an essential part of treatment for traumatic injuries, stroke and paralysis rehabilitation, and post-surgical recovery.
This is a Channel-based massage technique intended to warm the tissues and release areas of stagnation by promoting Qi and Blood flow. It may involve a combination of acupressure, superficial effleurage or kneading, deeper myo-fascial tissue release, and percussion (as in this picture). A treatment session can be gentle or vigorous but pretty much always results in a greater sense of relaxation and relief. It is an essential part of treatment for traumatic injuries, stroke and paralysis rehabilitation, and post-surgical recovery.
