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) in order to restore the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and nourishment to tissues and organs. This promotes faster and more effective healing. Stagnation can be caused by traumatic tissue injury (accidents, sports injuries, surgeries), over-use and repetitive motion activities (scrolling, computer work, pulling espresso, knitting, golf, baseball, tennis, frisbee), under-use (immobility), emotional stress, cold environments, and poor nourishment or fluid intake. Tendinitis, golfer's or tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, dropped foot, and muscle contractures, hematomas, tooth aches, bruises, even infections and shingles, are all conditions with stagnation-related pain. Restoring 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) in order to restore the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and nourishment to tissues and organs. This promotes faster and more effective healing. Stagnation can be caused by traumatic tissue injury (accidents, sports injuries, surgeries), over-use and repetitive motion activities (scrolling, computer work, pulling espresso, knitting, golf, baseball, tennis, frisbee), under-use (immobility), emotional stress, cold environments, and poor nourishment or fluid intake. Tendinitis, golfer's or tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, dropped foot, and muscle contractures, hematomas, tooth aches, bruises, even infections and shingles, are all conditions with stagnation-related pain. Restoring 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”)
This technique involves burning dried Artemisia fiber, or Mugwort (Moxa) on a needle or directly over the skin (protective salve applied to skin first) on specific sites. This provides a gentle source of deep, penetrating warmth that stimulates circulation and promotes healing. It is especially useful for conditions that are worse in the cold, such as osteoarthritis. It is commonly used for joint and low back pain, injuries, infertility, weakness or lack of energy. It can help stimulate appetite and promote blood cell production. Moxabustion is frequently used during the third trimester of pregnancy when there is a breech presentation (upside down baby). Studies have shown Moxabustion to be effective in facilitating a fetus to turn head down in preparation for safer delivery.
This technique involves burning dried Artemisia fiber, or Mugwort (Moxa) on a needle or directly over the skin (protective salve applied to skin first) on specific sites. This provides a gentle source of deep, penetrating warmth that stimulates circulation and promotes healing. It is especially useful for conditions that are worse in the cold, such as osteoarthritis. It is commonly used for joint and low back pain, injuries, infertility, weakness or lack of energy. It can help stimulate appetite and promote blood cell production. Moxabustion is frequently used during the third trimester of pregnancy when there is a breech presentation (upside down baby). Studies have shown Moxabustion to be effective in facilitating a fetus to turn head down in preparation for safer delivery.
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 while providing varying degrees of suction.
This technique strongly stimulates circulation of the area, relaxes tense muscles or spasms. It can also be used to 'draw out pathogens' (Wind, Damp, and Cold), as with 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 skin that has had massage oil applied, and sliding them back and forth across or with the muscle fibers (a favorite of my patients!). I call this a reverse massage as it stretches muscles rather than pressing and kneading them, enabling the muscles to relax.
In Flash-cupping, cups are repeatedly placed on the body and quickly removed 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 while providing varying degrees of suction.
This technique strongly stimulates circulation of the area, relaxes tense muscles or spasms. It can also be used to 'draw out pathogens' (Wind, Damp, and Cold), as with 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 skin that has had massage oil applied, and sliding them back and forth across or with the muscle fibers (a favorite of my patients!). I call this a reverse massage as it stretches muscles rather than pressing and kneading them, enabling the muscles to relax.
In Flash-cupping, cups are repeatedly placed on the body and quickly removed 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, effleurage, kneading, cross-fiber rubbing, 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, effleurage, kneading, cross-fiber rubbing, 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.