acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine
Acupuncture
For over 10,000 years, Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used medically with documented health benefits. In the simplest of terms, this system is based on balancing yin and yang energies and harmonizing the flow of Qi(pronounced “chee”) through the meridians to nourish and activate the tissues, mind and organs.
Qi is the energy, active principle or vital force behind the life. Yin is passive, night, feminine, cold, and calm. Yang is active, day, masculine, hot, and high energy. Illness and unwanted symptoms like pain, headaches, gastrintestinal upset, cough, congestion, anxiety, insomnia, hormone imbalances, depression and fatigue can all be addresses by regulating the flow of qi and blood in the body. This can be done through acupuncture, massage, patent herbal formulas, nutrition, exercise and meditation.
Cupping
Cupping is a traditional therapy that uses suction to draw the tissues up, releasing stagnation and freeing adhesions in the muscles, fascia and connective tissue. It can be helpful for pain and muscle tension, as well as coughs and colds.
Tui Na Massage
Tui Na, which translates as “push and grasp” is a Traditional Chinese massage that has been used throughout the ages to treat soldiers and martial artists. It combines knowledge of both anatomy and acupuncture meridians to remove blockages and restore balance. Practioners are trained in both full body massages for general health and focused protocols for injuries and pain.
Ear Acupuncture & NADA Protocol
Ear acupuncture is another microsytem within Traditional Chinese medicine. Ear acupuncture can be added to traditional acupuncture treatments or added to group therapy settings or acute visits.
NADA is the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. They develop ear protocols and train acupuncturists to promote detoxification, minimize symptoms and aid in the withdrawal of addictive substances. It can be done in a community setting and aid in support groups and therapy.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a traditional chinese therapy that uses friction to break up microadhesions, inflammation and pain. Click here to see an article featured on Dr. Oz about this therapy.
Gua sha, like cupping increases blood flow (microcirculation) in the soft tissue, triggers innate natural pain-relieving systems and it may interferes with the pain response pathways so you feel pain relief.
Moxabustion
Moxa refers to the application of dried mugwort, rolled up tightly and formed into to a cone, stick or ball to be warmed near the skin. Most commonly, the moxa stick is used, but it can also be used in some therapies closer to the skin or on the ends of the needles. The moxa burns down like an incense stick and warms the tissues to relaxes muscles and tonifies qi. It is particularly beneficial for cold aches and pains, arthritis and nausea. Additionally, it is often used prior to labor to encourage breach babies to spin to the proper position for labor in efforts to avoid c-section labor.