Acupuncture is the use of extremely fine, flexible needles, which are inserted into the body at specific acupuncture points. The needles work with the body’s energy system, also known as Qi (pronouced “chee”). The Qi in the body flows along specific pathways (channels/meridians) through the body, which tend to become blocked (stagnant) or deficient. Acupuncture harmonizes the flow of energy in the body and acts as a catalyst in the healing process. Acupuncture addresses numerous acute and chronic health concerns and supports wellness through maintenance and preventive care.
Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years to help people feel better, experience vitality and live longer. Herbs are classified according to their energetic qualities and functions. They are defined with terms like warming, cooling, tonifying or purging, which describe the overall energetic configuration of the herb. Chinese medicine is very different from the scientific approach of Western medicine. It is based on the promotion of overall health and does not limit its treatment to only one part of the body. Chinese herbs are often taken in multi-herb formulas and formulated to each individual’s needs and conditions. When used as directed and prescribed by an educated practitioner, Chinese herbs are safe and rarely have unpleasant side effects.
Diet & Lifestyle
In order to maintain health and longevity or treat illness, dietary and lifestyle habits are assessed and adjusted to promote optimum vitality.Much like herbal medicine, the energetic qualities of food and drink are taken into consideration. To achieve the greatest benefits from the acupuncture treatments and herbal therapy, it is important to support them with a proper diet.
Electrical stimulation, also called “e-stim”, is often used to enhance effects of an acupuncture treatment. This is accomplished with a mild electrical stimulation on the needles, which the patient experiences as a slight pulsing. In cases of pain, it is used to relax muscle spasms and increase circulation in the injured area.
Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice in which a partial vacuum is created by means of heat or suction in cups placed on the skin. The skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. Cupping is a particularly useful therapy for the treatment of muscular aches and pains, such as backache, frozen shoulder and other musculoskeletal conditions. This technique also promotes the tissues to release toxins, activates the lymphatic system and helps clear symptoms of the common cold/flu and asthma.
Moxibustion, also called “moxa”, is a heating and tonifying treatment using the herb “mugwort”. Moxa is burned directly on an acupuncture point or onto the end of a needle; it can also be held over an acupuncture point to facilitate healing by strengthening the blood, stimulating the Qi (pronounced “chee”) and maintaining general health.