What is Acupuncture
MOXABUSTION or "MOXA": Moxa is used to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation. It is especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, weakness and cold. Historians believe that moxibustion pre-dates acupuncture, and using needles came to supplement the use of moxa after the 2nd century BC. Practitioners will use moxa in different ways. Some use the herb directly on the skin, while other techniques will use rolls of moxa to be held over the point or needle. It can also be burnt on top of a fine slice of ginger root, salt or aconite.
HERBAL MEDICINE: Herbology is an important modality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Each herbal medicine prescription has many herbs blended together so that they can support or enhance eachothers functions and counter any of the non-desired effects. They can be individually tailored for the patient or a classical prescription, written by one of the ancient greats can be matched to your pattern diagnosis.
ACUPUNCTURE: Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body to increase circulation, relieve pain or affect the internal organs therapeutically. The acupuncturist decides which points to treat by using traditional diagnostic techniques. The needle is used as a tool to stimulate our own bodies energy to become balanced and therefore bring better health.
TUINA MASSAGE: Tuina is ancient Chinese form of massage. Considered an equal part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) it is often seen used in conjunction with the other “pillars” of Chinese medicine; acupuncture, moxibustion, tai chi/qi gong and Chinese herbalism. The practitioner uses many hand techniques such as brushing, grasping, kneading, rolling, pressing, rubbing and traction. They will implement range of motion techniques to loosen the joints and massage the acupuncture points to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many internal illnesses and disease.
GUA SHA: Gua Sha (translated, scrape sand) involves repeated, pressured stroke with a tool that has a smooth edge. Commonly used is a ceramic Chinese soup spoon, a coin, animal bones or horns, or a piece of smooth jade. The smooth edge is placed against lubricated skin and moved down the muscles with a moderate pressure. This causes the stagnant blood to leave the muscle and come to the surface just below the skin. Commonly a “sandy” looking mark, called sha is left behind giving the technique its name. The color of sha can vary according to the severity of congestion in the muscle. It can appear from a dark purple to a light pink, but is most often is a shade of red. Although the marks on the skin look painful, they are not and it is typical to feel an immediate sense of relief.
CUPPING: Cupping is a method of applying pressure by creating a vacuum in a glass or bamboo cup and placing it on the patient's skin. The therapy is used to relieve what is called "stagnation" or congested circulation. It is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Cupping is also used to treat back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain.
ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE: Uses small electrodes placed on the needle to send a low level pulsation into the treated area. In new studies this has been proven to enhance the release of endorphins into the system. It is commonly used for the treatment of pain and neurological disorders.
*The word for acupuncture in standard Mandarin, 針砭 (zhēn biān) and a similar word, 針灸 (zhēn jiǔ), refers to acupuncture and moxibustion together. The words literally translates to needle and fire.
