Acupuncture

Over 3,000 years ago, Chinese practitioners observed that the movement of vital energy (qi) in the body mirrors the rhythm of nature and the seasons.  When energy moves smoothly, nature is in balance.  But, when energy gets stuck, nature becomes diseased, resulting in floods, droughts, or forest fires.  These practitioners recognized that the same process occurs in the human body; when our energy moves freely we are healthy and when it gets stuck we have disease.  Acupuncture helps our energy to move smoothly and allows the body to remain balanced and healthy!

According to Chinese Medicine theory, qi flows through the body in a series of pathways, called meridians, that are similar to blood vessels.  When a body is no longer in balance (for example from injury or stress), qi becomes blocked.  Acupuncture uses thin, flexible needles inserted at specific points along the meridians to remove blocks and allow the qi to move freely.  Once acupuncture has restored the flow of qi, our bodies will naturally re-balance in a healthy state.  In other words, acupuncture can help they body heal itself.

Modern medicine is finding evidence that acupuncture is effective based on current knowledge of anatomy and physiology.  We now know that acupuncture improves the flow of oxygen, nutrients, and blood in the body, promoting healing.  We also know that acupuncture affects the nerves involved in pain signaling, and acupuncture causes the release of endorphins, the body's own pain-killing substance. 


Chinese Herbal Medicine

Occasionally, we will recommend that people take some Chinese herbs along with their acupuncture treatments to promote faster healing.   It is common knowledge that many of our modern pharmaceuticals, for example aspirin, are derived from plants. Herbal medicine uses plants and natural substances for their medicinal properties.   The Chinese began studying the medicinal properties of the plants in their natural environment 5,000 years ago. Through a long history of observation, they developed a detailed understanding of how different types of plants act alone and in combination with other plants and substances to prevent and treat a wide variety of diseases.  Chinese herbal medicine typically uses a few hundred different herbs in thousands of combinations called formulas to address different health conditions.  You may be familiar with some of the common Chinese herbs: ginger, cinnamon, licorice, mint, chrysanthemum flowers, peony flowers.  We tend to use herbal formulas that are available as capsules, tablet, or granules that can be made into a tea.  These formulas are effective and safe.  However, occasionally an herbal product may have an unwanted interaction with another medication you are taking.  So, make sure that we know about all of the medications you are currently taking. ​

Complementary Practices

In addition to needles and herbs, we may add one of a variety of related techniques to your oriental medicine treatment to enhance the effect of treatment.  These techniques may include moxibustion, gua sha, cupping , or tui na.

Moxibustion  is a technique that adds warmth to acupuncture points by burning the herb mugwort  (known as moxa) on them. Burning moxa helps the body release cold and damp and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi, relieving pain. Acupuncturists often apply moxa to points before inserting the needles; although sometimes, moxa can be applied to the needle after it has been inserted.  In either case, moxibustion causes a pleasant, soothing sensation deep in the skin that has been compared to "lighting a fire in the fireplace to welcome guests".

Gua Sha is an ancient oriental medicine technique in which the skin is scraped to stimulate blood flow and promote healing.  Typically, a ceramic tool, such as a Chinese soup spoon, is used and the skin surface is lubricated with massage oil. The practitioner uses repeated pressured strokes about 4-6 inches on the skin and muscle surface along the acupuncture meridians.

Cupping.  We use Cupping therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation and to promote relaxation and well-being.  In this ancient technique, silicone cups are placed on the skin and held in place by suction created by a hand-held pump. The vacuum created by the pump causes the skin to rise and the blood vessels to expand resulting in an improved exchange of nutrients and release of toxins.  This local reaction helps reduce pain. 

Tui Na. Tui na is an ancient form of Chinese massage, similar to Japanese shiatsu.  Tui na is translated as "to push and squeeze". While, it can feel like a typical Western massage, our goal is to sense the energy of a client and improve the flow and distribution of qi in addition to working on the muscles.  We use tui na after acupuncture to enhance the therapeutic effect for musculoskeletal problems.