Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the tools of TCM used to promote health and well being. Tiny, single use, stainless steel needles are inserted into specific areas of the body to benefit the flow of Qi (energy). Qi flow may be disrupted by injury, illness, poor lifestyle habits, or unbalanced emotion. Acupuncture can address the root of the problem and relieve the associated symptoms, thereby promoting immune enhancement, physical vitality, and emotional and spiritual harmony.

Acupuncture is a therapy developed in China that is over 2000 years old. It involves the stimulation of acupuncture points by heat, pressure, or tiny needles. Stimulation of these points creates a physiological change in the body, which is described classically as “moving qi.” The Chinese term “qi” represents the energy which flows through the body in meridians and channels. Meridians have acupuncture points through which the qi is accessed. Acupuncture enhances qi and assists the body in its innate ability to heal itself.

Again, acupuncture needles are sterile, stainless steel, and single-use. The benefits received from acupuncture, in terms of relaxation, freedom from illness, and pain-relief, by far out weigh any apprehension patients may feel about the use of needles in this therapy.

Herbal Therapy

Chinese Herbology is also based on thousands of years of study. Single herbs are either plant, mineral or animal, and combinations of these herbs come from the Chinese Materia Medica. Herbal combinations are used to gently influence the energies of the body to a harmonious state. Though not typically a quick symptomatic remedy, herbs work to restore a healthy balance at the root of the problem. Herbal therapy can be taken in the form of tea, granules, tea pills, or tincture and may be modified for specific needs. Some herbal therapies can also be applied topically.

Cupping

Cupping uses plastic or glass cups with suction to encourage blood and Qi flow through muscles and meridians. It has a variety of uses from the classic model for pulmonary disharmony and rheumatic pain to a more modern application for traumatic injury such as whiplash from a motor vehicle accident.

Guasha

Typically used in conjunction with Tuina or acupuncture, guasha uses in implement, like a Chinese soup spoon, to aggressively release tight muscle bands and knots to restore normal function and range of motion.