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Acupuncture . Moxibustion . Cupping
Acupuncture My needling technique is centered around using my hands as tools. Palpation allows me to connect with You, diagnose accurately, and treat effectively~providing you with high quality care. I emphasize education--teaching you stretches, suggesting foods or assisting you in making simple adjustments in lifestyle to optimize treatment potential. I treat on a variety of levels, from injury recovery, and pain relief, to immune enhancement, digestion, menstrual and hormonal balance, and emotional-mental well-being . Moxibustion is the burning of Chinese Medicinal Herbs or Herbal blends over acupuncture points, acupuncture needles, or regions of the body to facilitate healing. The use of moxa enhances the overall effect of the acupuncture treatment, and in some cases, is used alone. Moxa use has been a part of Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years, and is traditionally used to "tonify" Qi, tonify Yang, move Qi and blood to alleviate pain, and to warm the meridians. Traditionally, the leaf of Mugwort (Artemesia Vulgaris) is dried and processed and then used in either a raw fiber form or in prepared stick form. The Moxa Stick is held about 2-3 inches from the body until the patient feels a warm sensation. Moxa Fiber is placed directly on the acupuncture point, or on slices of ginger or small mounds of salt and then ignited. An ancient use of moxa that is becoming commonly used in modern applications is in the case of breech presentation during pregnancy. Studies have found that the burning of moxa over an acupuncture point on the small toe can increase the likelihood of the baby turning into the proper position. This treatment is most effective if used during the 34th week of pregnancy. In the case of breech presentation, treatment is discontinued once the baby moves into the proper position, as determined by an Obstetrician or Midwife. Cupping Therapy is the use of glass, bamboo, stone or plastic suction cups over areas of the body to create a vacuum. Cupping promotes blood flow and facilitates the reduction of muscular or connective tissue adhesions by gently lifting and separating the muscle fibers and tissue. Cupping also increases local blood and lymphatic circulation. The technique is not painful, and most patients feel immediate relief of symptoms of local and referred "knots", tightness or restriction. The first evidence of cupping comes from ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago, and evidence of cupping in China dates to 1,000 years ago. The procedure is very safe, but will sometimes leave some localized discolored "suction marks" which usually last for 3-7 days. Cupping is currently used in many countries around the world as a home-therapy for muscular pain and to relieve early onset respiratory (i.e. common cold) symptoms. Gua Sha is a form of bodywork in which a smooth edged tool is used on various regions of the body in order to break up scar tissue and adhesions (often felt as lumps and knots in the muscles), increase blood flow and circulation, reduce restriction in movement, and to relieve pain. Gua sha is also used to treat early onset symptoms of the common cold. "Gua" is translated as "to scrape" and "Sha" refers to the small petechia (discoloration) that appears in areas of stagnation and pain. This technique has been used for thousands of years in Chinese Medicine as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with acupuncture, moxabustion and/or massage. In my practice, I commonly combine shiatsu with Gua Sha as a part of a Sinew Meridian treatment-- to alleviate acute and chronic pain and restriction along a specific region of the body, e.g., shoulder, hip, Low back. |
Herbal Supplements
Chinese herbal formulas are a time tested, effective way to promote health and expedite symptom recovery. Taking herbal supplements alone or with acupuncture can enhance the effectiveness of treatments for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
You may schedule an herbal consultation separately, or we can incorporate a formula into your acupuncture or shiatsu session. 503-422-9103 |
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