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HERBS AND NUTRITION
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is at least 2500 years old. Over time, Chinese physicians have systematically observed and classified more than 5000 plant, animal and mineral substances according the medicinal effect. Chinese Herbal formulas are traditional combinations of herbs designed to treat specific conditions and are often used as an important adjunct to acupuncture treatment.
They are usually dispensed in pills, capsules, tinctures, or in raw form, which requires boiling as a tea. Herbal formulas are gentle yet potent. They should be prescribed and taken under the guide and supervision of a certified herbalist.
Western Pharmacology is now beginning to acknowledge these natural counterparts without the side effects of processed pharmaceuticals. They are extremely effective in unblocking the flow of Qi and fortifying the internal organs.
What to Expect from an Acupuncture Treatment
Modern acupuncture needles are from one to three inches long, ultra fine and made from flexible stainless steel. We use disposable needles. Ten to twenty needles are typically placed in several acupoints and are usually left in for about 20-40 minutes each treatment. When the needle is inserted into the skin, there is usually a slight prickling sensation that is rarely painful. Once the needle is in place, there is often a tingling, numbness, heaviness or a feeling of warmth around the needle. This is a desired effect, indicating that the body is responding and balancing itself effectively. Acupuncture treatments are usually deeply relaxing and rejuvenating.
CUPPING
Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin to cause local congestion through the negative pressure (vacuum) created by cups affixed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This produces increased circulation to the underlying tissues. The cup can then be left on the skin whereby blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place and/or runs along the meridians of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and tissue.
Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release heat and toxins, disperse swellings, release muscle tension, reduce fever, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help to clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, invigorate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a TCM technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of TCM, is to strengthen the blood, disperse scar tissue and maintain general health.
Moxibustion applies focused heat from a slow-burning herb over acupuncture points to stimulate the flow of Qi. It may be used to relieve traumatic pain or alleviate debilitating conditions such as weakness and fatigue. Moxibustion is also quite effective for gynecological problems.
TUI NA Massage
Acupressure is the pressing of acupoints, but Tui Na (pronounced "twee-nah") makes use of many different strokes that are applied to acupoints, channels and muscle groups. Most importantly, Tuina is a physical expression of the flow of Qi energy from one human being to another. When done with correct intent, the strokes and techniques stimulate an exchange of Qi energy between the practitioner and the patient. This is the secret healing power of Tuina.
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