About Acupuncture

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that uses very thin sterile, solid needles placed at specific points in the skin. The needles are not hollow like blood drawing syringe needles. These like blood drawing needles are used only once and then discarded. The sensation that they produce going through the skin is like a pin prick. They shouldn’t hurt once they are in place but on occasion, if very tender, there is some discomfort as they are being placed.  Most of the time one may feel a heaviness or tingling sensation.  The needles are either taken out right away or may be left in for up to 40 minutes depending on what is being treated.  Average is 15 to 30 minutes.

 

In Chinese medicine the body’s energy (Qi) flows along various pathways.  Stimulation with these hair-thin needles at various specific points on the body removes blockages which then relieves pain, either emotional or physical (or both) and increases energy flow. This then helps to restore the body’s balance and a sense of well being. The number of needles used and their location is dependant on the patient’s condition and treatment plan.

 

 

Cupping:

Cupping involves the use of different size glass bulbs. The air inside the cup is gently heated to create a vacuum and then placed on the skin. The sensation is warm. Cups are used to increase blood flow to the surface of the body and help treat internal conditions.

 

 

 

Gua-Sha:

Gua-Sha is the firm stroking of the skin with a gua-sha (large spoon) to increase circulation to the surface of the body to treat certain conditions.

 

 

 

Tui-Na:

Tua-Na is a type of Chinese body work that is a type of physical therapy used to help increase range of motion, mobility and enhance treatment of certain internal conditions.

 

 

 

Herbs:

Herbs come in may forms but the main ones are raw, granules, and tea pills. Raw Herbs are just that: herbs in their raw form. They are used either singularly or in specific groups (called formulas). Raw herbs are usually “cooked” or brewed as a tea called a decoction, that is consumed two to three times per day. Granules are extracted herbs that have been made into a powder. These are generally taken dissolved in warm water. Patented Herbs are small “honey tea pills” of extracted herbs. They are generally taken three times a day. Herbs either by themselves or in conjunction with acupuncture may be used to treat a patient’s condition.

 

 

 

Therapeutic Laser:

Laser brings penetrating light into the damaged tissues of joints and muscles helping to relieve pain, inflammation and encourage healing.  It is a non-invasive form of therapy. One feels soothing warmth during treatment. Can also be used to enhance acupuncture treatments.