Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an effective system of medicine that can help restore balance, treat acute and chronic conditions in a safe way. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years as a complete system of medicine. TCM is different from Western Medicine and uses evaluation of the whole body to treat conditions. You will often hear this referred to as a pattern or constitution. Practitioners use this to diagnose and treat the body in its entirety to resolve the main complaint and maintain health and wellness. To treat these conditions the practitioner uses Acupuncture needles to stimulate specific points on the body. Acupuncture needles are much thinner needles and filliform (solid) rather than hypodermic needles used for blood draws. Often times the needles are not felt. If you are nervous about needles the practitioner will talk you through what to expect and work within your level or comfort.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine is a large part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The same systems used to develop Acupuncture treatments is used to prescribe herbs. Herbal Medicine in TCM uses many herbs and they are rarely used alone. Herbs are compounded or combined together to provide a medicinal tailored to the patient. Some formulas of compounded herbs exist and can work great without modification however, sometimes modifications are necessary. Herbal prescriptions can be in pill, powder, tincture, or raw from. They can be taken internally, or used topically as soaks, liniments, plasters and more.
Cupping & Other Modalities
Cupping
Cupping is the use of vacuum pressure to genitally lift the skin away from the muscle tissue. This allows for improved lymphatic drainage, releases muscle tension, and can improve range of motion. Cupping can be used to help open up the chest and improve breathing, improve circulation and relax tight and sore muscles. Cupping may be a part of your acupuncture session; sessions for cupping only are available as well.
Tuina
Tuina is a style of massage used in TCM. Tuina can be effective in improving range of motion, reducing pain and relaxation. Tuina massage may be utilized during your acupuncture treatment.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is also called dermal friction. A tool is used to scrape the skin until a slight flush appears, in some cases it is applied longer. Gua sha is very similar to dermal frictions techniques used in the Chiropractic field. Gua Sha is a great technique for children and can help relieve symptoms of seasonal colds as well as reduce muscle tension and pain. Gua Sha may be used during your acupuncture treatment.
Electro Acupuncture
Electro Acupuncture is also called E-Stim, it is the use of an electrical current applied to the acupuncture needles and passed through the body. E-stim is fantastic at treating musculo-skeletal issues, it is often used post stroke and can be extremely beneficial for deep sourced pain. *Click here to learn more about E-Stim.
Food Therapy
Chinese Medicine has a long history of using food for medicine. Foods are often found in herbal prescriptions and dietary advice is often given as a treatment. The old saying “You are what you eat” is too true! Food can promote our health or promote disease. During your treatment you may be offered some easy tips and tricks to implement into your diet that will be beneficial to your overall health. We often have great recipes on our blog as well!
Moxa
Moxa is a form of heat therapy. An herb, mugwort, is processed down into a fine fibrous powder. This is then packed into sticks or left loose and burned. The herb burns and has a particular heat signature that has health benefits. Moxa feels lovely, deeply warm, but has a smell and depending on the type emits smoke. Due to the smoke moxa is not employed often. However, it can be used outdoors, or in a well ventilated area. Moxa warming can feel wonderful on the joints and provide pain relief. Moxa is used widely in China for a variety of conditions including: restore energy and vitality, improve healing, benefit fertility and reduce joint pain.
Moxa being applied to a point on the hand.
Shan Zha: Crataegi Fructus. Picture taken by Larissa Kempf at an herb market in China. Shan Zha is useful to treat stomach issues due to overeating, reduce diarrhea, and promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
An herbal formula, Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, made by Larissa during her education in the raw herbal pharmacy at North Western Health Sciences University.
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