Services

Acupuncture

The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain. The method by which this is accomplished, though it may seem strange and mysterious to many, has been time-tested over thousands of years and continues to be validated today.

The perspective from which an acupuncturist views health and sickness hinges on concepts of "vital energy," "energetic balance" and "energetic imbalance." Just as the Western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and the messages traveling via the nervous system, the acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of this "vital energy" within its pathways, known as "meridians and channels".

The acupuncturist is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain areas along these "meridians." Traditionally these areas or "acupoints" were stimulated by fine, slender needles. Today, many additional forms of stimulation are incorporated, including herbs, electricity, magnets and lasers. Still, the aim remains the same - adjust the "vital energy" so the proper amount reaches the proper place at the proper time. This helps your body heal itself.

Acupuncture is just one form of therapy used within the coherent system of healing known as Oriental Medicine. Oriental Medicine includes herbology, physical therapy, dietetics and special exercises (such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong), and is a complete medical system unto itself and is not another branch of modern Western medicine. Acupuncture evolved from principles and philosophies unique to Oriental thinking and Oriental Medicine, and is most effectively applied when done in accordance with those principles.

Cupping

Cupping is one of the world’s oldest medical treatment methods, and it is still widely used in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It quickly relieves sore and stiff muscles and joints and aids in circulation.

For cupping, a glass or plastic container (cup) is attached to the skin and then a vacuum is created within the cup. This is done by heating the air in the cup and then quickly placing it on the skin. As the air cools it contracts, creating the vacuum.

The vacuum exerts a pull on the skin and the underlying tissue (the skin is sucked up a bit into the cup), which improves circulation and metabolism, relieving pain and relaxing the body.

Cupping can also be used to tonify (strengthen) the whole body and improve immunity.

Scraping / Gua Sha

Gua Sha or scraping therapy is a method from Chinese folk medicine which produces amazing relief for stiff and sore muscles.

In Gua Sha, the skin is lubricated with an oil or a medical ointment and then scraped with a blunt item, such as a porcelain spoon, a specialized instrument made of horn. The skin is scraped until red, or until little red spots appear in the skin (petechiae). Sometimes the technique itself can be slightly uncomfortable, but once they've had it, my patients often ask for this treatment, because it provides instant relief for pain and stiffness. The red spots themselves do not hurt, and they disappear within 2-5 days.