WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

As you might know, acupuncture consists of the insertion of ultra fine needles into specific points on the body. These points are able to re-establish and balance the energy of the body and help correct the affected organs and the areas of discomfort.

Additionally there are other treatments that can be combined or used alone during a session. These therapies will be discussed in this brochure:

1) Electroacupunture
2) Auricular Therapy
3) Moxibustion
4) Tui Na
5) Cupping
6) Gua Sha

Electroacupuncture

Electrodes are connected to acupuncture needles for gentle stimulation. Pads can also be used instead of needles for certain areas of the body.

Moxibustion

A mixture of finely ground herbs, called Moxa can be used alone, on, or near needles to gently warm and stimulate the selected acupuncture point areas. Moxa, which is mostly the herb mugwort, has many forms but is typically formed into long cigar shaped "sticks" or shaped into small cones which, after lit, smolder at one end. Moxibustion may be used to relieve traumatic pain or alleviate debilitating conditions such as weakness and fatigue. It is quite effective for gynecological problems.

Tui Na

Pronounced "twee-nah" is a type of Oriental medical massage in which acupressure and other massage techniques are used, often employing specific acupuncture points or meridians. Many of the techniques are similar to western massage-- gliding, kneading , percussion , friction, pulling, rotation, rocking, vibration, and shaking. Despite the similarities, the intent of Tui Na is more specifically therapeutic than the simple relaxation of a Swedish-style massage.

Gua Sha

.It involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation where the skin is pressured, in strokes, by a round-edged instrument in order to release the local stasis or pathogen in the muscle. It results in the appearance of small red petechiae called 'sha', that will fade in 2 to 3 days.
** Can also often cause various degrees of bruising**

Cupping

The placing of special cups made of glass or plastic on certain points or areas of the body, which are held in place by creating a vacuum inside the cups either by means of heat or suction- this promotes circulation in problem areas. 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, relieve asthma, release muscle tension, reduce fever, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, and invigorate the skin.
**Cupping can often cause various degrees of bruising**

Auricular Therapy

The use of acupuncture points on the ear. Sometimes tiny acupuncture needles, called ear tacks, are left on the ear for a few days. Alternately, small pieces of surgical tape with seeds are placed over the points.