Acupuncture and Other Modalities

In addition to acupuncture, your treatment may also include other traditional Chinese medicine techniques, such as: Herbal Formulations, TuiNa, Cupping, GuaSha, Moxibustion.

Chinese Herbal Formulas | Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body; or to clear it of problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.
Tui Na | Tui Na translates as “push grasp.” It is a massage technique that moves Qi in various parts of the body. It is used to relieve muscle tension, inflammation, and pain and to heal injuries.

Cupping | Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold. In this therapy, your acupuncturist will place small glass “cups” over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. Upon removal of the cups there may be slight redness or discoloration, but there is no need for alarm. The redness will quickly dissipate.

Gua Sha | Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area. Gua Sha feels a bit like a deep massage. This may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.

Moxibustion | Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be applied on the handle of a needle, above the skin, or directly on the skin. This is used to “warm” acupuncture points in order to quicken the healing process.

Electrical Stimulation | Electrical Stimulation (E-Stim) functions like a TENS unit and serves to accentuate acupuncture treatments.  Small electrodes are hooked up to a few placed acupuncture needles to send small electrical impulses to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood.