Acupuncture & Chinese Bodywork

Acupuncture

An ancient manual therapy involving the insertion of thin filaments into specific acupuncture points to address imbalances in the physical, emotional and mental realms. 

Chinese Medical Massage (formerly Tui Na)

Based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this modality is used primarily for medical / therapeutic purposes and works to correct musculoskeletal conditions and physiological imbalances.

It utilizes a variety of hand techniques, such as pushing and kneading, myofascial release, rhythmic compression, acupressure, and passive or active stretching in order to relax muscles that are putting unwanted stress on underlying tissues, organs, and bony structures and to restore correct anatomical relationships.

A session consists of a short diagnostic examination with postural analysis, pulse diagnosis, and abdominal palpation, followed by bodywork based on the diagnostic findings.  Based on the patient’s presentation, other Chinese Medicine modalities such as acupressure, gua sha, moxibustion, and cupping will be suggested and utilized with the client’s permission.

Aftercare instructions such as dietary modification, herbal suggestions, qi gong instruction, as well as stretching and strengthening techniques will continue the process until the next session.

Massages are typically 60 min, but can be longer or shorter depending on the patient’s preference and followup appointment suggestions can be made based on the first session.  First time participants may benefit from a longer treatment.

Chinese Medical Massage can be effective for pain relief as well as disorders including insomnia, constipation, headaches, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, and emotional problems. It can also treat disorders related to digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems.

Japanese Acupressure (formerly Shiatsu)

Involves hand and finger compressions and acupressure along the energetic meridians of the body. This modality employs stretches and compressions coordinated with the patient’s breathing and is very rhythmic and relaxing.

A typical session involves a short diagnostic examination with postural analysis, range of motion, and abdominal palpation, followed by bodywork based on the diagnostic findings.  Following the bodywork, aftercare instructions such as dietary modification, herbal suggestions, qi gong instruction, as well as stretching and strengthening techniques will continue the process until the next session.

This modality is perfect for stress relief, internal disharmonies and can is considered a “needless” acupuncture treatment.

Typically performed without oils or lotions on floor cushions or mats with the patient dressed in loose clothing,

Cupping Therapy

A process of applying glass or plastic suction cups to move stagnation by loosening tight musculature, softening fascia, and promoting circulation of blood and fluids. By creating a partial vacuum within the cups, skin, layers of connective tissue, and muscle are pulled in, thereby stimulating the blood vessels, softening tissue and the ground substance within the underlying fascia.

Cupping can result in temporary circular marks that resemble bruises in the areas of application.  They typically last a few minutes to a few days or up to a week, depending on how much stagnation there was the the area.  This is a completely normal reaction and should be expected during a treatment.

Gua Sha 

The scraping of the skin in a unilateral direction with specific tools to produce light “bruising”.  This effect regulates the enzyme heme oxygenase-1 which is highly anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory at a systemic level.  Gua sha causes microtraumas to the fine capillaries in the skin, causing increased blood flow to the problem areas and helps to improve the pliability of the underlying fascia, causing it to soften and release. It improves immunity and produces anti-inflammatory responses which can last for several days.

It is helpful in the treatment of pain and for functional problems with impaired motion, infectious diseases, upper respiratory and digestive ailments, and many acute and chronic disorders involving inflammation.

Although the application doesn’t break the skin, it’s results can be dramatic, looking similar to a scrape or bruise. The area should begin to clear immediately and rarely lasts more than a few days to a week.  Must accompany a massage or acupuncture treatment. $25 (15 mins)

Moxibustion

A form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called “moxa” are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.