Modalities

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles in specific points of the body. Research has found evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along the meridian enables these electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. For example, these signals can start a flow of pain-killing biochemicals or they can stimulate immune system cells to repair injury or fight disease.

Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are ultra fine like a cat's whisker or a little larger than a human hair, and depending on the location, are usually painless. You may feel some heaviness, distention, heat, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian. However, you should feel relaxed during and after treatment. California law Section 1399.454 requires acupuncturists to use only sterile needles labeled for single use. It is unlawful to reuse acupuncture needles. This makes acupuncture a very safe modality with little danger of infection, and no side effects.

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture's effectiveness for over 40 common disorders (ENT, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Circulatory, Urogenital, Gynecological, Musculoskeletal, Psychoemotional & Neurological).

Acupuncture originated in China but spread to other countries where different styles were developed based on differing opinions of theory and technique. Therefore, the style of the acupuncturist will have an effect on the patient's comfort. You should speak with your acupuncturist about their particular style to determine whether that practitioner is right for you.

ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE

Electroacupuncture is the use of electric impulse stimulation through the acupuncture needles in affected areas and is utilized in pain related conditions, analgesia, labor induction, regeneration of nerve fibers and substance abuse. This type of treatment enhances the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. It is a pain-free procedure with a small amount of vibration in the affected area. There are two types of current, milliamp and microcurrent. Research has shown that milliamp is more effective for the release of endorphins to counteract pain, and microcurrent is more beneficial for tissue repair by causing cells to synthesize ATP at a higher rate.

HERBAL THERAPY

Chinese Herbal medicine is a primary component of TCM. It includes plants, minerals, and animal products. There are over 7,000 herbs identified in China and about 400 of these are commonly used in the United States. Chinese Herbal Medicine uses a formula, which contains 6 to 16 different herbs designed to balance each effect and address the individual's symptoms as well as pattern of disease. Formulas can be prescribed in a number of ways: raw herbs that are boiled into a tea, liquid extracts, pills, or powders. One of the most appealing qualities of herbal medicine is the low risk of adverse reactions or side effects. However, each herb contains dozens or even hundreds of chemical compounds and properties that can act in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. Therefore, you must inform you practitioner of all medication, vitamins, supplements and herbs that you are taking. As a general rule, you should take drugs and herbs one to two hours apart.

CUPPING

Cupping is a treatment technique designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain, and for treating the common cold by breaking up phlegm in the chest and releasing stagnation. It involves the application of glass cups with heat to create suction, thereby pulling heat or toxins out of the body while stimulating local blood circulation. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. The use of cups can cause redness and bruising which is considered part of the healing process.

GUA SHA

Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness, and constriction. The patient may experience immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, or nausea. It is also valuable for the prevention of acute infectious illness, upper respiratory, or digestive problems. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area for cutaneous stimulation that results in the appearance of small red petechiae similar to a bruise. This usually fades in two to three days.

PLUM BLOSSOM

The Plum blossom needle and the Seven-Star needle are special tools that are composed of a small bunch of needles that attach to a handle similar to the design of a hammer. The affected area is lightly tapped causing cutaneous stimulation with a minor amount of superficial bleeding. It is useful in treating alopecia, neuropathy, skin diseases, headache, dizziness & vertigo, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, gynecological disorders, painful joints, and paralysis.

BLEEDING

Blood letting is used to unblock stagnation, release heat, and promote the smooth flow of qi and blood in the meridians. Using a three-edged needle (lancet) and pricking the skin to release a few drops of blood can be useful for hypertension, high fever, sore throat, local congestion and swelling.

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion treats diseases by applying heat to acupuncture points or certain locations on the body by burning an herb called Ai Ye. Moxa-wool is made out of mugwort (Artemesia Vulgaris), a species of Chrysanthemum. It can be rolled into sticks and burned near the skin (indirect moxa), applied like a cone onto the skin and possibly mediated by a slice of ginger or some salt, or applied directly to the needle. It is used for bronchial asthma, rheumatic pain & arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, turning breech babies, menorrhagia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. ©