BODY THERAPIES

Cupping is a therapy primarily used for pain and tension but is also utilized for detoxification and venting pathogenic factors from the body. It involves the therapeutic use of silicone or heated glass cups on the skin that utilizes suction to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood. Cupping may leave painless circular marks on the skin after the therapy, but they will dissipate as circulation continues to improve. Cupping treatments can be provided alone or integrated into an acupuncture treatment.

Gua Sha is also a therapy typically used for musculoskeletal conditions. Like cupping, it can be used for detoxification, respiratory health, and other conditions where stagnation needs to be eliminated. Gua Sha involves the implementation of a smooth-edged tool that glides along the skin in rubbing/scraping fashion. The goal is to break up adhesions and tension. Gua Sha is not typically used as a standalone treatment but can be readily integrated into an acupuncture treatment.

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Moxibustion is an herbal heat therapy that involves burning compacted mugwort over affected areas to treat imbalances that are cold in nature. The goal of treatment is to alleviate pain, increase circulation, and enhance recuperative functions. It is also frequently used in several OB-GYN treatments. This treatment is completely painless and it is not uncommon for patients to report a sensation of warmth radiating down the meridian being treated. Moxibustion is not typically used as a standalone treatment but can be readily integrated into an acupuncture treatment.

Tui Na  (“push-grasp”) is a manual manipulation that utilizes various movement techniques to invigorate the flow of Qi, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain.

Acupressure is the application of pressure, either by hand or tool, on acupuncture points to stimulate Qi.  It is predominately used to ease muscular tension and relax the nervous system to promote relaxation and enhance the overall treatment. Tui Na & Acupressure are not typically used as a standalone treatment but can be readily integrated into an acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture with E-Stim serves to augment the effects of acupuncture when treating issues of the muscles, joints, bones, and nerves. In this therapy, small wires are hooked up to selected needles and throughout the treatment emit small pulses of electricity to provide continual stimulation to an acupuncture point. The setup looks similar to a TENS or EMS unit, which is a device that sends small electrical currents through gel pads that are placed on the skin.  

While not painful, E-Stim is more intense than using needles alone, making it a great option for chronic or severe stagnation and pain.