TREATMENTS:
Registered Acupuncture is administered by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) whose treatments may include any of the following Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies: Acupuncture, Massage, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, Infrared Heat and Electro-stimulation. Explanations of these modalities can be found below.
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges that acupuncture is a safe & effective treatment for many health conditions. A Registered Acupuncture treatment plan can benefit the following conditions:
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges that acupuncture is a safe & effective treatment for many health conditions. A Registered Acupuncture treatment plan can benefit the following conditions:
|
|
|
Acupuncture
In existence for over 5000 years, Acupuncture is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. During an acupuncture treatment very fine needles are inserted, manipulated & retained at specific points on the body to affect the Qi (energy), which flows through the TCM channels of the body. Pain or discomfort (physical or emotional) is experienced when Qi is not flowing freely. Acupuncture ‘resets’ the body by stimulating acupuncture points which help correct imbalances in Qi flow.
Patients generally experience a deep sense of relaxation during & after an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture therapy treats a wide range of health conditions ranging from acute to chronic & musculoskeletal to mental/emotional
Patients generally experience a deep sense of relaxation during & after an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture therapy treats a wide range of health conditions ranging from acute to chronic & musculoskeletal to mental/emotional
Acupressure/Shiatsu
Shiatsu therapy is a non-invasive deeply relaxing holistic healing art that works along the Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture meridians of the body. The literal translation of Shi-atsu is “finger-pressure”. Originating in Japan, Shiatsu is done with the client wearing comfortable clothing. The therapist applies systematic & rhythmic pressure utilizing their thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows & knees to assess & treat the body.
The results are decreased pain & stiffness with an increase in joint range of motion & overall vitality. From an Eastern perspective, shiatsu therapy promotes & balances the flow of Qi (energy) along the body’s channels (energy pathways) in order to restore & maintian health.
The results are decreased pain & stiffness with an increase in joint range of motion & overall vitality. From an Eastern perspective, shiatsu therapy promotes & balances the flow of Qi (energy) along the body’s channels (energy pathways) in order to restore & maintian health.
Cupping
Cupping therapy involves the practitioner heating glass cups & applying them to the patient’s skin thereby creating a suction or vacuum, which increases the flow of blood, lymph & qi to the local area.
There are different methods of cupping, some using lubricating oil, depending on what condition is being treated. Cupping is commonly used to treat a variety of respiratory complaints, as well as general musculoskeletal conditions.
Moxabustion
Moxabustion is a heat treatment used to warm specific areas & acupuncture points on the body. Mugwort is the herb used in this ancient treatment.
The heat of the Mugwort herb can be used to treat menstrual discomfort, low back pain, headaches; cold hands & feet. It is also used to improve circulation & decrease pain. Moxabustion can be applied directly or indirectly to the skin. A comfortable, warm & relaxing sensation is felt.
Tuina
Tuina is a form of Chinese massage, literally meaning “push & grasp”. Unlike shiatsu, which is Japanese in origin & static in nature, tuina is dynamic. To invigorate blood & energy within the meridians & muscles, the practitioner uses kneading, rocking & rolling movements. These techniques aid in the treatment of both acute & chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions such as digestive complaints and insomnia.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is an effective technique for releasing tight muscles or fascia, which can be thought of as “stagnation” in TCM. Gua Sha involves repeated comfortable pressured strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth edge. Typically Gua Sha tools are made from water buffalo horn or jade.
The smooth edge is placed against the oiled skin surface, pressed down firmly, & then moved down the muscles, or along the pathway of specific acupuncture meridians. This action results in a painless, temporary (usually 3-4 days) visible ‘sha’, the shade of sha varies according to the severity of the patient's blood stasis ranging from a light pink to a dark blue-black, but is most often a shade of red.