Auricular Acupuncture
It is one of the more widely used microsystems within eastern medicine. Microsystems use one aspect of the body – for example, the ears, hands or feet – to treat conditions that are present anywhere in the body. Auricular acupuncture may be used as a primary mode of treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture, bodywork or herbal medicine.
Cupping
Cupping is a treatment that stimulates acupuncture points by applying suction to the body using a glass jar. The glass cups are depressurized by providing some fire in the cup to heat up the air in it prior to placement on the body. This procedure increases blood and Qi supply to the area, facilitating healing and relaxation of underlying tissues. Cupping also aids in the body’s release of toxins and increases circulation and oxygenation of aching muscles. Cupping produces purple or red spots along the site being manipulated. These marks are signs of toxicity blocking the channel.
Electro-acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture is similar to traditional acupuncture in that the same points are stimulated during treatment. Like traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted on specific points along the body, these needles are then attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses using small clips. This provides extra stimulation to the points and increases circulation to the desired area.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is an accessory healing technique that involves palpation and stimulation where the skin is pressured, in strokes, by a flat and round-edged instrument. The goal is to relieve stagnation and promote circulation and metabolic process.
Typically used in the treatment of acute infectious illness (ie the common cold), upper respiratory and digestive problems, Gua Sha provides relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chills, cough and nausea.
Herbs
Food medicine is the oldest type of medicine. Years ago, humans ate things and noticed that some foods made them feel better, some foods made them worse; some foods caused diarrhea, others helped it, etc. Everything has energetic properties; cooling, warming, moistening, drying, tonifying, sedating, etc. When properly prescribed, herbs can bring the body back into balance. Many western drugs are synthesized from natural sources. Herbs can be more natural and have fewer side effects than drugs, but they should not be taken without proper knowledge.
Moxibustion
This technique involves burning the herb Artemisia Vulgaris (a species of chrysanthemum) also known as “mugwort” at a distance from the skin to warm an acupuncture point. This produces a comfortable sensation of heat that penetrates deep into the skin. Moxibustion or “moxa” warms the meridians and aids in the smooth flow of Qi. It is beneficial in chronic conditions that are cold in nature and in conditions where the energy flow is blocked.
Tui Na
Type of therapy that is acupressure based; incorporating stretching, rubbing, kneading, deep tissue work, and other types of manual touch-therapy. Tuina has been used extensively in China for over 2000 years and dates back to 1700 B.C. Tuina is a series of pressing, tapping and kneading in order to remove blockages along the meridians. It stimulates the flow of Qi and blood to promote healing, similar to principles of acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure.