We offer a wide variety of services based on Oriental Medicine principles. Please see the links below for detailed information on each modality.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 4,000 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most widely researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine in the U.S.
According to Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (pronounced, “chee,” meaning vital energy or the interplay of physiological processes) flow through the natural pathways of your body. Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve your Qi flow. The many benefits of this type of therapy include:
- Pain reduction
- Relaxation of body and mind
- Stress and tension relief
- Increased blood circulation
- Increased energy levels
- Aids with digestion and toxin removal
- Improved internal organ function
- Relief from bad habits and addictions
- Greater sense of overall well-being
Acupuncture can treat disorders such as:
- Gynecological
- Digestive
- Ear, nose, throat, head, and face
- Neurological
- Upper respiratory
- Urinary and reproductive
- Immune function
- Addictions
- Cardiopulmonary
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine is the therapeutic use of plants, and is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of health care in the world. Depending on your specific needs, we prescribe herbs that produce and contain a variety of chemical and energetic substances that act upon the body. Different herbs have been effectively used for a wide range of medicinal purposes including pain relief, hormone balancing, sleep enhancement, improved digestion, skin soothing, and stress relief.
Oriental Bodywork
Oriental bodywork aims to restore and balance the flow of energy (Qi) throughout your body. It uses gentle hand and finger pressure along specific points and energy pathways (meridians) on your body to encourage your body’s innate healing abilities to be stimulated. There are many forms of Oriental bodywork that all share a common foundation in Chinese Medicine. They simply differ in their use of specific techniques to balance your energy. Some examples of Oriental bodywork are: tuina, acupressure, shiatsu, cupping therapy, Thai massage, reiki, and qigong.
Cupping Massage
Cupping massage therapy is a process by which a vacuum is created in a thick glass jar which is then attached to the skin via suction. It is most often used on the back or other areas where large muscles are present.
During a cupping massage, the cups are pleasantly glided across the muscles on oiled skin, while maintaining suction. The process is therapeutic, relaxing, and feels wonderful!
In medical terms, cupping brings healthy blood flow into the muscles and encourages waste products to be more effectively eliminated via the lymph system and other routes. This process nourishes the body’s tissues which reduces the build-up of cellular wastes, promotes tissue healing, assists the body’s natural detoxification processes, reduces inflammation, and helps to dissolve areas of knots and adhesions. The suction action on the skin and soft tissues encourages circulation and thus, the body’s ability to heal itself.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine terms, cupping moves “qi and blood” and can help alleviate pain and areas of stagnation. (You can think of stagnation as areas where tissues and body fluids have become stuck). Using Chinese medical theory, the cups are also used over specific acupuncture points, selected based upon your unique body.
Cupping has a long history of therapeutic use in most cultures throughout the world and is frequently used based on both Asian and European traditions.
After a session there may be a harmless area of reddened or purplish skin present which will dissipate over time. This redness is actually a positive sign that the therapy is working as it’s supposed to.
Tuina Massage
Tuina (pronounced, twee-nah) is a highly therapeutic bodywork modality based on traditional Chinese medical theory, dating back to about 1700 B.C. It is a Chinese form of medical massage and rehabilitative therapy used widely today in hopitals in China as a type of physical therapy. Tuina is based on the same principles as acupuncture. Although most commonly used with musculoskeletal pain and injuries, because it is based on Oriental medicine, it can also help with digestive disorders, infertility, insomnia, depression, anxiety and more.
After a detailed intake and assessment of your situation, customized tuina techniques will combine massage manipulations with range of motion movements, passive stretching, and acupressure to treat your specific pattern. Cupping and herbal therapies may also be used in some instances. You may also be given exercises based on tai chi and qigong to do at home. Please dress in loose, comfortable clothing for your appointment. Depending on the area(s) of concern you may or may not need to disrobe.
