Traditional Oriental Medicine: Ancient Medicine for Modern Times Oriental Medicine is a complete medical system that has been in use for over 3,000 years. Oriental Medicine is a term used to describe several modalities to diagnose and treat many acute and chronic illnesses, as well as maintain optimal health in those individuals who wish to prevent disease. Those modalities include Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Nutrition, Tui Na Massage, Cupping, Moxibustion and Gwa Sha.
Acupuncture: Using the Body’s Own Energy to Heal Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting extremely fine needles into specific points superficially on the body to stimulate what the Chinese call Qi (pronounced ‘chee’), increase circulation, relieve pain or affect the internal organs therapeutically. The manipulation of this Qi benefits health and aids in the healing of disease. All needles used are single-use/disposable and come in individual sterile packets. Acupuncture has no side effects and treats the cause as well as the symptoms. Acupuncture is endorsed by the World Health Organization, FDA and National Institute of Health. The acupuncture experience is one of relaxation and healing.
A more recent type of acupuncture, called ‘Electro-Acupuncture’, is commonly used to treat pain and neurological disorders. It involves placing small electrodes on the needles to send a low level pulsation into the treated area. In new studies this has been proven to enhance the release of endorphins into the system.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Nutrition: Using Food and Herbs to Treat Illness Chinese Herbal Medicine is a highly refined form of herbal therapy that dates back thousands of years. Based on a holistic understanding of your condition, we will create specific combinations of herbs customized for your needs. There are many different types of herbal formulas. Herbs may be taken as a tea, tablet, or extract. Herbs are an excellent way of complimenting an acupuncture treatment to enhance and prolong effects. Traditional Oriental Nutrition is also used to treat illness. Food is commonly used to treat many diseases in the body and a patient may be instructed to include or exclude certain types of foods based on their particular diagnosis.
Tui Na Massage: Relieve Pain Through Circulation and Stretching Tui Na massage is a form of deep tissue massage that focuses on specific areas of the body. Your injury will be worked on to relieve your pain and increase your range of motion and promote the circulation of qi. The movements used involve stretching, breaking up adhesions, and techniques to increase circulation. Cupping: Relieve Pain and Respiratory Congestion Cupping is a technique used that involves placing a special suction cup on the skin to promote the movement of qi. This technique is often used for the management of pain, tight muscles, as well as respiratory problems. It is a very useful way of alleviating wheezing due to asthma, colds, bronchitis and pneumonia. Cupping is painless, often gives immediate relief of symptoms, and tends to leave temporary marks on the skin, which resolves within a few days.
Moxibustion (Moxa): A Warming Technique Moxa is used to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation. It is especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, weakness and cold conditions. It can be used directly on the skin or held over a point to warm it.
Gwa Sha: Immediate Relief By Moving Stagnation in the Muscles Gwa Sha (translated, scrape sand) involves repeated strokes with a tool that has a smooth edge on lubricated skin. It is moved down the muscle with a moderate pressure and causes stagnant blood to leave the muscle and come to the surface below the skin. A “sandy” looking mark, called sha, is left behind giving this ancient technique its name. The ‘sha’ can be dark purple to light pink, but is usually a shade of red. This is not painful, but does leave a temporary mark that resolves within a few days. It is typical to feel an immediate sense of relief of symptoms after using this technique.