Therapeutic Massage, Chi Nei Tsang, Qigong, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

• What is acupuncture?
  ​Acupuncture is a holistic medicine that began about 3,500 years ago in China. Acupunctures is the use of small needles to free and aid one's qi, often translated as energy or life force.  Acupuncture as it is taught today is a conglomeration of knowledge from ancient texts to modern techniques . This is known as traditional Chinese medicine.  Treatments include techniques such as gua sha, cupping and moxibustion and Chinese herbal prescription (defined below). 

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• What can acupuncture treat? 
  Almost anything that you would go to a regular medical doctor for you can see an acupuncturist to treat.  Below is a short list of treatable conditions but for more complete info click HERE.

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• Essential Hypertension 

• Headache and Migraine

• Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Post stroke paralysis

• Meniere's Disease

• Disc Problems

• Musculoskeletal issues

• Injuries, sprains, strains, tendonitis

• Arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

 

• Work and Sports Injuries

• Acute sinusitis

• Common Cold

• IBS and Colitis

• Constipation or Diarrhea

• Depression

• Pre-menstrual syndrome 

• Menopause syndrome

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Insomnia

• Drug side effects

 

 

• How should I prepare for my appointment?
  Please eat within a few hours of your appointment. If possible wear loose clothing and avoid wearing heavy scents. For your first visit please allow 20 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment to fill out the medical history paperwork OR click the button on the right or find it HEREand fill it out in advance. 

 

• What is moxibustion? 
  Moxibustion is a technique in which the Chinese herb Ai Ye is used to warm an acupuncture point, needle or meridian. Moxibustion is used to treat many debilitating conditions. 

 

• What is cupping?
  Cupping is a technique where the use of suction is applied to increase circulation in an affected area. Cupping is used for many conditions, including back, shoulder and neck pain, the common cold and influenza.

 

• What is electro stimulation?
  A technique where small electrical currents are passed through acupuncture needles to add additional stimulation to acupuncture points. Electro-acupuncture has been shown to decrease pain, accelerate tissue healing and significantly reduce inflammation. 

 

• What is gua sha?
  Gua sha is a technique which involves a round edged instrument that rubs the skin of affected and related areas. It promotes normal circulation and enhances metabolic processes. It is valuable in the treatment of pain, upper respiratory and digestive problems and many acute or chronic disorders. 

 

• Do you prescribe herbs?
  Yes. It is our preference to treat disease with acupuncture and related techniques before adding herbal medicine into the mix. This allows a clear picture of what is and is not working for the patient to manifest.  If you are needle phobic but still want Chinese medical treatment than the use of herbs may be a great option for you. 

 

• Are Chinese herbs different than Western herbs?
  Chinese herbalism differs from western herbalism in that the herbs are rarely used singly. The herbs are combined into formulas that are known to treat specific patterns that can be diagnosed by your practitioner. Chinese herbs come in several different forms such as raw, granular and in pills. We prefer granular or pill form
  as they are easier to use. 
   

• Does acupuncture hurt?
  Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, often about the thickness of a hair. While some people feel nothing at all; others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and uplifting and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment. It is not uncommon to experience some soreness post treatment. 

 

• I am afraid of needles, what can I do?
  The fear of needles is extremely common. Rest assured even people with needle phobias can receive acupuncture. The needles are very small, not much thicker than a hair. They are not the hollow hypodermic needles most of us are used to from a typical Doctor's visits. There are methods that can be used to relax you prior to treatment. Another option is to not get needled but receive acupressure, moxa or electro stim only. We will always work within your comfort zone and do our best to alleviate any stress you may have about acupuncture. 

 

• I heard that acupuncture can help me quit smoking/drugs. Is that true?
  Yes acupuncture can help your body eliminate nicotine/drugs from the system thereby helping to eliminate cravings. Acupuncture also works on the emotional component of addiction. Acupuncture alone is not a magic bullet to quit smoking/drugs. Having a plan and other means of support with greatly increase the likelihood of quitting for good.  Treatments are recommended several times per week for the greatest efficacy. 

 

• Can acupuncture help me lose weight?
  Yes, acupuncture can help you lose weight. It assists in weight loss in several ways. Acupuncture can help alleviate cravings for foods and work on the addictive quality of eating. It also assists by harmonizing the body's digestive process and allowing it to fully function. It also works on the emotional component of overeating as well. Acupuncture treatments weekly or several times weekly combined with proper diet and exercise is a winning combination for lasting health. Herbal prescriptions may also be helpful in this instance.