Treatment Modalities
Acupuncture
The best known modality of Chinese medicine is the placement of needles on the body’s meridians to bring balance. The thinking goes that once the body’s meridian system comes into balance, the body will undergo healing. Like life and nature, our bodies are dynamic systems that are ever-changing. This vital life force within us, or qi, is so constant and flowing that when there is stagnation, pain arises. We see these imbalances in nature. Stasis caused by damning a river; depletion from over farming the earth; repletion in a forest leading to wildfires; lack of precipitation causing drought. So too are our bodies. Acupuncture helps to add when there’s depletion from energy to blood, and takes away when there’s repletion from inflammation to tension in muscles. The hope is to go into a state of sleep or relaxation while the needles are retained in order to facilitate the restorative flow of qi.
Tuina & SoTai
A combination of massage, stretching and manipulation to promote the flow of qi. The practitioner may brush, knead, rub and roll/press the areas between the joints to move the energy in the body.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal formulas are matched to the needs of each patient; I strive to choose a formula from the hundreds that have withstood the test of time— many dating back to ~300-200 BC. Formulas are generally mixed with hot water to drink as a tea. There are four forms in which to administer herbal formulas (in order from most potent to least):
Raw herbs that you cook by boiling and then drinking the decoction
Granules are stirred into hot water where the powdery mix dissolves and then it’s imbibed
Pills or capsules taken orally
While I may carry some formulas in pill form, I will most likely call in the prescription to a trusted medicinary near you. They will call you for payment and when it’s ready; shipping is also available. These formulas typically range in price from $30-$50 depending on its complexity and dosage.
Herbal formulas can also be used externally in the form of poultices or warm compresses. Finally, let’s not forget food. Like herbs our meals can be used to heal as well. I will send you home with recipes and dietary recommendations from time to time.
Moxabustion
Dried mugwort/ ai ye/ artemisia /estafiate is also commonly known as moxa, and is the herb used for moxibustion. This therapy uses moxa to warm body areas and acupuncture points with the intent of stimulating circulation and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Moxa has many applications: it is typically ground and processed into a small stick, which is lit and then smoldered above the skin. Alternatively, there is direct moxa where a small amount of moxa is placed, lit, and extinguished directly on the skin. I take precaution to not burn the skin by placing a slice of an herb like ginger or a coat of ointment between the moxa and skin, and by using high quality moxa. Finally, moxa can also be applied to the handle of the needle to deeply warm an acupuncture point, joint, or muscle.
cupping
A method of acupressure, where a vacuum is created on a patient’s skin to help relieve an obstruction to flow. Using a glass cup a vacuum is created by air heated with fire quickly followed by placing the cup against the skin. As the air cools in the cup, a vacuum forms that pulls up on the skin creating a suction. The cups remain for 10 min or can be moved around by the practitioner. The suction draws up excess cold, heat, or other toxic surpluses that linger just under the skin’s surface that cause obstruction. Cupping is often used to treat respiratory ailments as well as back, neck and musculoskeletal pain.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is the name and of the tool and of the scraping technique that helps to circulate the blood and bring blood to the skin’s surface. Gua sha is indicated to release toxins and pathogens that are stuck just below the skin. It is commonly used to scrape the upper back for releasing heat during onset of a cold or fever.