Treatments
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a form of treatment that involves inserting very thin, sterile needles through a person's skin at specific areas of designated electrical sensitivity.
These points are on channels, otherwise known as meridians, where qi (pronounced Chee) flows in the body. Qi is the life force that allows for our bodies to maintain homeostasis and metabolism. Accessing these points with acupuncture promotes balance within the system and stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing hormones.
It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain, arthritis & a variety of musculoskeletal pain/injuries. The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain. Depression, stress & anxiety are often treated with acupuncture. Some of the physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasm and increased T-cell count, which stimulates the immune system.
CUPPING
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction in order to reach deeper tissues. A vacuum is created that pulls the superficial muscle layer up into the cup. Its effects can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system (which makes it an excellent treatment for high blood pressure).
Cupping therapy might be trendy now especially amongst athletes for sport injuries, but it’s not new. It dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.
Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines and rheumatism. This modality allows for blood flow to be refreshed and toxins to be released. One of the most popular uses of cupping is for the treatment of lung congestion.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Herbal medicine uses plants and other natural substances for medical purposes or therapy. It is the world’s most ancient form of healing. Studies of herbs and their medical properties were prominent in the ancient civilizations of China, Egypt, Greece, Tibet, Persia and India. An estimated three-quarters of the worlds population rely on herbal medicine. There’s strong movement in United States and many European countries where patients are seeking more natural sources of medicine due to the fact that Chinese herbal medicines treats the underlying causes of illness rather than individual symptoms without having dangerous side effects.
Natural supplements are useful in many cases to support healing. They do this by strengthening the body’s natural resources. Your unique constitution, health condition, age, and medical history are all taken into account when creating a custom formula just for you.
ELECTRO - ACUPUNCTURE
Electro-acupuncture (EA) is the application of an electrical current to acupuncture needles to stimulate healing within the body. EA uses the same points as acupuncture, and operates on a similar principle. The difference is that the needles are attached to a modality that generates a continuous electric pulse into the body using small clips. Electrical currents have stimulating effects, which can influence the cells, tissues and entire systems. While most electrotherapy techniques are transcutaneous, only allowing the electricity to flow over the skin, EA channels it into the body with pinpoint precision.
In clinical studies, EA has shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, particularly those that are chronic. The most common are pain, muscle spasms and neurological issues.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called "Moxa" are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.
Moxa is usually made from the dried leafy material of Chinese mugwort but it can be made of other substances as well.
Research has shown that mugwort acts as a substance that increases blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus and stimulates menstruation. Moxa is warming and moving. It helps promote movement of blood and qi so it is particularly good for pain when qi and blood has been stagnate. The use of Moxa has been especially popular in gynecology for treatment of menstrual disorders and to turn breech babies.