Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine available.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (energy) flow through the natural pathways of your body (meridians). 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 acupuncture include:
Electroacupuncture is a highly effective treatment most commonly used for pain. In practice, it is actually very similar to traditional acupuncture. Using the exact same system of Chinese Medicine, very thin and sterile needles are inserted into specific points along the meridians of the body. The needles are attached to a device that delivers gentle electrical pulses between two points. This can reduce pain, relieve inflammation, improve circulation and promote healing.
Cupping has been a part of Chinese Medicine for over 2,500 years. It relieves aches and pains, improves circulation, and also helps with respiratory and digestive issues. A specialized "cup" is placed onto specific points on your body, most commonly on the back, arms or legs, and then suction is used to draw the skin up into the cups. It doesn't hurt, it simply draws fresh blood to that area of the body, which facilitates the cleansing and strengthening of your Qi (energy). The suction can break the tiny blood vessels underneath the skin, which may result in slight discoloration in the area. When the brain picks up signals of this minor injury, it triggers the body's self-healing process, leading to an increase in blood circulation, improved lymphatic flow and the release of built up fluid. The end result is a greater overall sense of health and well-being.
Although Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique used by Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years, it is relatively unknown in the West. It is recognized throughout Asia as a highly effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, and a host of other ailments.
First, skin on the back, neck, shoulders or limbs is lubricated, then a round-edged instrument is used to apply short brisk downward strokes to that area. This method produces small red rash-like dots on the skin which fade in 2 to 4 days. The effect is to restore the healthy flow if Qi (energy) to the area. There is no pain involved and you will experience a sense of wellbeing and vitality from the treatment.
Heat therapy is often used by acupuncturists to promote circulation and induce the smoother flow of Qi (energy) and blood in cases of muscle pain, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, headaches and more. I use a TDP lamp, a medical device that is a safe, relaxing, and effective way of applying heat therapy. This therapeutic device features a plate coated with 33 minerals essential to the human body. When heated, the mineral plate emits deep, penetrating waves that are readily absorbed into the tissues. This promotes faster healing by stimulating microcirculation, which delivers high levels of oxygen and nutrients to injured cells while eliminating toxins and cellular waste.
Some health insurance policies cover acupuncture. I am an in-network provider for several major insurers. If you need more information about determining coverage, see "insurance coverage" on the visiting us page.