Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine embody much more than needles. The adjunctive therapies below work to address every layer and system of the body to restore neuromuscular integrity, increase range of motion, decrease pain, heal injury, support immune system function and encourage regulation of the nervous system:
CUPPING
(myofascial decompression)
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GUA SHA
(instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization)
Free connective tissue patterns, alleviate pain and encourage structural re-balancing by addressing "the deeper issues in your tissues."
Cupping utilizes suction to draw up stagnation from an affected area, while Gua Sha employs a tool made of a smooth stone or crafted metal that is lightly scraped over the surface of the body to separate muscular adhesions - hence their popularity with many athletes. In creating that space, local circulation and blood flow increase, and within the nervous system, the learned pain pathways that we store away are remodeled, resulting in simultaneous relief of physical tension and emotional release. Facial cupping and facial gua sha are also renowned for their anti-aging and beauty benefits due to the increased circulation of blood and lymph these methods encourage.
Cupping and Gua Sha may also be indicated for early stages of the common cold as a method for releasing pathogenic influences at the surface or “wei” level of the body’s immune system.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is an ancient remedy from China and is a type of heat therapy that utilizes the medicinal properties from one of the most praised herbs in the hierarchy of Chinese herbal medicine known as Mugwort, or Ai Ye. Warming and penetrating in nature, the herb’s chemical constituents are released when burned in small rice-grain shapes over an acupuncture point to open channels, expel cold and stagnation, move qi, increase circulation and alleviate pain. Moxibustion is also an essential modality for treating fertility, digestive, immune and orthopedic conditions due to its ability to regulate physiological function. “What an acupuncture needle can’t do, moxa can.”
TEISHIN + TUNING FORK
Both are non-insertive tools that are used over acupuncture points and/or meridians to stimulate the flow of qi. Through subtle vibration at the very surface of the skin, meaningful changes are invited to take place at the deeper levels of the body, much akin to a soft ripple at the surface of water that influences activity at the bottom of a lake bed. The effect these instruments create slide the sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system out of the way and are deeply relaxing - easing anxiety, stress and calming for the spirit or “Shen”. This is a favorite modality among many patients, particularly for those who frequently experience headaches, migraines and anxiety.
LIGHT THERAPY
LED (Light Emitting Diode) therapy is an an additional non-insertive modality that has been widely researched and is FDA approved and medically CE marked for pain management, and skin conditions related to acne and aging.
Originally developed by NASA, LED therapy uses the application of specific wavelengths (blue, red or infrared) to deliver safe, UV-free low-level light energy to trigger specific biochemical responses that improves cellular health and performance to repair and restore compromised tissue. Benefits include:
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Infrared: Increasing collagen and elastin production to improving skin’s firmness and reduction of wrinkles
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Blue: Clearing of acne breakouts and diminishing acne bacteria
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Red: Pain relief by way of reducing inflammation and increasing circulation, reducing stiffness related to arthritic, muscle and joint pain
Fun fact: light therapy can also safely be used on pets!
For more information on safety, efficacy and an in-depth look at the technology and science behind LED therapy, please visit: www.celluma.com