Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine, sterile needles under the skin at very specific points on the body to achieve a desired therapeutic outcome. After insertion, the needles are manipulated until a desired sensation is reached that is neither painful or unpleasant. Various techniques are performed by the skilled practitioner to address your specific condition such as point selection, dept, angle, and retention time of the needles.
Side effects: Although side effects are rare in occurrence, the most common adverse events are associated with bleeding and bruising at the needle insertion site. A small amount of bleeding can be considered therapeutic in nature and severe bleeding is preventable. Less frequently, drowsiness, dizziness, and fainting may occur.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a therapeutic intervention that uses thermal properties of an herb to warm the bodies internal processes. The most commonly used herb material for moxa is used from the plant known as mugwort or Artemisia Vulgaris. The leaves of this plant are refined down into a high-grade wool like substance that is often molded into cone shapes and placed over acupuncture points on the body. Once the herb is ignited it produces a very steady application of warmth that studies have shown effective for a wide range of medical conditions such as arthritis, neurological and musculoskeletal complaints, gastrointestinal disorders, adjunctive cancer care, and breech babies.
Side effects: Given the nature of this treatment, burns and skin irritation are reported adverse events. In certain individuals with a compromised immune state or decreased tissues sensitivity, moxa may be contraindicated. These conditions include paralysis, diabetes, and neuropathies when there is diminished ability to sense heat or heal the tissues in an appropriate time frame.
Cupping
Cupping is a manual technique to relive pain and reduce areas of stagnation by applying suction over large muscle groups. The strong suction is produced by inserting a flame into the open end of a glass, bamboo, or ceramic cup to heat the air inside. This creates a vacuum which allows for the skin and muscles to be pulled up into the cup. The cups are left on the skin for 5-15 min when used in a stationary technique. They may also be moved up and down an area of the body, which is called running cupping. A temporary reddish mark will remain after the cups have been removed which can take up to a week or longer to dissipate.
Side effects: An intended amount of redness of skin after cupping is an expected outcome but extended periods of bruising may occur especially in those with bleeding disorders or who may be taking blood thinners like Warfarin.
Gua Sha
Gua sha has gained an enormous amount of popularity in the last few years due to its vast presence on social media as a facial rejuvenation tool. While gua sha is amazing in this application, it has a multitude of others and has been around for ages. In fact, it is even known as the “grandmothers tool” as this technique has in roots in folk medicine, with a porcelain spoon used in place of the tools we have today. In China, it dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD). Gua sha translates to scraping, named for the type of motion that is applied to the skin. This scraping motion produces sha, or petechiae (small bruising), that promotes circulation to treat acute and chronic conditions related to pain, headache, fever, common cold, and reduces inflammation and offers immune protection.
Side effects: There are no adverse side effects reported with Gua sha. It is contraindicated over rash, broken skin, swelling, inflammation, and burns. It is recommended to not apply gua sha 48 hours before and 24 hours after chemotherapy due to the upregulaiton of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) which has a anti-apoptotic effect, opposite the goal of chemotherapy.
Herbal & Food Therapy
There are over 365 individual herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. These herbs are substance found in the natural word and include plant leaves, stems, roots, and flowers as well as animal products and minerals. An herbal prescription is tailored to each individual unique constitution and condition. Classical formulas dating from 2,000 years ago have withstood the test of time and are widely still used today in clinical practice. Herbal medicine comes in many different products such as raw herbs, herbal powders, tinctures, pressed pills, and topical patches.
Side Effects: Herbal medicine functions like dietary supplements which are not under the same stringent regulations as prescription medications are under the FDA. Some Chinese herbs are considered safe while others may be adulterated or include toxic compounds like heavy metals. This is avoidable by choosing to purchase from reliable companies who hold high-standards for their products.
Chinese medicine has a rich history of using food as medicine. That tradition continues today, and many of the herbs found in formulas can also be found in your kitchen pantry! Common foods that are used for health include Chinese dates, ginger, green onions, walnuts, and sesame seeds. Chinese Nutritional therapy aims at balancing your internal disharmonies by eating more foods based off their thermal properties and energetics. Our nutritional advise will never tell you to exclude whole food groups because we believe it is okay to eat anything in moderation.
Qi Gong
Translated as “energy work”, qi gong is a traditional form of martial arts practiced to regulate and generate vitality. There are many forms of qi gong, some of which can be practiced while standing, sitting, or lying down. Qi gong incorporates visualization with breath work to guide energy to inner body fields. If Qi gong is a part of your treatment protocol, you will receive in-office instruction and continued guidance through handouts and online videos so you can build your practice at home.
