Acupuncture is a type of East Asian medicine (including China, Japan, and Korea) that’s been around for over 2,500 years. Acupuncture is done by placing needles into specific points on the skin to help activate an energy in the body, called Qi (pronounced chee).
According to Chinese medicine, Qi is the life force energy in the body — it helps regulate and balance the body to keep us well. Acupuncture points stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. Stress, environmental factors, lifestyle, and genetics are some of the things that can block Qi in the body.
Acupuncture needles are solid, sterile, stainless steel needles that are usually not much larger than a strand of hair. Acupuncture needles go between tissues, making them less painful. You might be more sensitive in certain areas, but it shouldn’t hurt. Acupuncture can also be done without needles- using non-insertive tools on top of the skin. Acupuncture is known for its simple, yet effective methods and does not cause harm to patients when performed correctly. Acupuncture treats many of the same conditions that modern medicine does and is generally safe for all people and ages.
Cupping therapy is a therapeutic technique that utilizes a vacuum force created beneath a plastic or glass cup applied onto the skin’s surface. The suction created by the cup encourages blood flow—and this increased circulation may promote healing and reduce pain. It is used often to release emotional and muscular tension. It is a safe and effective therapy that is often used in addition to acupuncture.
Gua sha is a therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to help improve circulation. Gua sha is intended to address stagnant energy and inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface helps to break up this energy, reduce inflammation, move lymph, and promote healing.
Moxibustion is a traditional East Asian medical treatment that involves burning of moxa, an herb, that facilitates healing. Like acupuncture, it is meant to stimulate the flow of the life force, or Qi. In the direct moxibustion therapy, it can be burnt at an acupuncture point and can either be allowed to burn out completely once lit, or is extinguished before it burns the skin. Indirect moxibustion involves placing a moxa stick close to the skin until the area turns red, or an acupuncture needle is inserted, wrapped in moxa and ignited until the desired heating effect is achieved. Like acupuncture, Moxa can be used to treat conditions like gastrointestinal conditions, pain, and hormonal symptoms. Moxa is also very useful to support the immune system from colds and other viruses.