TCM Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modality that typically involves the insertion of sterile, single-use, hair-thin needles into specific points on the body. These points lie on meridians or pathways along which the body’s life-giving energy called Qi (pronounced “Chee”) circulates.
In TCM philosophy, disease is caused by an imbalance of the normal flow of Qi through these meridians, whether there is too much, too little or it is blocked from flowing altogether. When the meridian points are stimulated in a specific way through the use of acupuncture therapeutic techniques, Qi flow is restored to its proper balance and the body begins to heal itself.
The selection of the points and techniques used in any given treatment are based on a holistic, in-depth TCM diagnostic assessment that is specific to each individual client.
A variety of therapeutics, techniques and tools can be used in TCM Acupuncture. Based on the individualized assessment, a treatment at our Acupuncture Clinic may include one of or a combination of the following techniques.
Acupuncture techniques/treatments
Electroacupuncture
Similar to traditional acupuncture in that the same points are stimulated during treatment. As with traditional acupuncture, needles are
INSERTed on specific points along the body. The needles are then attached using small clips to a portable device that generates continuous and controlled electric pulses. These devices are used to adjust the frequency and intensity of the impulse being delivered, depending on the condition being treated.
Acupressure
Acupressure stimulates meridian points by using pressure rather than needles. It is commonly referred to as “needleless acupuncture,” because both forms of healing use the same points to achieve the desired results.
Cupping
Through suction, the skin is partially drawn into a cup by creating a vacuum inside the cup placed on the skin over the targeted area. There are several methods of applying this therapy and multiple benefits resulting from this treatment application. Many describe the sensation experienced in cupping as that of a deep tissue massage. Cupping usually results in some temporary skin discoloration which can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, but is very rarely accompanied by any discomfort.
Gua sha (Guasha)
A traditional Chinese medicine treatment in which slightly lubricated skin is repeatedly press-stoked in a unidirectional action (also referred to as scraping, spooning, coining) to produce transitory therapeutic petechiae (called sha). Gua sha (or raising the sha) releases unhealthy elements, toxins, Qi stagnation from injured or bocked Qi areas and stimulates healing, blood flow, anti-inflammatory and immune responses that can last for quite some time.
Moxa
A traditional Chinese medicine therapy that consists of burning dried mugwort (moxa) on particular points on the body. It can be used indirectly (above an area or needle), directly with acupuncture needles, or can be placed on a medium directly over the patient’s skin. Moxa is used to warm regions and meridian points in order to stimulate the circulation of blood and Qi.