Acupuncture is an incredibly safe and effective modality that can help with many conditions, but the question of what acupuncture can treat can be divided into two categories; curative and palliative. TCM modalities such as acupuncture can resolve some conditions and symptoms entirely. However, there are other conditions where acupuncture is an effective tool to manage symptoms. After the TCM diagnostic process, an acupuncturist can better determine how acupuncture can benefit your specific concern and how long you should expect to see results.

The needles are much smaller than your average needle and most patients do not even feel the needle go in. Other normal responses that can occur include a tingling sensation, heaviness or a dull ache. Most people are pleasantly surprised that treatments are enjoyable and peaceful.

Thin needles are inserted into the body along energy pathways (meridians). Along the meridians, there are points where energy collects. Each of these points has particular functions and by stimulating these precise points we can affect certain changes in the body. If energy blockages occur, then imbalances arise. When the meridians are clear and energy flows freely, there is harmony - the foundation for health. TCM meridians tend to be located along fascial planes between muscles, or between a muscle and bone or tendon. The fascial network connects and holds the whole body together. Fascia is primarily made of collagen - an electrical conducting matter that directs and even generates body electricity. It's no wonder inserting metal needles along the meridians has far- reaching effects on the body.

Herbal medicine may be a recommended addition to your treatment plan depending upon the presenting condition. Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Herbal formulations were passed on by word of mouth for generations and contain combinations of roots, seeds, grains, flowers, berries, fruit, bark, leaves, stems, shells, nuts, resin, or seaweed.

Chinese herbs can treat the root cause of a wide variety of diseases ranging from the common cold to menstrual pain to digestive disorders.

A therapy that involves placing glass, silicone or plastic cups along the meridians of the body, to create a vacuum suction that produces negative pressure. The purpose is to enhance blood circulation, relieve pain, and stimulate energy flow. Most commonly used techniques include stationary cupping and slide cupping. Stationary cupping is when cups are suctioned onto the skin and retained for treatment. Slide cupping involves moving the cups along the meridians. This technique produces blood congestion at the site of the cups, stimulating the movement of blood underneath, relieving what is called “stagnation” in Traditional Chinese Medicine terms. Cupping can leave temporary marks on the skin, which may range from light pink to dark purple. The marks will disappear usually in one week.

Cupping is effectively used for muscular tension, colds & flu, allergies, detoxification & relaxation.

Qigong translates to “cultivating vital energy”. Qigong practices are sets of exercises which strengthen or heal the body and/or mind. Some of these practices date back thousands of years and include xingqi (moving qi), daoyin (guiding and pulling), and neigong (inner work). The sets range widely in their purpose. Some are rooted primarily in Chinese medical theory and are geared towards healing certain zangfu disorders, moving stagnated qi, or increasing balance and flexibility. Other forms are more martial and cultivate strength and pliancy in tendons and muscles, and then there are some that are predominantly working with the shen/conciousness/cognition (something that typical western calesthetics tend not to do). Some qigong practices include dynamic, complex coordination of movement, breathing and visualization. The unifying aspects of all qigong routines is a regulation of the body, breath, and mind, sometimes referred to as the three regulations, with the intent to move the qi (or the body) in a way that is healing and/or strengthening.

Simply put, medical qigong is performing qigong for the purposes of increasing wellness. There are two aspects of it; qigong that the patient does themselves or qigong that the practitioner does on the patient. It is practitioner’s duty to identify and properly instruct the correct qigong routine to bring the patient into balance and wellness.