| About Acupuncture |  |
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine that was developed thousands of years ago and refined over time to its modern use. Needles are inserted into specific points in the body to influence the flow of Qi and blood and restore balance to the body. Needles may also be placed along motor points within the muscle to release the muscle and improve function. It is theorized that acupuncture works by regulation of the nervous system to release pain-relieving endorphins and neurotransmitters. As part of an acupuncture treatment, gua sha, moxibustion or cupping are often added.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a healing technique that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine; gua meaning scrape, and sha meaning redness. Gua sha is used to relieve aches, pains, and tightness in the neck, back and shoulders, and to treat or prevent common colds, flu, asthma, or bronchitis. During a treatment by Gua sha, special tools are used to scrape the skin, moving blood and metabolic wastes to improve circulation and bring nutrients to the area. This increased circulation triggers the lymph system to flush out, increasing the removal of wastes and toxins. Although this is not a painful treatment, after Gua sha slight redness or small red petechiae may appear, which fades within a couple of days. If you commonly carry stress and tension in your neck and shoulders, or if you feel a cold or flu approaching, a Gua sha treatment will be extremely beneficial in giving you the relief you need.
Cupping
In cupping therapy, a vacuum is created within a thick glass cup, which is then placed on the skin. With cupping, the flow of blood and body fluids is improved, and congestion is relieved. Cupping can be used for musculoskeletal pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, and is also used to treat respiratory problems such as cold, flu, pneumonia, and bronchitis. The cups may either be left in a stationary position or moved across the skin. Cups can be left in place from 5 to 15 minutes, and more than one may be used. The skin reddens due to increased blood flow to the area, and may become bruised. These bruises will disappear within a few days.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy which penetrates deeply into the body, and is applied to specific acupuncture points. Moxa is made from mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris), which is dried and formed into a stick or cone. This is then held over acupuncture points until the area has been sufficiently warmed. Moxa may also be added to the end of an acupuncture needle. Moxibustion improves blood circulation, adds heat into the body to warm up areas that are cold, and relaxes areas that are tight.
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