Modalities
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the use of fine, single-use, sterile needles at specific points empirically known for their positive effect on the body.
It's origins stem back 1000's of years, discovered accidentally from the therapeutic relief people felt when thorns were applied at specific areas on the body. That gradually evolved to using bones, stone, then gold, copper, and finally stainless steel needles that are about the width of a hair strand. In fact, disposable acupuncture needles become available in the 1990’s and it revolutionized the practice in the west. There are 365 regular acupoints, over 100 empirical points, and over 50 ear points on the body to choose from. Every point has a specific function and the key is discern which point will have the greatest effect!
Glass Cupping
Glass cupping has similar therapeutic effects as massage. A fire cotton ball is used to create a high-pressure system in the cup and then placed on the skin.
There are various cup sizes to target torso and extremities effectively. The sensation feels like a light squeeze and is more comfortable and effective than plastic or silicone cups. Massage applies pressure down or across, while cupping draws the skin and tissue up. It has similar physiological benefit: breaking up myofascial adhesions, clearing toxins stored in tissue and drawing it out of the body through the skin, bringing nourishment to the affected areas, and increasing circulation to clear local congestion and increase the rate of healing.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is translated as “bone scraping”, and uses jade or stone tools to run across the skin and break up adhesion’s in the connective tissue. Scientifically it has been proven to increase the growth and health of connective tissue.
Cups are more useful for covering larger surface areas, while Gua Sha is better for narrow or angled areas in the body, or working along facial lines distally. Both modalities help alleviate tissue injuries while also helping detox and correct internal organ function.
Herbal Medicine
Originally acupuncture was a tool for the elite. The rural folk of ancient china didn't have access to acupuncture tools so they used the local plants in the area to treat illness. This has expanded to included thousands of medicinal substances, approximately 360 of which are taught in modern Chinese medicine schools today. Of that, 150 common "formulas" or "herbal prescriptions" are used, some of which were created 2000 years ago and are commonly used today.
In China they have it down to a science where they can use herbs to stop a heart attack, reverse arthritis, stop internal bleeding, dissolve tumors, and even treat antibiotic resistant pneumonia and TB. For our use in the west, its great for getting rid of your cough, resolving your food poisoning, preventing motion sickness, decreasing your pain or swollen joints, or helping get rid of menstrual symptoms or increase fertility. And so much more!
Moxibustion
This is the use of mugwort, pressed into a stick or cone, and lit until the end glows red, waved over the skin until the area feels warm. I use a Moxa pen which is a hand held device designed to mimic the heat and infrared signature of moxa.
Moxa is the most thermal of all chinese herbs scientifically found to be 1000X stronger than smokeless moxa. The heat and radiating effects of moxa can penetrate 3-5cm into the tissue. Even the smoke has anti-inflammatory effects but do not irritate the lungs.
It is used for depleted or "cold" related conditions for e.g. to reverse the negative unwanted effects of antibiotics, chemotherapy, post surgical interventions, or a collapse of metabolic or immune system function.
Food is Medicine
If its hot, cool it
If its cold, warm it
if it’s deficient, nourish it
If it’s excess, drain it
if it’s dry, moisten it
if it’s damp, dry it
Using basic principles and the 5 flavors of foods, dietary recommendations can be given to support someones constitutional tendencies and their symptomatic picture.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture involves adding small electrical leads to acupuncture needles and putting current through them. There are various frequencies, wavelengths, and amplitudes, used to either help relax or heal muscles of channels.
Tui Na
This is the Chinese style of massage, also used specifically for a variety of conditions. It is most commonly used for pediatric conditions. I rarely use Tui Na, but I will do acupressure distally on the extremities.
Qi Gong
Qi Gong is like a movement meditation.
Similar to meditation where you focus on your internal landscape.
Similar to Tai Qi with many of the same basic movements, but used more for a medical application, versus a martial application.
Qi gong is an incredible tool for calming the mind, dissolving complexities, and kick-starting the innate healing capacity of your body.
Ear Seeds or Tacks
Ear seeds are the size of a kale seed, attached to an adhesive mesh.
Tacks are a fine 1mm long tack with an adhesive mesh.
Common practice is to place seeds on ear acupoints so the client can stimulate them throughout the week, whenever they feel stressed or fatigued. They help extend the benefits of treatment.