Making the Most of Your Benefits

Do your acupuncture benefits go unused year after year?

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can incorporate so much more than needles alone. It’s helpful to know the alternative modalities that can be used to support you, and your health, often with the use of fewer needles. Besides needling, acupuncture treatment can incorporate gua sha, tuina and cupping for total mind and body health.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a healing method where a smooth-edged stone or tool is pressed or guided along the skin in a scraping motion to alleviate pain and promote healing and blood circulation.  It is a fantastic complementary treatment to Acupuncture and Tuina.  It can also be used to encourage lymphatic drainage.

What is Tuina?

Tuina is a form of deep tissue massage that works with acupressure points and meridian channels based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. 

WHAT IS CUPPING?

Cupping is a painless technique that utilizes negative pressure (suction) to release blood, body fluids, and metabolic waste from tissue and bring it to the surface to be broken down and carried out through the circulation and lymphatic systems. This allows new oxygenated blood to flow into the area and bring nutrients to the area to promote healing.

As a healthcare provider, I strive to work with clients to put together a treatment plan that works for you.

Let’s discuss options to improve your health and make sure you benefit from your benefits this year!

How is Cupping Performed?

Cupping in the TCM setting is most commonly performed by placing heat within glass cups and applying it to the body.  The warmth within the cup creates the suction with negative pressure.  Silicone and/or plastic cups can also be used.  The cups are placed on a selected area, creating a vacuum seal and pulling effect that draws fluids to the surface.

What Can I Expect From the Treatments?

After an initial intake, you and your Registered Acupuncturist will discuss options for treatment.  Including Tuina, Gua Sha, Acupuncture, and/or Cupping therapy.  All modalities can help relieve tension, reduce inflammation, drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions, and revitalize connective tissue.  Each modality can increase blood flow to the skin and muscles, stimulate the peripheral nervous system, reduce pain, and modulate the immune system.