Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a practically painless technique that involves inserting delicate sterile stainless steel needles, about the width of a whisker, a few millimeters into the skin. These are placed at active points along the body, depending on how and where the therapist wants energy to move. Metal is a great conductor, so these needles act like tiny antennas, boosting the signal between cells at points where it's needed. Once they are inserted, the patient relaxes for 15-20 minutes and lets their body adapt to a new and better flow.
herbs
Chinese herbalism is a science extending back thousands of years, with doctors observing and recording the effects of various plants and minerals and their combinations on human health. Combined herbs in formulas have a synergistic effect, adding up to a more powerful effect with fewer side effects than herbs taken individually. Herbs can be taken as teas or pills and are usually prescribed for a week or two at a time. We use only herbs that have been grown and processed in accordance with the current FDA regulations for good manufacturing practice and have been extensively tested to be free from microbes, heavy metals, and pesticide residues. Many herb formulas are available using organic herbs.
alternative techniques
Shonishin tool
Other techniques used in Traditional Chinese Medicine that don’t involve needles include cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, and shonishin. These can be used alone or in combination with acupuncture for fast and effective results. Cups use gentle suction to move blood and release toxins. Moxibustion involves the burning of a therapeutic herb (artemisia vulgaris or mugwort) near the body for a warming and unblocking effect. Gua sha is a scraping technique along problem areas using oil and a smooth tool that can relieve tension and pain, reduce fever, or stop a cold from progressing. Finally, Shonishin is the Japanese name for a gentle treatment used mainly on children, although I use it for adults also. Using rounded metal tools I can stroke, rub, tap and press the skin to gently stimulate the acupuncture points. Children and adults really enjoy this technique. I also use essential oil therapy that is formulated to work with Chinese medicine pathways and patterns.