About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is over 2,500 years old and is among the oldest healing practices in the world. As part of Chinese Medicine, acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through the stimulation of specific points on the body, called acupuncture points. By inserting sterile, hair thin, disposable needles the acupuncture points are stimulated. This restores the natural balance and smooth flow of Qi (energy) through the body, setting the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own health. Our bodies are constantly seeking homeostasis or a state of balance. Acupuncture and herbal therapy can assist the body in its ongoing journey towards achieving this state of harmony and optimum health.

Acupuncture helps with:

• Accelerating tissue healing: wounds, skin ulcers, etc.
• Facial Toning
• Paralysis
• Acute and chronic pain conditions
• Painful conditions not reacting to manual stimulation
• Acupuncture anesthesia
• Reduction of Immunosuppression
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Traumatic Affective Disorders
• Substance abuse addictions
• Depression

And many others…

Advantages of Electro-Acupuncture
Enhances acupuncture effectiveness overall
Eliminates having to manually twirl needles continuously
Allows stimulations of up to sixteen needles at one time via multiple channels

Auricular Therapy, or ear acupuncture, is a form of alternative medicine based on the idea that the ear is a microsystem of the entire body represented on the auricle, the outer portion of the ear. Ailments of the entire body are assumed to be treatable by stimulation of the surface of the ear exclusively.

This type of treatment is helpful for a variety of conditions:

• depression
• anxiety
• addictions
• pain anywhere in the body
• stress
• insomnia
• lowering blood pressure
• helps organ function
• regulates hormones
• weightloss

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet).

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture / Acupuncture facelift is becoming a more popular, non-surgical method for those who want not only to maintain beauty, radiance and vitality in the face, but also improve their overall health and well being. Acupuncture facelifts have even been featured in the mainstream media, such as on ABC Television’s “Good Morning America” and Public Broadcasting System’s “Healthweek.” Studies show that among 300 cases treated with facial acupuncture, 90 % had marked beneficial results with only one course of treatment (International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, 1996).

Acupuncture for facial beauty is a wonderful, holistic, alternative approach to fighting the aging process:

• Increasing the flow of energy, blood and lymph circulation improves the face’s natural, healthy color, diminishes wrinkles and eliminates fine lines.
• Promoting collagen production increases muscle tone and elasticity helping to firm the skin, fill out wrinkles, and reduce bags and sagging.
• Stimulating the formation of body fluids nourishes the skin and encourages it to be moister, softer, smoother, and more lustrous Chinese herbs work excellently in replenishing Yin energy (body fluid), which is extremely beneficial in the prevention and/or improvement of wrinkles resulting from menopause or cigarette smoking.

Healing physical, emotional and spiritual issues to reduce stress and improve overall health and well being. Since the body/mind/spirit are all connected, negative emotions reflect in the face and change the appearance of skin texture, color, and tension. Acupuncture can eliminate stress and bring out the innate strength, vitality and health. In addition to enhancing skin appearance, most people are pleased to find that their sinus problems, headaches, toothache, TMJ, PMS and menopause have either disappeared or their symptoms are distinctly improved! You will not only look younger but also most certainly feel younger.

Excellent alternative approach without surgery and injection. Acupuncture is far less expensive, more natural, non-invasive and safer than plastic surgery or botox injection(s), and has no side effects, toxicity, inflammation, or recovery time.

Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (by using change in heat or by suctioning out air), so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup.  In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (the technique is called gliding cupping).

Cupping is applied by acupuncturists to certain acupuncture points, as well as to regions of the body that are affected by pain (where the pain is deeper than the tissues to be pulled).

In some cases, a small amount of blood letting (luoci; vein pricking) is done first, using a pricking needle, and then the cup is applied over the site.  The pricking is usually done with a three-edged needle, applied to a vein, and it typically draws 3–4 drops of blood (sometimes the skin on either side is squeezed to aid release of blood).  A standard thick-gauge acupuncture needle or plum blossom needle may be used instead.  This technique is said to promote blood circulation, remove stasis, and alleviate swelling and pain.  It is employed especially when there is a toxic heat syndrome and for a variety of acute ailments.

Cupping is great for relieving musical tension & pain, releasing toxins, & promoting blood circulation by breaking up adhesions that can form between muscle & fascia layers. Most people find this procedure enjoyable, relaxing, & pain free. There can be some soreness the next day, similar to a massage. It is recommended to drink a lot of water to flush the toxins from the body before & after cupping.

Herbal Medicine is the therapeutic use of plants & minerals, and is one of the oldest forms of health care in the world.  Depending on your specific needs, we prescribe specific herbs that produce and contain a variety of chemical substances that act upon the body.  Different herbs have been effectively used for a wide range of medicinal purposes including pain relief, hormone balancing, sleep enhancement, improved digestion, skin soothing, and stress relief.