What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture originated in China more than 2000 years ago and is one of the oldest and most frequently used forms of medicine in the world. The term acupuncture decribes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. The most common of these is the use of small, disposable, sterile needles placed gently into specific acupuncture points.

Accessory Techniques which may be used to Complement Treatment:

Electro-acupuncture:

Electro-acumpuncture is the use of a safe, gentle, electric current (attached with leads to needles) to stimulate different acupuncture points.  This practice, which augments the use of regular acupuncture, can restore health and well-being and is particularly good for treating pain.

Moxibustion:

Moxibustion is the use of a dried leaf, called mugwort, which is rolled into a stick, or placed on the end of needles, and subsequently burned as a warming therapy during treatment. Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation to the affected area.

Gua Sha:

Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is a reddish, elecated, skin rash (aka petechiae). This technique uses a specific tool to gently rub the surface of the skin and increase the circulation to a particular area of the body. Gua Sha is used whenever a patient has pain associated with an acute or chronic disorder. In addition to resolving musculo-skeletal pain, gua Sha is used to reat as well as prevent the common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma, and chronic disorders involving pain.

Cupping:

In cupping the practitioner uses glass or bamboo cups to reate a vacuum next to the patient’s skin in order to increase warmth and circulation. It is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Cupping is also used to treat back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain.