Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles (most are thinner than a human hair!) into specific points on the body to promote healing and improve bodily functioning.
Acupuncture needles are most often inserted into points on "meridians" or "channels," which have a direct relationship with areas of the body as well as internal organ systems.
Stimulation of acupuncture points with needles, massage, or heat, has the effect of moving energy in the channels, immediately affecting related areas of the body.
From a modern point of view, this stimulation activates your body's nervous system, which in turn, activates the production of chemicals and hormones to regulate your body's internal functioning.
The result is a change in regulation and metabolism in the body's ecosystem.
Better regulation leads to greater energy conservation and production.
Immediate Pain Relief
Acupuncture treatment results in immediate pain relief and a more grounded relationship to your body. You feel more vibrantly alive!
"Really ... immediate relief?"
Yes. Acupuncture works to balance the system immediately. In most cases there is significant (50-100%) reduction in pain, while you are on the treatment table.
That's the good news. However, depending on your condition, the imbalance your body had before getting "needled" will likely attempt to come back.
For many people, a series of treatments is what is required to have the body accept the new balance and hold onto it.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (Moxa) is the burning of the herb mugwort to facilitate healing.
The Chinese character for acupuncture translates as "acupuncture-moxibustion."
Moxibustion penetrates deeply into the meridian system to warm, nourish, and promote healing.
From a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) point of view, moxa builds blood, nourishes yin and yang, and stimulates the flow of qi.
It is remarkably effective in building strength in the body over time.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice that promotes the flow of blood and stimulates the nervous system.
Often used on the back, the suction that the cups create activates both the nerves that exit the spinal column as well as acupuncture points that are directly associated with all organ systems in the body.
When used on the upper back, it also has the ability to stimulate the flow of qi and blood to the lungs for greater intake and processing of oxygen into the cardiovascular system.
We use cupping generally when there is either a breathing problem, at the initial stage of cold/flu, or simply to invigorate the internal organs and the body before an acupuncture treatment.
