Acupuncture: one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, often used in conjunction with other treatments including herbal medicine, moxibustion, Tui Na, cupping, and Chinese dietary therapy; it is probably best known in the United States for pain relief, though in most parts of the world, acupuncture is known to treat a wide variety of health conditions and is used for health maintenance. It involves the insertion of slender, sterile needles into specific points along the surface of the skin to restore balance to the body.
Tui Na: a form of Chinese Medical Massage, it is a hands-on-body treatment using acupressure to move energy along the acupuncture meridians. Tui Na works with the energy of the body at a deeper level and is designed to prevent problems, not just correct them. This is true not just for physical health, but also for mental and emotional well-being.
Cupping: a method of applying acupressure by creating a vacuum next to the patient’s skin by the use of glass cups. It encourages circulation and is often used to alleviate pain and for the treatment of respiratory conditions. The therapy is indicated in the treatment of, but not limited to: the common cold, pneumonia, bronchitis, musculoskeletal pain including back, neck and shoulder pain.
Gua Sha: a traditional Oriental bodywork technique used in many parts of Asia as a home remedy, it is also used to promote circulation and relieve pain. Most often used for, but not limited to, muscle soreness and tension, it can be applied to many parts of the body and is administered by rubbing a smooth object over the surface of the skin.
Moxibustion: an ancient form of heat therapy, used to warm different regions of the body and/or acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Modern research shows evidence that Moxa (Artemisia vulgaris / mugwort) has been effective in raising white blood cell counts in severely debilitated patients, as well as effectively used to help reposition breech babies.
Auricular Acupuncture: one of the more widely used microsystems within Eastern medicine. Microsystems use one aspect of the body – for example, the ears, hands or feet to treat conditions that are present anywhere in the body.
Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy: effective and flexible food plans, based on the energetics of foods according to Chinese Medicine, created to address individual needs, ranging from losing weight to boosting energy to reducing inflammation.
Herbal Remedies: effective combinations of plants, leaves, nuts, and common fruits and vegetables can be customized to address individual conditions.
Tai Ji / Qi Gong: gentle rhythmic breathing and moving exercises that help to cultivate vital source energy for health maintenance.
