More About Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture needles are very fine and their insertion is virtually painless. They are made of stainless steel, sterile, and used only once. After insertion into selected body points, the needles are stimulated to varying degrees, producing a characteristic sensation that ranges from tingling, distension and heaviness to a slight electrical sensation. After stimulation, the needles are left in place for 20-30 minutes, at which time you may feel very relaxed and even fall asleep.

During the evaluation, the practitioner will feel the pulse on both wrists, look at the tongue, and palpate different muscle groups and points along the body’s meridian system. All of these methods provide information about how your body is functioning, and where its excesses or deficiencies are located. The acupuncturist will explain the assessment to you and the plan for treatment.

There are many styles of acupuncture practiced in the U.S. today. Over thousands of years the practice of acupuncture spread throughout Asia and more recently to the West. In that process, quite a few different approaches and regional variations were developed.

At Giving Nature Center we practice Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, including Trigger Point Release when appropriate, along with Kiiko Matsumoto’s style of Japanese Acupuncture. The approach used in each treatment depends on each patient’s needs at the time.

Trigger Point Release is a specialized form of acupuncture that is used to relieve pain caused by acute or chronic muscle tension anywhere in the body and has its own unique sensation, distinct from other forms of acupuncture. It is the most effective way to quickly relieve pain related to muscular injury or tension. The release of trigger points with acupuncture will make physical therapy and other forms of treatment more successful in rehabilitating an injury.

Acupuncture in the U.S. has developed its own style, consistent with the evolving tradition of Chinese Medicine. At Giving Nature Center we practice an approach that could be called “Contemporary Acupuncture.” This approach is distinguished by the inclusion of dialogue and interaction between the patient and provider that supports the patient in being an active participant in his or her own health care.

Chinese Medicine Adjunct Treatments

The following treatments may be used in conjunction with acupuncture on an as-needed basis.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the use of a warming herb (mugwort) over selected points along the body’s meridian system. There are a number of different methods for applying moxibustion (or “moxa” for short). Indirect moxa involves holding a lighted stick of the herb over the point to warm it. With direct moxa, a salve is applied to the skin to protect it, and a thin thread of loose herb is lit directly over the salve to warm the point. Moxa cones may also be applied to the top of the acupuncture needles to provide warmth through the shaft of the needle. Moxa is used in the treatment of deficiencies, to warm and nourish the body, and to provide extra stimulation to a point. It is used along with the needles and sometimes on its own.

Cupping

Cupping involves the application of glass jars that create suction over the skin. A glass jar is held upside down and a flame is inserted and then quickly removed, creating a vacuum that provides suction when applied to the body. Cupping is used to remove stasis, spasm, pain and congestion in the body. It serves to bring circulation of blood and lymph to the area where it is applied. It is commonly used to relieve muscular tension as well as for internal disorders such as bronchitis and digestive problems. Cupping may temporarily leave small round red or pink discoloration on the skin, which generally clears within a few days.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a technique involving rubbing of the skin with a smooth surface (typically a ceramic spoon or lid) in areas where there is congestion or pain. It promotes healthy circulation to the area, relieving pain and tension, and restoring proper function to the muscles and the underlying organ systems. It is used in the case of common cold, head or ear congestion, and neck and muscle pain. Small red dots come to the surface and these typically clear within a few days.

Electro-Acupuncture

Small electrical currents (milli-or microcurrents) are sometimes added to the acupuncture needles to create a pronounced effect. The sensation is typically one of “pulsing,” where you will feel a painless movement of the muscle near the stimulated needle. It is occasionally used in cases of musculoskeletal pain or stasis of varying types. Microcurrent stimulation is effective in treating acute injuries and may also help in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and depression. Microcurrent is similar to the body’s own electrical impulses and is generally applied with little or sensation.

Tuina Chinese Massage

Tuina techniques may be used to stimulate the body’s musculature and circulation. Tuina is a form of massage that releases muscular tension, opens movement in the joints, and promotes circulation.

Nutrition

Traditional Chinese Medicine considers nutrition and diet to be an integral part of health and wellness. Whatever condition you are treating, nutritional recommendations can support your healing and at times become the primary form of treatment. What we eat, how we eat, and when we eat, as well as what supplements we choose, are considered central to maintaining good health. In modern times we tend to receive less nourishment in the form of whole, natural foods, and eat a large quantity of processed and fast foods on the go. We are also exposed to more environmental toxins that deplete our nutritional supplies. Therefore, nutritional supplements are of greater significance for most people than they used to be in times past. Supplement recommendations may be given to you to complement your treatment program.

For those involved in weight management, dietary and nutritional support recommendations may provide an essential element in your program.