TCM Modalities
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the use of very fine, single use needles that are inserted through the skin and directly into the desired acupuncture point. According to Chinese medicine, the normal functioning of the body depends on a balance of yin and yang energy. Acupuncture works to restore normal functioning by stimulating certain points along the meridians in order to free up the flow of Qi. The practitioners may also use heat, pressure, massage, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate the points. Acupuncture activates our body’s natural defence mechanisms and can increase the function of specific systems (lymphatic, endocrine, digestive, circulatory & immune system).
Cupping
In a traditional cupping session, glass cups are warmed using a flame, which is then placed inside the cup. The flame removes all the oxygen therefore creating a vacuum when the cups are then place on the body, this pulls the skin up inside the cup. The action of drawing up the skin helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. Think of it like an inverted massage! *Note in my practice I use silicone style cups which do not require a flame to create the vacuum effect.
Depending on the condition being treated, the cups will be left in place from 5 to 10 minutes. Several cups may be placed on a patient’s body at the same time (stationary cupping) or the practitioner may only use 1 or 2 cups and after applying a oil will slide the cups up and down particular meridians (moving cupping). Cupping is used primarily to treat pain as well as respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and congestion.
**Generally will cause bruising- which may last for a number of days**
Moxibustion (Heat Therapy)
Moxibustion (Moxa) is a form of heat therapy that stimulates specific acupuncture points of the body. The most common form of moxa, is indirect where the practitioner lights a moxa stick (roughly the shape and size of a cigar) and holds it slightly above the skin (sometimes at a needle location) to bring mild warmth to the area. The intensity of the heat is adjusted according to the patient’s condition and comfort. This therapy causes a gradual localized vasodilatation response. In addition to increasing the local blood flow it can also be extremely comforting and create a deep relaxation response.
In combination with acupuncture, moxa therapy can be very effective for many diseases and conditions including back pain, muscle stiffness, headaches, migraines, tendonitis, arthritis, digestive disorders, anxiety, and female health problems such as menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and infertility.
Tui Na (general)
Tui Na is a form of Asian bodywork that most closely resembles conventional western massage. Despite the similarities, the intent of Tui Na is more specifically therapeutic than the simple relaxation of a Swedish-style massage. Through Tui Na we have the ability to focus on specific problems, especially chronic pain associated with the muscles, joints, and skeletal system. Since Tui Na was developed out of the TCM theory it does not work only on the muscles, bones, and joints but also with the energy of the body (Qi) at a deeper level. Tui Na uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, as well as a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints & like acupressure, Tui Na directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points.
*Note: I do not offer Tui Na general bodywork, instead I offer a gentler protocol in the form of the Microsystem Massage
Micro Systems Massage
(Face, Scalp, Neck & Shoulders)
Looking for a great way to relax & de-stress?
Try a gentle Tui-Na Microsystem Massage for the Head/Scalp/Neck. This treatment includes an acupressure massage of your face, scalp, neck & shoulders. You will fall into a state of absolute relaxation while activating the natural healing processes of your entire body. Special attention can be paid to areas of personal concern to you (such as headaches, sinus issues, insomnia...) or just let your body do what it needs to do.
This massage is a giant step towards personal rejuvenation and self care. Destress, sleep better and relieve pain.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a healing technique used in Asia by practitioners of Traditional Medicine, in both the clinical setting and in homes, but little known in the West. It involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation where the skin is pressured, in strokes, by a round-edged instrument; that results in the appearance of small red petechiae called 'sha', that will fade in 2 to 3 days.
Raising Sha removes blood stagnation considered pathogenic, promoting normal circulation and metabolic processes.The patient experiences immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, nausea, and so on. Gua Sha is valuable in the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness, upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many other acute or chronic disorders.
**Generally will cause bruising- which may last for a number of days**
Nutritional (Eastern) Counselling
Western nutrition theory focuses more on the concept of a balance diet based on the 4 food groups and the food pyramid as well as the material food components such as carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.
In the Eastern nutrition view, a balanced diet is based upon the holistic concept of yin and yang and illustrates how thermal nature and flavour of foods influence the body.
Four basic criteria for energetic classification of foods:
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Thermal nature: Hot, warm, neutral, cool, cold
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Flavour: Sweet, acrid, sour, bitter, salty
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Organ: Spleen, stomach, lung, large/small intestine, kidney, bladder, liver, gallbladder, heart
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Direction of movement: Upbearing, floating, downbearing, falling
The famous physician Sun Si Miao of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618—907) further emphasized the important role of dietary therapy:
“Dietary therapy should be the first step when one treats a disease. Only when this is unsuccessful should one try medicines.”
In a further quote, he emphasizes the preventive character of Chinese dietetics:
“Without the knowledge of proper diet, it is hardly possible to enjoy good health.”