elements holistic wellness
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chiropractic & Therapeutic Massage
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chiropractic & Therapeutic Massage
Modalities & Techniques Used in Treatment
Acupuncture: What is it?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting disposable needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
How does Acupuncture work?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels or pathways of energy, referred to as Qi (chee) run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface through our connective tissues. These energetic pathways called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these meridians is like a dam that backs up causing blockages which result in pain or dis-ease within the body.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Moxabustion: What is it?
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.
How does Moxabustion work?
Moxibustion can be applied directly to the area of the body that is in need of healing. It can also be used indirectly being held above the area that is being worked on. Moxabustions is often used for cold or stagnant conditions. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi.
Moxabustion and Preganancy
In Western medicine, moxibustion has successfully been used to turn breech babies into a normal head-down position prior to childbirth. A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that up to 75% of women suffering from breech presentations before childbirth had fetuses that rotated to the normal position after receiving moxibustion at an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian.
Cupping: What is it?
Cupping is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine. It is often used in respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and colds. It is also used for muscle pain and to reduce inflammation.
How does Cupping work?
The interior of the glass cup is first heated to create a suction when it is inverted and placed on the skin. The suction increases blood flow, decreases inflammation and relieves pain. Cupping can be left in place from 5 to 10 minutes. Several cups may be placed on a patient’s body at the same time. During some treatments, a small amount of herbal oils are applied to the skin just before the cupping procedure, this allows the cups to be moved up and down particular areas creating more stimulation.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a healing technique used in traditional medicine. It involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation in which the skin is pressed with a ceramic spoon. This causes the appearance of small red patches. "Gua" means to scrape or rub. "Sha" is a reddish, elevated patch of skin. Sha
is the term used to describe blood in the subcutaneous tissue before and after it
is raised as a small red bump.
Gua Sha is a healing technique used in traditional medicine. It involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation in which the skin is pressed with a ceramic spoon. This causes the appearance of small red patches. "Gua" means to scrape or rub. "Sha" is a reddish, elevated patch of skin. Sha
is the term used to describe blood in the subcutaneous tissue before and after it
is raised as a small red bump.
How does Gua Sha work?
Gua Sha stimulates the immune system, detoxifies and de-acidifies, promotes the circulation, regulates functions and organs, removes blockades and pain, revitalizes and regenerates and reduces inflammation.
What is Sotai?
Sotai is a form of postural realignment that was developed in Japan, in the 1970’s. It is founded on the principle that the restoration of chronically tightened (shortened) muscles can be loosened through the use of natural, pain free, movement to their normal resting length. This relieves pain and postural distortions that are often caused by muscle spasms.
Sotai is a form of postural realignment that was developed in Japan, in the 1970’s. It is founded on the principle that the restoration of chronically tightened (shortened) muscles can be loosened through the use of natural, pain free, movement to their normal resting length. This relieves pain and postural distortions that are often caused by muscle spasms.
Tui Na is a form of Asian bodywork most closely resembling conventional western massage. Many of the techniques are similar, kneading, percussion, friction, pulling, rotation and rocking. Despite the similarities,
Tui Na is usually of shorter duration and focuses
on reducing inflammation in the joints and increasing blood flow to the joints and the soft tissues.
Tui Na is usually of shorter duration and focuses
on reducing inflammation in the joints and increasing blood flow to the joints and the soft tissues.
