Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine that was developed thousands of years ago and refined over time to its modern use. Needles are inserted into specific points in the body to influence the flow of Qi and blood and restore balance to the body. Needles may also be placed along motor points within the muscle to release the muscle and improve function. It is theorized that acupuncture works by regulation of the nervous system to release pain-relieving endorphins and neurotransmitters. A number of techniques are used as part of an acupuncture treatment; gua sha, moxibustion, or cupping are often added as well as plum blossom or auricular therapies.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a healing technique that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine; gua meaning scrape, and sha meaning redness. Gua sha is used to relieve aches, pains, and tightness in the neck, back and shoulders, and to treat or prevent common colds, flu, asthma, or bronchitis. During a treatment by Gua sha, special tools are used to scrape the skin, moving blood and metabolic wastes to improve circulation and bring nutrients to the area. This increased circulation triggers the lymph system to flush out, increasing the removal of wastes and toxins. Although this is not a painful treatment, after Gua sha slight redness or small red petechiae may appear, which fades within a couple of days. If you commonly carry stress and tension in your neck and shoulders, or if you feel a cold or flu approaching, a Gua sha treatment will be extremely beneficial in giving you the relief you need.
Cupping
In cupping therapy, a vacuum is created within a thick glass cup, which is then placed on the skin. With cupping, the flow of blood and body fluids is improved, and congestion is relieved. Cupping can be used for musculoskeletal pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, and is also used to treat respiratory problems such as cold, flu, pneumonia, and bronchitis. The cups may either be left in a stationary position or moved across the skin. Cups can be left in place from 5 to 15 minutes, and more than one may be used. The skin reddens due to increased blood flow to the area, and may become bruised. These bruises will disappear within a few days.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy which penetrates deeply into the body, and is applied to specific acupuncture points. Moxa is made from mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris), which is dried and formed into a stick or cone. This is then held over acupuncture points until the area has been sufficiently warmed. Moxa may also be added to the end of an acupuncture needle. Moxibustion improves blood circulation, adds heat into the body to warm up areas that are cold, and relaxes areas that are tight.
Plum Blossom Therapy
Plum blossom therapy is a dermal technique used in acupuncture to treat a number of different conditions. A plum blossom needle is actually a small hammer-like instrument with 7 tiny needles embedded into it which is used to tap the skin. The tapping is light and does not pierce the skin, and is a good alternative therapy for those who are afraid of needles, or for children.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture is a form of acupuncture which focuses on the ear. Auricular acupuncture is based on a microsystem, where specific points on the ear are used to treat conditions anywhere on the body, similar to the way reflexology is used on the foot. These points can stimulate body functions, affect the organs, and influence specific areas of the body. Auricular acupuncture can even be used as anaesthesia during medical procedures. Often it is used as a part of a protocol to help overcome drug and nicotine addictions and to detoxify the body.
During treatment, either ear seeds (small round seeds that are taped to the ear) or needles may be used on certain auricular points. Bleeding may also be utilized, where one or two drops of blood are removed from specific ear points. Or, acupressure may be included as an effective part of your overall treatment.
Auricular acupuncture is often used as a way to extend the benefits of your regular acupuncture treatment. Seeds are placed on points that complement your treatment, and can be left there for up to five days. During this time, they should be pressed for a couple of seconds every few hours. This stimulates the points, helping prolong the effects of your acupuncture treatment until the next time you come in.