ACUPUNCTURE
Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang.This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are rivers through which the body’s energy flows. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating needles at specific points on the body, I am able to return the body to its natural balance and promote the body’s ability to heal itself.
What Does an Acupuncture Treatment Feel Like?
Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you hardly will feel when I insert them. When I gently stimulate the the needles they may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe the qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling warm feeling. You may also feel an electrical sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more than one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 5 to 10 treatments, but you will usually feel relief after just the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity and duration of the condition. Preventive treatments for general well being may also be scheduled seasonally to restore balance and harmony in transition with the seasons.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes! Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. My extensive four year graduate training, included detailed study of human anatomy and over 800 hours of clinical internship hours. I have certification in Clean Neddle Technique and have passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and am licensed in the state of New York. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable needles to ensure your complete safety.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb (known as Moxa). Moxibustion stimulates circulation, counteracts cold and dampness in the body, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi. This safe, non-invasive technique may be used alone, but it is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture treatments..
GUA SHA
Gua Sha is a form of Asian massage using smooth tools which are traditionally made from water buffalo horn. The term 'Gua' means to scratch or scrape, and 'Sha' means toxicity. The treatment can be used for a wide variety of pain and physical trauma, and is commonly used in sports medicine. At a deeper level, Gua Sha helps release internal toxicity outward through the skin.
CUPPING
Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. Traditional cupping, sometimes referred to as fire cupping, uses heat to create a vacuum-like suction inside of glass cups. In modern times, cups that use a small pump to create suction have been introduced.
CHINESE HERBS
Chinese herbs are often used in conjunction with acupuncture for added therapeutic effect. While many cultures have herbal medicine traditions, the sophistication of Chinese herbal medicine is unsurpassed. Chinese herbal medicine has a long history reaching back several thousand years, and the resulting system in now used to treat everything from the common cold to certain types of cancer.
There are thousands of herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica, of which 300 are commonly used. You will generally receive a mixture of several different herbs in a formula that has been tailored to your condition. Chinese herbs are extremely effective and normally have only mild side effects, however it is very important to tell me about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking so that we can avoid any unwanted interactions with your formula.
