ACUPUNCTURE

The body is traversed by a network of energy conduits referred to as meridians, vessels or channels. Acupuncture needling connects with QI through specific sites along the channel where QI can be measured to pool. By stimulating and directing the flow of QI, the body’s innate healing force is directed to internal organs, external sense organs, muscles, tissues, tendons, bone and the fluids of the body. Fine gauge, pre-sterilized acupuncture needles are inserted beneath the skin which remove obstruction in the meridians and muscle layer. Needle manipulation techniques are meant to promote sensation, not pain, as the needle contacts QI. The sensations can be experienced as dull or tingling, local or traveling, and are regarded as a sign of effective needling.

QI

As water is to fish and air to birds, so QI is to humans. We are surrounded by it and live in a field of QI, and yet we are unaware of it. Through Chinese medicine and its ancient branches of healing, we learn how to sense this life energy in ourselves and in the environment. Building and circulating qi in our bodies improves health and cultivates a tranquil, aware state of mind. 

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Although there are several thousand more herbs used in China, we in the west commonly utilize about 500 herbs and medicinal substances in our pharmacies. These substances are discussed in Bensky’s 3rd edition of the Meteria Medica, the definitive modern collected body of knowledge of Chinese herbs in the west. Herbs are considered plant matter, minerals and some animal-derived medicinals which have been ethically cultivated & gathered. 

+ The medicinal actions are described in terms of temperature characteristics: hot, warm, neutral, cool, cold; varying degrees of hot and cold.
+ The properties of tastes of Chinese herbs: acrid, sweet, bitter, sour, salty and bland.
+ The channels into which each substance enters

In Oriental herbal medicine, art is in the combining of herbs for their synergy within the formula and resonance in healing a patient’s disharmony. Historical formulas are manufactured by herb companies today for their timeless applications. Current research and empirical trials also highlight modern clinical applications for Chinese herbs. Most bulk tea prescriptions include an average composition of six to twelve medicinal substances combined.

Herbs may be taken internally in the form of teas, granular powders, tablets, tea pills, tinctures and syrups; prepared versions for external application are liniments, plasters and washes.

When prescribed by a qualified practitioner, herbs create none of the side effects of synthetic drugs. And even though it may take longer to notice the effects of herbs than a pharmacological medicine, the benefits are strengthening rather than concealing.

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion is a warming technique that is most often used in conjunction with acupuncture needling. It is a primary facet of treatment in oriental medicine. Moxa, the herbal agent used, is known by the western botanical name of Artemesia Vulgaris, or Ai Ye in Chinese herbal medicine. It can be found in various forms in treatment; whether rolled into cigar-like sticks and hand-held above certain acupoints while it smolders, or is fashioned into slices and burned on the heads of the acupuncture needles themselves. Much less commonly here in the USA, moxa may be fashioned into tiny cones and applied by setting it on the skin and burning the cone on top of the skin directly. The function of moxa in any of its forms is to transfer therapeutic heat into the meridians, thereby expelling cold and promoting the smooth flow of QI and blood. Moxa techniques are prized even in ancient traditional medicine for promoting longevity and treating many conditions of a cold, damp or painful nature. 

MANUAL TECHNIQUES

CUPPING

Cupping is a traditional technique that uses specialized glass or bamboo cups on particular surface areas of the body.  A vacuum seal is created often by using a small flame as a heat source to suctioning out air.  The suction that is created releases the flow of QI in the muscle layers and helps to alleviate wind headache, colds and flu with body aching, 'bi' or painful syndromes, as well as useful for detoxification and asthma.  Stagnation is drawn from deeper layers of tissue up to the surface.  Reddish or purple circular markings may remain at the local area for several days following a cupping treatment.  This is a completely natural result.

GUA SHA

A ceramic spoon or a polished, smooth-edged animal horn is used as a massage tool over well-oiled skin. 'Sha' or a 'sand-like eruption' from deep muscular tissues rises to the surface.  This method allows the expression of blood that has hardened or stagnated, as well as lymph and stagnant QI that has been stored in the muscles to be circulated and resolved.  Painless purple, varying to black subcutaneous sha will be visible for several days following this treatment method.

TUI NA MASSAGE

'Tui Na' is Chinese medical massage, a manipulation technique that accentuates QI flow through the meridians and aligns the musculo-skeletal form.  Properly practiced, Tui Na which translates as 'pushing-grasping', are very effective techniques that treat a variety of structural and orthopedic conditions, sports injuries as well as connective tissue disorders.

Oriental medicine is composed of ancient Asian healing arts that for centuries have promoted vitality and corrected health problems 

Experience these in-depth treatments that will leave your being in a harmonious state of peace.