Acupuncture Techniques
Needling
Needling involves the placement and insertion of very thin needles at specific points on the body. This technique is used to balance the flow of energy (known as chi or qi) through pathways, also called meridians, in your body. With the insertion of needles into strategic points along these pathways, it is believed that energy flow within the body will rebalance. Commonly used to treat pain, this approach also supports overall wellness and stress management.
Gua Sha
Gua sha (pronounced gwah-shah) is a technique used to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and treat issues such as chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle and joint pain. The therapy involves gently scraping the skin with a massage tool to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue.
Tuina
Cupping Therapy
Cupping Therapy uses glass or silicon cups and vacuum pressure to apply varying levels of suction to specific points on the body. When Cupping Therapy is performed by a Registered Acupuncturist, cups may be placed along meridian lines or Acu points to stimulate Qi and blood flow in accordance with Traditional Chinese Medicine practice. This style of cupping is used to distract congested tissues, targeting adhesion and restrictions, increasing local circulation and reducing pain.
Shiatsu & TCM Manual Therapy
Perfect for patients who are hesitant to try Acupuncture, but interested in the TCM model of care. Registered Acupuncturists receive extensive training in a variety of manual therapy modalities. This diversified session is rooted in the Traditional Chinese Medicine model of care, and incorporates acupressure, shiatsu, tuina, and manual massage techniques, cupping therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue release (Gua Sa, jade rolling), and topical applications. Manual therapy sessions are eligible for reimbursement under plans with Acupuncture coverage, even when no needles are used during the treatment!
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a kind of external treatment; it is based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and it usually treats acupoints with burning moxa wool. Moxibustion can dredge meridians and regulate qi-blood and has been used to prevent and cure diseases for more than 2500 years.
Ear Seeds
Ear seeding targets acupuncture points without needles, and may help with insomnia, pain, and other health issues. Ear seeding is a traditional therapy rooted in TCM, and falls under the modality of auriculotherapy, a form of complementary and alternative medicine, which is based on the belief that the entire body and its systems (reproductive, nervous, digestive, respiratory, et cetera) can be reflected in the map of the ear (called a microsystem), which has various pressure points that correspond to various organs and systems.
