The Power of Qi
The ancient healthcare system of which Acupuncture is a part of, works by preventing illness and disease, activating self healing and self regulating abilities of the body and balancing the flow of vital life energy called “Qi” (pronounced chee). Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help you achieve optimal health, vitality and well being.
Oriental medicine has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. The Five Pillars of TCM are considered Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Counselling, Moxibustion, Oriental Massage and Tuina, and Oriental Exercises (Qi Gong and Tai Chi). Asian/Oriental medicine is practiced in most parts of the world and is now being taught by many American Medical schools including Harvard Medical School.
Acupuncture is a treatment method that encourages the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning by inserting very fine needles (about the size of a human hair) into the body. These thin, solid, metallic needles are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation to reduce pain or induce anaesthesia. Acupuncture, defined by Mosby’s Medical Dictionary is to be “a method of producing analgesia or altering the function of a body system by inserting fine, wire-thin needles into the skin at specific sites on the body. Acupuncture is highly effective in treating both acute and chronic pain associated with multiple causes”.
Acupuncturists within our practice also offer the following modalities to assist you on you journey to wellness and longevity:
Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture is a non-surgical, chemical free treatment for the face, neck and abdomen designed to restore your natural beauty. By promoting the production of collagen and elastin your skin will have a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, have firmer, smoother skin and tighter, more even skin tone in a matter of weeks. Your spirit is reflected on the skin and when your healthy inside it will reflect on your face. We not only want you to feel your best but to look your best with a safe, natural and holistic alternative to Botox or Surgery. For more info……
Cupping is a therapy, which requires the placing of a cup (most often glass or plastic) over specific areas of your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction and may be moved over an affected area or left in place. This therapy is designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, hypertension, sore muscles, tension, low back and neck pain and the common cold.
Moxibustion is a technique involving the burning of mugwort, a Chinese herb, and applying the resulting heat to specific points on the body. The moxa is supplied either in tiny cones, sticks-large cigar-like tubes or can be twisted onto the end of an acupuncture needle. It is used for diseases associated with cold and damp- such as certain forms of arthritis and back pain.
Gua Sha is another technique that involves the use of a round edged instrument that is gently scraped or rubbed on the skin over the affected area. It is often used to release muscle tension, tightness, fever, chills, cough, and nausea.
Electrostimulation is conducted after the needles are inserted and the Qi is obtained; where wire clips with electrodes are attached to the needle and an electric current is passed through to strengthen and alter the nature of the stimulation.