Ziran Acupuncture
Treatment Modalities
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the primary treatment modalities in East Asian Medicine. Acupuncture consists of inserting sterile, stainless steel, single-use needles into the surface of the body. These ultra-fine needles are placed into selected “points” along the channels of the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Acupuncture is used to send specific messages to the body to elicit a change to address the current health challenges which concern the patient. Electronic stimulation (e-stim) can also be incorporated if applicable, as well as auricular (ear) acupuncture and Japanese pediatric shoni-shin treatment methods.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is another key treatment modality of East Asian Medicine, and uses a substantial pharmacopeia of traditional plants, minerals and select animal products to treat a wide range of conditions. Based on the observed symptoms, a customized herbal formula can be assembled to internally address the root issue. Herbal medicine is often used in tandem with acupuncture to help promote effective healing, and to support the patient until the next acupuncture treatment. However, other times, herbal medicine can be used as the primary treatment, if warranted.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion (“moxa” for short) is a method of treatment that utilizes dried and cured mugwort plant (ai ye) to gently bring warmth and radiant heat to “cold” regions of the body. The moxa is burned and placed in close proximity to select acupuncture points and/or along the channels of the body to add heat, which enables movement and helps free up stagnation within the body. This method can be used to help relieve pain and discomfort, and is often used to build up immunity prior to cold and flu season.
Nutrition & Lifestyle
-let food be thy medicine… Nutrition and lifestyle are critical components to a patient’s well-being, as what we put in our bodies and how we take care of ourselves on a daily basis has a direct impact on our health. The therapeutic potential of nutrition and lifestyle interventions is significant, and often at the front-lines of prevention and/or course correction before the manifesting issue becomes a longer existing homeostatic imbalance. Lifestyle choices can either help or hurt our overall state of health, including our sleep, exercise, and diet, as well as how we manage stress and emotions that challenge us on a daily basis.
Cupping & Gua Sha
Cupping and Gua Sha are manual methods of manipulation that treat the surface layers of the body, primarily the fascia and muscle layers. Cupping uses a mild vacuum suction effect to create temporary space within the fascia and muscle layers to engender movement in the tissue. Gua Sha is a scraping manual method using a smooth edged tool on the skin and fascia/muscle layers to promote microcirculation to a specific area of the body. Pain is often associated with stagnation and congestion within the body, and to counteract this, Cupping and Gua Sha are used to increase blood flow and decrease pain at specific areas of the body.
Tui Na Massage
Tui Na is a therapeutic form of massage that is a safe and effective form of treatment for many musculoskeletal issues, often coupled with acupuncture and other manual methods. Tui Na is a strategic manual method of massage, typically along the energetic channels that traverse the body (including primary, sinew, and cutaneous channels), incorporating acupressure, use of external lineaments, herbal compresses, and heat to promote movement of blood and Qi to relieve tension and stress in the body.