Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner's hands or with electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, at various depths, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.
In my Acupuncture sessions, depending on the TCM Diagnosis I will either do a front treatment (supine - needles are placed on the front part of the body) or a back treatment (prone – where the needles are placed in the actual back).
Electrostimulation can also be used depending on the person, Qi level and their TCM diagnosis. Electro stimulation is used primarily for muscle - skeletal pain but can be used for a variety of conditions.
Two additional and complimentary modalities that can be used in conjunction (either/or – not both) with acupuncture is cupping and moxibustion. Both move energy, but in different ways. However, due to time involved with these complimentary treatments, treatment time is extended to 75 minutes.
In addition to acupuncture, I use aromatherapy to relax the body prior to the session and end each session by working on the reflex points on the bottoms of the feet. This therapeutic foot massage is for the purpose of grounding the patient and bringing them gentling back into the room and into their body.
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