Therapy that heals
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, sterile, metal needles into the dermis, muscle or mucus membrane to stimulate specific points on the body, known as acupoints. They are one-time use, sterile instruments that are discarded after each treatment in a designated sharps container.
There are over 365 Classical TCM acupoints that run along mapped pathways throughout the body, called meridians. Activation of these points can allow the practitioner to control the flow of qi or blood to those areas of the body.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy. It uses the burning of mugwort (or moxa) near the skin’s surface to warm acupuncture points and control the flow of qi and blood through the body. Moxa can come in many grades, colors and forms. I love using a variety of application methods such as Korean cone moxa and Japanese moxa.
This beautiful therapy is amazing for muscle soreness and pain, invigorating the uterus for fertility concerns, menstrual pain, cold conditions etc.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy involves the creation of vacuum in a cup to allow for the suction of the skin, muscle and fascia. It is used to increase blood flow in the body and to relieve issues related to chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain. It can also be used to draw blood or expel pathogens from the body to treat respiratory or immune issues such as coughs, colds and fevers.
Cupping may leave marks that range from light red to dark purple and are a result of the suction created in the cup. They are believed to encourage blood flow to the area and allow the body to heal the area. They usually disappear between 3- 5 days depending on the body type.
There are many types of cupping therapy such as fire cupping, slide cupping, suction cupping, dry and wet techniques etc. Cups can be made from several materials including glass, silicone, bamboo, plastic etc. Each cup is disinfected or sterilized after each use to ensure the patient’s safety.
Gua sha
Gua sha a scraping technique in which a smooth-edged tool (often made of bone, stone, metal etc.) is pressed against the skin and stroked on a lubricated area of the body until a rash is formed. In Chinese, “Gua” means scraping and “Sha” means red. So, we scrape till the area is red!
This technique is used for a similar purpose as cupping techniques i.e., to increase blood flow, relieve issues related to chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain, and expel pathogens from the body to treat respiratory or immune issues such as coughs, colds and fevers. Gua sha tools are also disinfected and sanitized after each use.
Touch Therapy
(Tuina & Shiatsu Massage)
Tuina and Shiatsu are forms of body manipulation or massage that uses TCM theories to treat issues. Like acupuncture, they use acupuncture points to stimulate certain areas of the body. Some common techniques include gliding, kneading, rolling, pressing, pulling, chopping and vibrating. Body manipulation promotes blood circulation, invigorates qi and treats a variety of musculoskeletal pain, digestive issues, respiratory concerns and even reproductive system disorders.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
A non-surgical therapy that reduces the signs of aging by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin and invigorating blood flow. Your practitioner will cause micro tears in the dermis of the skin by inserting fine needles into specific acupoints on the face, neck and scalp. By doing so, the body’s natural instinct to heal itself is initiated. Cosmetic acupuncture can help improve the quality of your skin, lighten scar tissue, soothe acne, reduce wrinkles etc.
Read more about Cosmetic Acupuncture services at Resonance Acupuncture & TCM
