Modalities

Acupuncture, Cupping, Moxa, and Gua Sha are some of the most popular and enjoyable modalities of Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine, solid sterile needles into the body at specific locations to balance the functioning of the body.

Cupping is using glass or plastic cup-shaped devices that suction to the body to produce a negative pressure and stimulate blood flow in the local area. Red or purple cup marks often will remain for up to a week after treatment.

Moxa is a traditional Chinese application of heat to the body for healing purposes by burning herbs in a dried and pressed stick form near the body.

Gua Sha is the practice of scraping the skin with moderate to strong pressure to release inflammation or stimulate the immune system. Gua sha scraping will often produce a reddish rash that will fade away after a day or two.

Electric stimulation of needles feels similar to a TENS unit but uses a milder current and conducts the current down the acupuncture needles into the body instead of on the surface of the skin. The result is a deeper stimulation that promotes healing of damaged tissue and encourages a stronger reaction to the acupuncture.