Herbal Formulas
I commonly prescribe Chinese herbal formulas or simple herbal teas to assist with treatment. Herbs can accelerate the healing process, ease pain and discomfort, and help correct the imbalance from within. Herbal formulas are most commonly ingested but can also be used topically, depending on the condition. Most often I prescribe herbal formulas in tablet or granular form. When necessary or upon request, I will prescribe raw herbs that need to be cooked into a strong tea or in a broth.
Fire Cupping
Fire cupping has a range of treatment applications but is most often used to treat myofascial pain and tension. A flame is inserted and then quickly removed from the inside of the glass cup before placing the mouth of the cup onto the skin. This removes the oxygen and creates a vacuum, pulling the tissue partially up into the cup. The sensation is often described as massage-like. The suction pulls at the layers of tissue, increasing circulation and breaking up stagnation, this process initiates muscle relaxation, stimulates the fascia, and can release pain and tension. Cupping can be used to release muscular tension and pain on most any area with sufficient muscle mass and surface area. The application of fire cupping is determined by the practitioner, it can be used alone or in addition to acupuncture. I have found it most effective when used in combination with acupuncture, one and then the other.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the burning of moxa, a dried herb know as Ai Ye, Mugwort, or Artemisia Vulgaris. Most often used as a loose herbal fleece that is able to stick together to form cones or compacted and bound into a moxa stick. The herb is lit and held near a specific area on the body. The smoke and heat from the herb penetrate the body through the skin warming the area and increasing circulation. It can be applied to a general area, a specific acupuncture point (with or without a needle inserted), or used along a specific meridian. Moxibustion is commonly used to boost energy and the immune system, warm the body, reduce scar tissue, treat rashes, and relieve pain. It is especially good for menstrual pain.
Tuina (Chinese) & Shiatsu (Japanese)
Tuina is a Chinese type of massage, translating to "push" and "grasp", using techniques such as brush, knead, roll/press, and rub, on or near the problem area, and/or imbalanced meridians. These techniques are often used along with traction, trigger point massage, channel therapy, and acupressure.
Shiatsu was created in Japan, translating to "finger pressure". This type of bodywork also uses acupressure and channel therapy to promote healing, relaxation, and decrease pain.
