Acupuncture & Cupping
Cupping
Cupping is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses small “cups” and heat on the body to focus blood flow in an area. Focused blood flow helps your body by flushing built-up toxins through the lymphatic system. Cupping is a deep tissue massage, much like Gua Sha, but works deeper in your muscles and fascia.
Helpful Tips
- After a session using cupping, you may have circular marks on your skin from the cups. These marks will go away within 1-3 days.
- After your appointment, it is important to stay dry and warm, without cold air blowing on you.
- Avoid showering for 12 hours.
- Be sure to hydrate!
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Acupuncture
NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Acupuncture is a complementary medical practice that has been used for centuries to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, emotional and mental conditions. It stimulates precise points on the body with a very fine needle, which is manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture needles are solid (not hollow) and extremely fine—much thinner and smaller than those used for vaccinations. Your acupuncturist will quickly and gently tap the needle into your skin, which typically gives a small “pricking” sensation that is not painful. You may feel a rush of warmth to the areas being treated, or a calming feeling of heaviness.
Electroacupuncture / E-Stim
Electroacupuncture is used to amplify the effects of acupuncture. Tiny electrodes are attached to the fine acupuncture needles and a small current is run between two needles. You may feel a slight tingling sensation, or nothing at all. Electroacupuncture stimulates the body’s natural pain killers, reducing inflammation and the "stress hormone," cortisol. It is now recommended by the VA as an alternative to opioids.
Auricular Acupuncture / Ear Acupuncture
Ear acupuncture is the stimulation of acupuncture points on the outer ear. It is used to treat stress, depression, headaches, allergies, addictions and pain. Treatments can be given while you are still fully clothed and sitting in the office.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion uses the heat generated by burning dried Chinese mugwort leaves. This has a pleasantly invigorating effect on the body, and is especially useful in conditions of extreme fatigue or deep cold within the body. Moxibustion can be added to your acupuncture treatment when deemed appropriate.