Acupuncture
The theory and practice of acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or Oriental medicine, a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years. Acupuncturists stimulate “acu-points” found on the body surface by inserting very thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effects.
The theoretical biomedical explanation of acupuncture is related mainly to the nervous system. When needles are inserted, the peripheral nervous system reacts and sends a message to the central nervous system, which in turn responds by signaling and mediating the release of hormones, chemicals, and/or neurotransmitters. These substances control tissue and organ function as well as moderate pain perception. In addition, acupuncture promotes blood and lymphatic circulation throughout the body. In Chinese medicine, proper physiological function and health depend on circulation of nutrients (blood, body fluids, etc…), substances, and energy called Qi (“chee”) through a network of “channels” or “meridians.” This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological processes. It is understood that pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked. This may be due to disease, pathogens, trauma, medications, or lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest, and stress.
Stimulation of appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and other symptoms.
The theoretical biomedical explanation of acupuncture is related mainly to the nervous system. When needles are inserted, the peripheral nervous system reacts and sends a message to the central nervous system, which in turn responds by signaling and mediating the release of hormones, chemicals, and/or neurotransmitters. These substances control tissue and organ function as well as moderate pain perception. In addition, acupuncture promotes blood and lymphatic circulation throughout the body. In Chinese medicine, proper physiological function and health depend on circulation of nutrients (blood, body fluids, etc…), substances, and energy called Qi (“chee”) through a network of “channels” or “meridians.” This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological processes. It is understood that pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked. This may be due to disease, pathogens, trauma, medications, or lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest, and stress.
Stimulation of appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and other symptoms.
Theraeutic Massage and Bodywork
Circulatory and Deep Tissue Massage
Western-based massage techniques are familiar to most and utilize oils or lotion to work soft tissues of the body. Specifically, Swedish massage improves lymphatic and blood circulation while bringing about deep relaxation. Slow, deep tissue work is meant to gently separate the fascia covering muscles from their fibrous surface. Moreover, the therapeutic effect of this style is a deep structural realignment and restoration of balance in the body.
Western-based massage techniques are familiar to most and utilize oils or lotion to work soft tissues of the body. Specifically, Swedish massage improves lymphatic and blood circulation while bringing about deep relaxation. Slow, deep tissue work is meant to gently separate the fascia covering muscles from their fibrous surface. Moreover, the therapeutic effect of this style is a deep structural realignment and restoration of balance in the body.
Tui Na
This ancient Chinese style of massage and manipulation helps blood and energy circulate freely in order to relieve pain and balance the bodily systems. The use of massage oils or lotion and disrobing are unnecessary in this style of bodywork. Warm-up techniques such as rolling, kneading, and grasping increase circulation and bring heat to the body surface. Deeper massage with thumb pressing, finger springing, and plucking techniques attack the source of discomfort and draw attention to painful/injured areas. Breaking down fibrous tissue with these techniques helps realign the musculoskeletal system and initiates self-healing.
Using the principles of Chinese channel theory and knowledge of joint structure, Tui Na can increase joint mobility; disperse knotted muscle fibers; and relieve muscular, joint, and nerve-related pain.
This ancient Chinese style of massage and manipulation helps blood and energy circulate freely in order to relieve pain and balance the bodily systems. The use of massage oils or lotion and disrobing are unnecessary in this style of bodywork. Warm-up techniques such as rolling, kneading, and grasping increase circulation and bring heat to the body surface. Deeper massage with thumb pressing, finger springing, and plucking techniques attack the source of discomfort and draw attention to painful/injured areas. Breaking down fibrous tissue with these techniques helps realign the musculoskeletal system and initiates self-healing.
Using the principles of Chinese channel theory and knowledge of joint structure, Tui Na can increase joint mobility; disperse knotted muscle fibers; and relieve muscular, joint, and nerve-related pain.
Traditional Thai Massage
Traditional Thai massage is a medical massage practiced very slowly with emphasis on deep stretching and pinpointed energy channel activation. Often described as a private passive yoga session, this style of massage is unfamiliar to many. Thai massage practitioners utilize their feet, knees, elbows, and forearms extensively during treatment, which takes place on a padded floor mat. Being a meditative type of massage, Thai massage is quite harmonizing to the body, mind and spirit.
Traditional Thai massage is a medical massage practiced very slowly with emphasis on deep stretching and pinpointed energy channel activation. Often described as a private passive yoga session, this style of massage is unfamiliar to many. Thai massage practitioners utilize their feet, knees, elbows, and forearms extensively during treatment, which takes place on a padded floor mat. Being a meditative type of massage, Thai massage is quite harmonizing to the body, mind and spirit.
Foot Reflexology
A micro-system of the human body can be mapped entirely on the foot. Receiving sixty minutes of focused footwork has positive effects on the endocrine, nervous, and digestive systems of the body. With emphasis on relaxation and stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, foot reflexology brings a great sense of tranquility and peacefulness to the body, mind and spirit. Working out hard, tense, and tight areas on the foot also has a cleansing effect and helps the body clear toxins. In general, foot reflexology can be quite rejuvenating and is appropriate for the high-stress individual.
A micro-system of the human body can be mapped entirely on the foot. Receiving sixty minutes of focused footwork has positive effects on the endocrine, nervous, and digestive systems of the body. With emphasis on relaxation and stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, foot reflexology brings a great sense of tranquility and peacefulness to the body, mind and spirit. Working out hard, tense, and tight areas on the foot also has a cleansing effect and helps the body clear toxins. In general, foot reflexology can be quite rejuvenating and is appropriate for the high-stress individual.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a cutaneous technique used in Asian medicine, where skin is pressured, in strokes, using a round-edged tool often made of jade, bone, or porcelain. An excellent technique for common cold and general muscle strain, Gua Sha has the effect of bringing circulation and warmth to the superficial muscle layers, opening the pores, and relieving tightness and spasms that cause pain. Gua Sha results in small red petechiae, called “Sha,” which normally disappears within 2-3 days.
Cupping
Cupping is another ancient technique that deals with the body surface. A vacuum is created within a glass or bamboo cup, which is placed over specific skin areas. The reduced air pressure in the cup creates suction on the skin and superficial muscles. The therapeutic effect of cupping varies, but this technique is widely used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and congestion; arthritis; gastrointestinal disorders; and certain types of pain. Cupping allows for increased blood flow, breakdown of tissue adhesions, and detoxification.
Yoga Therapy
Regular practice of asanas (postures) and pranayama (science of breath) can lead to health physically, mentally, and spiritually. In conjunction with acupuncture and massage therapy, yoga can cleanse and realign the body, calm the mind, and enlighten the spirit.