Adjunctive Techniques
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient technique in which a vacuum (via fire or suction) is created within cups that are then placed over certain parts of the body; typically areas where muscle fibers are more prominent (e.g. legs, arms, and back). The cups are either left stationary or are moved with the aid of lotion. While cupping is typically painless, it can create a sensation of tightness, leave circular bruise-like marks, and produce temporary mild muscular soreness.
Cupping targets acupuncture points as well as painful body parts, and is much like the inverse of massage–rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward.
Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available. It is thought to affect tissues up to four inches deep from the external skin. Toxins can be released, blockages can be cleared, and veins and arteries can be refreshed within four inches of the targeted area.
The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen muscles, encourage blood and lymph flow, and sedate the nervous system.
Handheld gentle facial cupping may also be used to treat TMJ, and sinus pressure.
Generally, cupping is combined with acupuncture in one treatment, but it can also be used alone.
Cupping is beneficial for:
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Stiff muscles
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Migraines
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Immune systems support
• Arthritis
• Cellulite
• Respiratory conditions
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is an instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface, typically the back, neck, arms, and legs.
Gua Sha encourages circulation of blood and qi, the removal of metabolic waste in the skin and muscle tissues, and the breaking up of scar tissue. It alleviates various painful conditions–especially muscle, tendon, ligament, & connective tissue disorders, namely sports injuries.
It is used to enhance the immune response, combat respiratory issues, and in some cases lessen menstrual pain.
All in all, Gua Sha is a unique method which promotes longevity and is often combined with acupuncture in one treatment, but can be used as a standalone treatment.
Electrical Stimulation
E-Stim is an easy-to-use portable electro-therapy unit in which electrodes are attached to the acupuncture needles to deliver either a continuous frequency or pulse to the targeted area.This is highly effective for pain relief.
When compared to traditional acupuncture methods, E-Stim provides an alternative means to stimulate the points and enhance the qi without manual manipulation.
This method has been proven to promote the flow of qi and blood, relieve pain, and warm the muscles, removing blood stasis
(a blockage or poor circulation).
While E-Stim may be used as a component of almost all acupuncture treatments, it is has garnered particularly exceptional results regarding the treatment of neurological diseases, chronic pain, injury, spasms, and paralysis.
Injection Therapy
Injection Therapy is an integrative therapy that blends the best of Chinese Medicine with conventional and homeopathic medicine. Employing this technique, Erica Sanes injects natural therapeutic substances such as homeopathic remedies or vitamin B-12 into acupuncture points specific to your wellness needs.
Acupuncture Point Injection Therapy Treatments:
• Traumeel (by Heel):
Muscular pain, joint pain, sports injuries and bruising
• Zeel (by Heel):
Mild to moderate arthritic pain, osteoarthritis and joint stiffness
• Engystol (by Heel):
Stimulates the nonspecific defense system in viral infections such as influenza, cold sores and feverish conditions
• Spascupreel:
Muscle spasms and cramps
• Vitamin B12:
Pernicious anemia, neurological disorders like progressive memory loss and lethargy, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, helps reduce the risk of heart diseases and strokes
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a an ancient technique that involves the burning of mugwort (a dried moss also called artemesia vulgaris) to facilitate healing by nourishing blood, assisting in the movement of Qi, warming the body if cold is present, and strengthening overall health.
Studies have shown that moxa can help turn babies that present in the breech position before childbirth as well as assist in alleviating other gynecological conditions, such as cramping, irregular bleeding, and more.
Moxa is also beneficial for pain due to injury or arthritis, digestive problems and irregular elimination, and immunity support against cold and flu symptoms.
Tui-Na
Tui-Na methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body to directly affect the flow of Qi.
This technique is very beneficial in reducing the pain from neck, shoulder, hip, back, arm, leg, and ankle. It is a very effective therapy for arthritis, pain, sciatica, and muscle spasms.
Tui-Na is not generally used for relaxation, but rather as a treatment to address specific patterns of disharmony.