Acupuncture is a powerful treatment but it’s only one piece of the bigger picture. There are many healing techniques that are often added on to enhance a treatment. Other techniques that might be incorporated during a typical acupuncture treatment include:
The burning of the herb mugwort (ai ye) near the skin or attached to needles to stimulate acupuncture points, increase circulation and warm the body. Moxibustion is especially useful for healing injuries where blood is not circulating properly, for boosting immunity and for warming the uterus to improve fertility and to speed healing after giving birth .
A therapy in which heated glass cups are applied to create suction to stimulate blood flow and remove toxins from the body. Cupping therapy is a wonderful tool for relieving pain and increasing blood circulation.
The use of a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin to produce light petechiae. Gua sha is useful for increasing blood flow and helps to alleviate chronic pain. It can also be used to help stimulate collagen production and blood flow to the face and jaw-line for a lifting effect.
Sometimes referred to as near-infrared light therapy, low level light therapy (LLT) or photobiomodulation, this treatment is non-invasive, safe and has been shown to effectively reduce pain, treat skin conditions such as acne, promote wound healing, improve collagen density and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
With every treatment, lifestyle and nutrition consultation is incorporated to help you achieve optimal health. Nutritional supplementation and herbal medicine recommendations are made when appropriate. Movement and breathing practices are often recommended as well.
