Acupuncture

Japanese Meridian Therapy

What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. This precise placement acts as a signal to the body, facilitating the natural healing process and aims to foster balance and harmony.

Rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which perceives the body as a network of interconnected meridians or energy channels, acupuncture has evolved into a holistic medical system. Practitioners utilize this approach to diagnose and aid individuals in recovering their health, alleviating pain, and maintaining an optimal state of well-being.

What is Japanese Meridian Therapy?

Japanese Meridian Therapy is a gentle and refined style of acupuncture rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles. Using extremely fine needles with gentlel insertion, this approach emphasizes comfort while focusing on diagnosing and treating imbalances within the body’s meridian system to restore harmony. Through pulse diagnosis, touch, and careful observation, each treatment is tailored to address the root cause of imbalances, supporting your body’s innate ability to heal and thrive on its own.

Adjunctive Therapies

  • Moxibustion

    Moxibustion is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese Meridian Therapy. It is a form of heat therapy that involves the burning of moxa, known commonly as mugwort or Aì yè in Chinese medicine, near the skin to warm and stimulate acupuncture points. Moxa produces a pleasant and subtle odor as well as gently warming the area.

    Moxibustion is often used in combination with acupuncture, which benefits in treating a variety of conditions, such as digestive problems and irregular elimination, gynecological and obstetrical conditions, including breech presentation in late term pregnancy, boosts immunity/ protection against flu and colds, and pain due to injury or arthritis, especially in "cold" patterns where the pain naturally feels better with the application of heat.

  • Herbal Medicine

    Herbal medicine extends your treatment into your home. You can think of herbal medicine as the internal medicine branch of Chinese Medicine. The beauty of Chinese herbs is that it focuses upon offering individualized formulas to meet your needs. Many of the herbs used are food and spices that are commonly known, yet others are less commonly known like roots, barks, and minerals. 

    The health benefits of herbal medicine can include improved digestion, relief from headaches and vertigo,  better sleep quality, improved mood, pain free periods and relief from PMS symptoms, fewer night sweats and hot flashes, more energy, relief from acid reflux, and so much more.

  • Gua Sha

    Gua Sha is a technique that is essentially a light scraping of the skin with tools made of jade, porcelain, or stainless steel. The tools are smooth and blunt and are used in repetitive stroking motions which help the body to  release adhesions in the muscles and reduce tension by promoting circulation. Gua Sha can stimulate circulation in targeted areas, it can help decrease puffiness and soften fine lines and wrinkles by helping the body produce more collagen, diminish dark circles, and when used on the jawline and cheekbone area, it can help release tight facial muscles and give the temporary appearance of a more sculpted face.

    When used vigorously, it releases tension in muscles and the body responds by expressing petechiae, known in Chinese Medicine as "Sha".

FAQ - Acupuncture

  • The modern scientific perspective shows that acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system, leading to the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Acupuncture may also influence the autonomic nervous system, balancing the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) responses. This can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Some studies indicate that acupuncture can modulate immune responses, potentially enhancing the body's ability to fight infections and inflammation.

  • The perception of pain during acupuncture can vary from person to person, however, in general, acupuncture is often considered to be a relatively painless procedure. The needles used are extremely thin, much finer than the needles used for injections or blood tests. People typically report sensations such as a slight tingling, a dull ache, or a feeling of heaviness at the insertion site.

  • Yes, acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by trained and qualified practitioners. In the hands of a skilled professional, acupuncture involves the use of sterile needles and follows strict hygiene practices, minimizing the risk of infection or complications. Additionally, acupuncture is a non-invasive procedure, and adverse effects are typically minimal.

  • The number of acupuncture treatments needed can vary widely depending on the individual, the specific condition being treated, and how the body responds to acupuncture. Acupuncture is often used as part of a holistic treatment plan, and the frequency and duration of sessions can be influenced by factors such as the severity and duration of the condition, the overall health of the individual, and the goals of the treatment.

  • Yes, acupuncture is often used alongside Western medicine as a complementary therapy. Many healthcare providers recognize the potential benefits of integrating acupuncture with conventional medical treatments to enhance overall patient care.