Massage and Bodywork

Acupuncturists are trained in Oriental bodywork or physical therapy known as “Tui na (pronounced twee nah).” This translates to “pushing grasping,” and it is a powerful form of Chinese medical bodywork. Based on the same Oriental medical principles as acupuncture, tui na seeks to improve the flow of qi through the meridian channels. Tui na is particularly effective for conditions involving muscles, tendons, and joints, such as structural misalignment, orthopedic problems, and sports injuries. It can also be used to treat internal diseases. Done gently, tui na is a deeply relaxing massage.

Flower Essences

Flower essences are a very benign substance that is based on vibrational medicine. Unique properties of each plant have been studied and then gathered to apply to similar illnesses in the patient.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are plant extracts that have healing properties. Some have antimicrobial properties, that is, they may inhibit viruses, bacteria, and/or fungi. Some penetrate the blood-brain barrier and provide either soothing or stimulating effects. Others can release muscle tension or elevate mood. Some can be used to soften the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions. Others are helpful with asthma or respiratory illness. The list of benefits is as long as the list of plants themselves.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping brings fresh blood to the area and helps improve circulation. Traditional cupping, sometimes referred to as “fire cupping,” uses heat to create a vacuum-like suction inside of glass cups. In modern times, cups that use a small pump to create suction have also been introduced. The purpose of cupping is to relieve tension, release pathogens, and clear toxins.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb (known in short as moxa). Moxibustion stimulates circulation, counteracts cold and dampness in the body, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi. This safe, non-invasive technique may be used alone, but it is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. I have used moxa in a hospital oncology clinic to increase WBCs (white blood cells) in patients undergoing chemotherapy. I’ve also used it to restore patients suffering from intense fatigue and to accelerate healing after broken bones or surgeries. Moxa is often used to treat arthritis, knee pain, and back pain. It an help restore energy reserves after a long illness or simply due to aging, stress, and adrenal exhaustion. Overall moxa simply feels good and deeply nurturing.

Qigong and Tai Chi

Qigong (pronounced chee gong) means “life energy cultivation” and is traditionally seen as a method to cultivate and balance a person’s body and mind. The practice involves rhythmic movement, focused breathing, and concentrated awareness. Qigong is a safe and gentle meditative exercise that promotes healing of the mind and body. Qigong can restore energy and provide restful sleep.

Closely related to qigong is the art and exercise of Tai Chi. Tai Chi is an ideal practice to improve balance, assist joint mobility, and tonify the body overall. Tai Chi also benefits the mind through its long sequence of forms repeated in a regular pattern like a dance.

Reiki

The art of Reiki allows a beneficent healing energy to flow through the practitioner into the patient. Yep, it does sound really out there, but it works. You gotta feel it to believe it. Once you feel it, wow. In some ways it is like the energy we feel next to a river or on a mountain top: the ineffable flow of nature’s magic all around us. In some ways, it’s no different than some people feel good to be around for no specific reason. There can be a touch that becomes a flow of energy that we can feel, whether we name it as intentional or not.

What I do know is I gave up trying to explain it because it can’t be scientifically explained. I am satisfied with the results I see. Embrace the woo.

That said, places such as Duke, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins all offer Reiki to both patients and students. It is a beautiful complement to Western medicine.

Tuning Forks

You may remember physics or art classes that taught us that everything is vibrational; nothing is solid. You may have felt the vibrations of nature yourself during hours spent on the water or in the mountains. What is it that makes you feel so much better after time outdoors? What if that is available to you through hands-on treatments that target specific acupuncture points?

Tuning Forks are a powerful modality of healing. They offer a non-invasive way to treat a person using acupuncture theory without needles. Overall, they are deeply relaxing to the muscles, the mind, and the whole person. Come on in when you need a tune up.