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I see only one patient at a time so that I am able to devote all of my attention to their needs. The first visit is an hour and a half, consisting of a thorough evaluation that allows time for any issues or concerns to be addressed. I then treat the patient with acupuncture after creating a personalized treatment strategy. I may choose to use other modalities such as massage or cupping if necessary. If it is a first time the patient has received acupuncture, I will carefully talk through the process. At the end of the session I may propose recommendations to help strengthen preventative care. Follow-up visits are one hour long and structured upon the same protocol of intake and treatment.
Needles:
Acupuncture needles are sterile, thin, filiform needles that penetrate the skin at prescribed points on the body. Needles are used only one time, then disposed of in a medical waste sharps container. There are numerous techniques of needling that may be used, each one creating a different sensation. Commonly people feel dense heaviness once the needles are inserted but this varies from person to person. Others might feel tingling or an electrical sensation as the vital energy of the body is activated.
Gua Sha:
Gua Sha is an East Asian treatment that is used for upper respiratory problems such as the common cold and coughs as well as muscular pain and stiffness. This technique is done by rubbing the skin with the smooth surface of a coin, ceramic spoon or lid in areas where stuck or stagnate blood is found to reside. Small red dots or petechiae come to the surface. The result is healthy circulation of blood and an improvement of symptoms that are usually felt immediately.
Cupping:
In cases of the common cold or muscular pain, a process called cupping may be used to support the healing process. A glass cup is held upside down and a small flame is thrust into it, creating a suction when placed upon the patients body. The technique may temporarily leave small round red marks on the skin. Typically the marks will clear within a few days. Similar to the technique of gua sha, cupping can be used for many conditions including upper and lower back pain and the common cold.
Moxibustion:
Moxibustion is the use of the medicinal herb Mugwort (Artemesia Vulgaris) for the treatment of conditions where deficiency or coldness is found. It is used to warm and nourish the body. The herb is either burned above the skin, placed on top of an acupuncture needle or applied directly to the skin, creating a sensation of warmth which is commonly found to be relaxing and calming. |
