Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles (the width of human hair) into specific points along the pathways, or meridians, of the body. In these areas the access to the body's qi can be found to be manipulated to correct any disharmony that can be happening in the body.
Auricular Acupuncture consists of inserting super fine needles into specific points on the outer ear. (Needles are never inserted into the auditory canal.) This form of treatment can be used primarily or in conjunction with other modalities. It can be used to treat many conditions including those for addiction, mood disorders, weight management, and pain.
Chinese herbal formulas and acupuncture work together to heal the body. Primary sources of herbs include plants, minerals, and animal products. They may be given in the form of teas, pills, capsules or liniments. Depending on the individual's specific condition, formulas are carefully prescribed and administered.
Moxibustion, also called Moxa, is a method of applying heat on or close to the skin using the dried leaves of the herb mugwort (artemesia vulgaris). The goal of moxa is to free the flow of qi and blood, promote warmth and circulation in the body and alleviate pain. It can be used over specific acupuncture points or general areas of the body.
Cupping involves the application of special glass cups and heat to create a vacuum on the body; there are plastic cups that use a pump to make the vacuum, not heat, that are used also. These are placed on specific areas of the body in order to promote circulation, relieve pain and revitalize tissues. The side effect to cupping is bruising or red papules similar to that of gua sha that fade after a few days.