Acupuncture
History of Acupuncture
About Chinese and Japanese Acupuncture
About Moxibustion
Acupuncture for Children
Group Treatments
Home Therapy
History
Acupuncture enjoys a long history in China and Asia. It is believed that acupuncture existed and was used as a primary source of medical care long before recorded history. Some suggest that acupuncture is as old as 3000 years, but as it pre-dates the recording of history no one can be sure.
Throughout thousands of years of study, acupuncture including its medical theory, acupuncture points and meridians were intensively scrutinized and improved upon. Numerous medical texts have been written by scholars and practitioners throughout China and a national healthcare system was born. From this scholarly study came internal medical theory and disease theory. Most often, a family member was taken on as an apprentice to a practicing acupuncturist as a young adult. The young adult would study and work side-by-side with the practitioner for many years after finishing formal education.
About Chinese and Japanese Acupuncture
Today acupuncture is actively practiced in China and many other regions in the world such as: Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Tibet, Australia, Europe and South America. There may be variances in the techniques of different styles of acupuncture, however all acupuncture theory is based on the classical medical texts of China.
At our clinic, we practice Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and Japanese styles of acupuncture. Both versions are based upon the same medical theory and are extremely effective. The major difference is that Japanese acupuncture uses Hara diagnosis or abdominal diagnosis and uses touching needle technique or extremely thin needles inserted shallowly.
About Moxibustion
Moxa (Artesmia Vulgaris), an herb grown in China, may be used at certain locations on the body as a supplement to your treatment. The art of moxibustion can be used as stand-alone therapy or to complement an acupuncture treatment. There are various ways Moxa may be used during a treatment. A ball of this herb is often burned on the top of your needle for various reasons. You will experience a nice warm sensation when this is used. Moxa, in the form of rice-sized grains, may also be burned at certain acupuncture points directly on the skin. Moxibustion is a soothing experience that provides a stimulus to a specific area or to either warm or to release a tight spot.
Acupuncture for Children
We practice a special form of Japanese pediatric acupuncture in our clinic called Shonishin. Shonishin was developed in Japan in the early 1700's and is an extremely effective style of non-insertive acupuncture. During a treatment, acupuncture meridians are gently brushed and acupuncture points are stimulated with blunt instruments. Needles are not inserted into the skin and most children enjoy our treatments!
Group Treatments
For various reasons some individuals may prefer to be treated as part of a group. One reason may be that the treatments are less expensive for you when a number of individuals can be treated at once. Another reason may be that you may prefer to have the opportunity to converse with others. Even though the treatment is done in a group, each person receives a treatment individualized to their specific constitution and needs.
Group treatments are done sitting up rather than lying on a massage table as is typical. Privacy is not an issue as the acupuncture points used for each treatment will be on the lower arm or lower leg. The length of time for the treatment does not vary and is usually one hour.
A minimum of four people is necessary to conduct a treatment. Our rooms are large and the chairs are comfortable. From time-to-time, your practitioner may suggest you schedule an individual appointment. This request may be necessary, if more privacy is indicated.
Home Therapy
We believe all healing involves the active participation of the individual and is an integral part of our philosophy of care.
Home therapy may range from simply taking baths in Epsom salts on a regular basis or completing a daily pain or sleep charts. It may also involve burning moxa on specific individual acupuncture points determined by your practitioner and marked for you on your skin. None of the home therapies are burdensome and will take at most 15 minutes out of your day. Most importantly, they are designed to continue your healing at home.