ADJUNCT THERAPIES

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Chinese Herbal Medicine

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Traditional Chinese herbal knowledge is one of the oldest and most written about medical system in the world.

We carry a very large array of Chinese herbal supplements useful for specific conditions. We use only the most tested brands made in the US with strict quality controls. They are administered internally as pills, tinctures, or custom-ordered granules, or externally as topical liniments, creams, oils, or patches. This is a very efficient adjunct treatment to acupuncture. Traditionally, acupuncture and herbal medicine are used concurrently.

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THE TOP BRANDS WE CARRY:*

• Health Concerns

• Blue Poppy Herbs

• Blue Poppy Liniments

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Most herbal formulas cost $30.-60. / bottle for a 2 week dose.

*Most of the top herbal companies only sell to licensed practitioners for public safety reasons. Please be cautious of random online purchases of herbal medicine as there are reported cases of fraudulent knock-offs of top brands online. 

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Cupping

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Cupping is the application of suction cups usually for pain relief or to help recover from pathogens such as those responsible for common colds.  There are many types of cupping but most leave round marks for a few days to a week or 2, depending on individual speed of healing. The marks are not painful. They may be slightly tender the day of the treatment. Cupping feels like a brief deep massage (5-15 minutes). It is a wonderful muscle tension reliever.

For the 2-3 days following cupping, it is suggested to drink more water, eat healthily, and take an epsom salt bath if available. This will help the lymph system flush out the internal toxins that are pulled up toward the surface with cupping. It's suggested to wait until the marks are gone to receive more cupping.

Gua Sha (scraping) has very similar effects and uses as cupping. It is also an ancient technique popular with current acupuncturists and physical therapists. There are many options when it comes to the types of tools used for scraping. The tools need to have a smooth rounded edge and oil is used on the skin to make the treatment comfortable. Traditionally, smoothed animal bone was used as a gua-sha tool. Porcelain soup spoons and smooth rounded metal lids are commonly used now.

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Similar to cupping expect marks on the skin for a few days up to 2 weeks. The marks will be in stripes instead of circles. It also feels similar to a massage and the same suggestions for self care after cupping apply to gua-sha.

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Moxibustion

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Moxibustion is as old as acupuncture.  It is the burning of the herb 'artemisia vulgaris' near the body along the meridians or acu- points. It is warming and increases circulation. Thus, it can be very useful in relieving pain, reducing swelling, and improving range of motion. It is also particularly good for pregnant women experiencing breech position of the fetus in the third trimester.

Moxibustion comes in many forms. It can be utilized in the form of the loose herb, in rolls that are big or small on platforms, smokeless rolls, and in a balms or sprays containing 'moxa.' If moxibustion is used in your acupuncture treatment it is typically done for just a few minutes.

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Acupressure

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Acupressure is a way of making use of acupuncture points without the use of needles, creating a mild stimulation of particular points. 

By massaging, pressing, or tapping certain points on the body it can help treat symptoms and/or overall wellbeing. It is a useful home therapy and we are happy to show you a few specific points. Acupressure is also an effective way to treat young children. We are happy to instruct parents on points they can focus on at home for their little ones. ​

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Nutrition

A traditionally trained practitioner of eastern medicine may recommend specific foods to enhance the overall benefit of treatment.

In the west it is finally recognized that what you eat influences your health. This direct correlation means we can improve health with the help of what we ingest.  Foods have different qualities and will create your internal weather patterns. 

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TDP Mineral Lamps

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TDP Mineral Lamps are unique FDA approved devices that differ from heating pads or other far infrared lamps because they use a special mineral plate.

This special plate contains the same collection of minerals you would find as building blocks of the human body. It helps increase microcirculation and loosens fascia to accelerate the natural healing processes of the body. TDP lamps are often used as a therapeutic substitute for moxibustion.