The insertion of disposable hair-like wires or needles into acupoints dotting the surface of the body is called acupuncture. The goal is manipulation of the energetics or Qi within the human body. The most widely used translation of this concept is vital energy or life force. Qi has functions within the body including warming the tissues and promoting blood flow. It is proposed that Qi is the transitional state between matter and energy and tends to travel within the fascial connective tissue.

Acupuncture meridians or channels are the energetic pathways through which qi flows ; river-like extensions of the primary organs along which acupoints are located. Each acupoint is an area where the Qi is more accessible than within surrounding tissues. Individual acupoints are actually regions. Some points are tiny and must be precisely located using anatomical landmarks.  Others are larger than a dime or quarter; the area within that region that is most tender or sensitive will be stimulated. Ashi (pronounced AH-SURE) acupoints are not located along traditional meridians. Tender ashi points are selected and needled according to soreness or tenderness.   If possible, standard points close to pained areas will be chosen for use during the treatment, along with acupoints that support the constitution and the organ(s) in distress.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is the standardized use of acupuncture, herbs, massage, diet and exercise therapy to rebalance the body. It can be used to treat any form of imbalance within the body. Acupuncture itself is at least several thousand years old, as evidenced by archaeological finds including needles made of bone, stone, bronze and even gold. The age of this technique is a testament to the effectiveness. Modern acupuncturists employ the use of clips and a TENS machine in a technique known as electro-acupuncture. A mild or very mild current is run through the needles once they have been inserted. Insurance companies often reimburse for electro-acupuncture because of various studies supporting its clinical effect for pain conditions.

Massage

Healing by touch and manipulation of the tissues and joints is arguably the oldest form of healing, alongside herbal medicine and diet therapy. Massage takes a great many forms and is found in virtually every culture. The most common use of massage is to decrease muscular tension, adhesions and soreness and promote full-body relaxation. To understand massage one must know a little about muscles; excitable and contractile cellular units with amazing ability to shorten and lengthen. The brain sends electrical and chemical signals to muscles that are both conscious and subconscious. Basically, when a sore muscle is stretched or rubbed the result is an electrical and chemical cascade of relaxation and communication.

Stretching, especially pulsed with resistance, increases the length of muscle fibers up to 30 percent! Imagine what this can do for a tense area of the body. Fascia is a web-like connective tissue that coats and binds all muscular structures in the body. Fascial adhesions are different than knots or trigger points within muscles, but often accompany the latter. Myofascial release techniques like skin rolling and pulling, and moist heat help soften and release connective tissue restrictions.

Chinese massage or Tuina (pronounced TWEE-NAH) combines deep tissue techniques and acupressure with informal orthopedic testing strategies for each major joint region.  Japanese acupressure massage is known as Shiatsu; thumb and hand pressure are employed to stimulate and cleanse the acupuncture meridians. Traditional western rubbing and kneading massage is Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage is generally performed to reduce knots and adhesions, tension and pain and is also called Sports massage. Trigger point therapy is the strategic press-and-release manipulation of sand-like areas within muscles called trigger points.  Defined for every major muscle in the body; it is theorized that trigger points are areas of heightened strain, or developmentary ‘weakness’ within the muscles.

Cinnamon Peppermint Massage  and  Cool Mint Oil Scrubs:

EXCELLENT FOR STRESS and TENSION

Available upon request.  Warm and spicy or cooling herbal oils provide soothing topical pain relief to enhance the effectiveness of deep tissue techniques. Strongly recommended for clients with back, shoulder and neck tension.

HERBAL MEDICINE and DIET THERAPY

Legend has it that the origins of the first written formulas and herbal knowledge ...are divine. What is an herb? A substance specifically used to promote some action on the body. Each herb has different properties such as nature, temperature and flavor that determine its target effect. Different methods of processing and cooking change the properties of an herb. For example: charred Angelica sinensis  root stops bleeding; dried Angelica root rectifies blood and reduces blood stasis; and according to modern research this species of Angelica can reduce blood cholesterol and aid the heart; Angelica is in many topical liniments and formulas to move the blood and soothe the muscles. In addition, different species of Angelica each have different properties and uses!

The vast majority of herbs are plant-derived substances, minerals and other earthen products. Fungi and animal products are also used therapeutically. Different herbs are combined into thousands of elegantly designed formulas, each containing a few or many herbs. Ingredients work together or separately, to achieve one or multiple goals. The oldest formulas have often remained the most popular and widely respected. Many of the more modern formulas are simply modifications of a more basic and ancient formula. Others are based on modern research of biochemistry, and the effects of plant compounds on the body.

In Chinese Medicine all foods are herbs. Thus, diet and nutrition therapy are the oldest form of herbal medicine. It is said by the ancients that animal herbs are the strongest. Knowing this may help Americans understand why foreigners eat such a wide array of different meats, seafood and plant products.  Longevity wines and other food-herb combinations that promote long-life are very popular in China and Asia. Bulk herbs are soaked in cold water then boiled for 20-60 minutes into a decoction or tea.  Strained, these thick teas are the most potent form of herbal therapy. Patent or pill-form herbs are made from dried-out decoctions that are formed into pills. Pill herbs are mild and good for long-term management of chronic conditions. Most of the basic and common Chinese herbal formulas are available in pill form. Pills are convenient, low-cost and very popular here in America. Granular herbs are starchy powders that form an instant tea when mixed with hot water.

Moss Acupuncture & Massage can design an herbal therapy plan especially for your condition, preferences and lifestyle. Herbs support and boost the effects of acupuncture.

Moss Acupuncture & Massage

email  health@mossclinic.com