Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used in China for thousands of years. The purpose of moxibustion is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of energy, and maintain general health and wellness.
With moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red.
At Tao Integrative Medicine, acupuncturists frequently use moxibustion for people who have a cold or stagnant condition. This technique expels cold and warms the meridians, leading to a smoother flow of blood and energy.
Cupping
Cupping is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine.
In a typical cupping session, glass cups are warmed by burning a substance inside the cup to create a vacuum. A practitioner then places the cup upside-down over a specific area of the patient’s body. The vacuum anchors the cup to the skin and pulls it. Drawing up the skin helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balance the flow of energy, break up obstructions, and create a channel for toxins to be drawn out of the body.
Cupping is one of the techniques often used by acupuncturists at Tao Integrative Medicine to treat asthma and congestion, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, and certain types of pain. Some practitioners also use cupping to treat depression and reduce swelling. Fleshy sites on the body, such as the back and stomach are also preferred sites for treatment.
Tui na
Tui na has been used in China for centuries. A combination of massage, acupressure, and other forms of body manipulation, Tui na works by applying pressure to acupuncture points, meridians, and muscles or nerves to remove blockages that prevent the free flow of energy. Removing these blockages restores the balance of energy in the body, leading to better health and more vitality.
Tui na is best suited for rectifying chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, and stress-related disorders. Among the ailments, tui na is most effective in treating neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, sciatica, and tennis elbow. Tui na treatment often results in improvements to the whole body, not just to a specific area. Compared to massages and other forms of bodywork, tui na tends to be more vigorous, intense, and specific.
Most Tao acupuncturists are trained and experienced in tui na. Some incorporate a brief tui na in their acupuncture treatments. Please call us if you would like to set up an appointment.
