Traditional Chinese medicine has been using acupuncture for thousands of years to restore balance, increase vitality, and treat disharmonies in the body. Tiny, stainless-steel needles are inserted in certain point son the body that work to regulate qi in the body. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for many different types of issues, from digestive complaints to pain to mood disorders and more.  A regular acupuncture session may also include cupping, gua sha, and moxa as part of your treatment. 

The style of acupuncture I primarily practice is called Neoclassical Acupuncture. This approach involves checking the abdomen for areas that feel uncomfortable; treatment is guided by the findings on the abdomen. This approach works on the root imbalance in the body, clearing blockages that are resulting in the dysfunction(s) you are experiencing.

What is Cupping? 

Cupping draws out toxins from deep within the body. It is a non-invasive, therapeutic, and deeply relaxing treatment, during which the practitioner takes a small glass cup and ignites a small flame inside the cup, creating a vacuum. The cup is then quickly applied to the body, which draws the skin up a few millimeters into the cup. The cups are either left in place or moved around, massaging the area. Perfectly round bruise marks are common following treatment and usually go away after a week or two.

What is Gua Sha?

Gua sha can be translated as “scraping.”  A jade gua sha tool is used to “scrub” the skin, massaging the area. Using repeated, pressured strokes, this technique will raise redness (sha) on the skin to remove blood stagnation and promote normal circulation. Scraping will cause the appearance of rosy skin and, in rare cases, small red marks may appear, but will generally fade in 2 to 3 days. As jade naturally emits infrared rays, this therapy generates internal warmth, supporting molecular activation in living tissue, promoting cell rejuvenation, and assisting in anti-aging of the skin. Gua sha is often used on the body to treat tight muscles, but can also be used on the face and neck to promote younger looking skin. 

What are the risks of acupuncture?

The most common side effects of acupuncture are bleeding, soreness, or bruising at the site of needle insertion. Dizziness or fainting may occur, especially if you haven’t eaten or drank enough water prior to treatment. If an acupuncture needle is inserted too deeply into the body, there is a risk of internal bleeding or nerve damage. This is why it is important to never remove or insert needles yourself, and to not move while you’re on the table with needles inserted.

Questions?

Email info@modern-alchemy.ca for more information.