Integrative therapies available at Classic Health Care.
ACUPUNCTURE
Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of medicine in the world.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (energy) flow through the natural pathways of your body (meridians). Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very thin, sterile, disposable needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve your Qi flow. The many benefits of acupuncture include:
- Pain reduction
- Stress and tension relief
- Increased energy levels
- Stronger digestion
- Relief from addictions
- Greater sense of overall health and well-being
ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure is based on one the most ancient principles of healing — that simply touching a specific point on the body will release stress and improve health in the body. In an acupressure session, firm pressure is applied directly to these “points” on your body, which relieves your muscle tension and improves your circulation. This simple and powerful technique has been shown to very effective in treating headaches, backaches, and even insomnia. It’s a great self-care tool, too!
CUPPING
Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin. This mobilizes blood flow in order to relieve aches and pains, improve circulation, and help with respiratory and digestive issues. Suction is created using heat (fire) or mechanical devices (hand or electrical pumps.) Cups may be left in place for 15-20 minutes or moved across oiled skin (sliding cups.)
ELECTROACUPUNCTURE
Electroacupuncture is a highly effective treatment for pain, nausea, and chronic ailments. In practice, it is actually very similar to traditional acupuncture. Using the exact same system of Chinese Medicine, very thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific points along the meridians of your body. The needles are attached to a device that delivers gentle electrical pulses between two points. This helps restore the healthy flow of Qi (energy) through your body, removing any blockages and clearing out stagnant areas, thus creating a stronger and clearer experience of health and well-being.
FOOD THERAPY
Chinese food therapy (nutrition) is a practice in the belief of healing through the use of natural foods. It is a modality of traditional Chinese medicine. Central to this belief system is the idea that certain foods have a “hot” or heat-inducing quality while others have a “cold” or chilling effect on the body and its organs and fluids. An imbalance of this “heat” and “cold” is said to increase susceptibility to sickness or to directly cause disease itself. Such an imbalance is not necessarily related to the subjective feeling of being hot (tending toward sweating) or cold (tending toward shivering.)
As one example, if one had a cold, or felt he was about to get a cold, he would not want to eat any “cold” foods such as a lemon, melon or cucumber. If one had a so-called hot disease, like eczema, then he would not want to eat “hot” foods such as garlic, onions, or chocolate lest the “hot” disease is worsened.
GUA SHA (DERMAL FRICTION)
Gua Sha, an ancient Chinese Medicine technique, is recognized throughout Asia as a highly effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, and a host of other ailments. First, Gua Sha oil is applied to a specific meridian (energy pathway) on the body. Then a smooth round-edged object (such as a spoon) is used to apply short brisk strokes to that area. This creates red patches of skin (called “Sha”), detoxifying the blood and restoring the healthy flow of Qi (energy) to the area. There is no pain involved, and the Sha will fade in 2 to 3 days. But the sense of health and vitality you experience from it will last much longer.
HEALING TOUCH
Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy. Gentle touch assists in balancing your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Healing Touch works with your energy field to support your natural ability to heal. It is safe for all ages and works in harmony with standard medical care and acupuncture. During a session: The individual will lie fully clothed on a massage table while the provider gently places their hands slightly above or on the individual. The session generally lasts 40 to 60 minutes, and people frequently report feeling deeply relaxed and peaceful during and after the session.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing and health. Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Moxibustion may be done with or without acupuncture needles and is especially useful for treatment of chronic problems and general wellness.
TUI NA
Tui na is a form of Chinese manipulative therapy often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, fire cupping, Chinese herbalism, t’ai chi, qigong. Tui na is a hands-on body treatment where the practitioner may brush, knead, roll/press, and rub the areas between each of the joints to get the energy moving in the meridians and the muscles. The practitioner can then use range of motion, traction, and massage, with the stimulation of acupressure points. These techniques can aid in the treatment of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions.
