Acupuncture

What is Acupunture?

Acupuncture is a vital component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It originated in China in the mid-second century B.C., although the first accounts of North America using it as a therapeutic technique did not surface until the 19th century. The philosophy behind it is grounded in the Chinese theory of yin and yang, which states that any imbalance between the two causes disharmony, and as a result, pain or disease. Acupuncture therefore seeks to correct imbalances in the body, restore harmony, and improve long-term health and vitality.

Applying acupuncture needles to a woman's legs

Acupuncture Treatment

An acupuncture treatment consists of inserting a number of fine needles into various points on the body. These points correspond to the energy meridians – or channels – that are in turn associated with the body’s various organs, muscles, fascia, and the nervous system. Depending on the treatment and where the needles have been inserted, you will lie either face up, on your side, or face down. Most people find the treatments to be relaxing and may fall asleep. The important thing is that you rest – mentally and physically – to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which facilitates the healing process.
What to Expect in an Acupuncture Session

Acupuncture as a Complement to Rolfing®

Applying acupuncture needles to a woman's right hand

Acupuncture is a perfect complement to the Rolfing® work as it connects into the nervous system and works with the body as a whole. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, acupuncture stimulates the body’s innate healing capacity and the allowance for change. It addresses both the body and the mind, and since stress is linked to pain, the effects of a treatment can be profound and lasting.

As we work through the Ten Series, acupuncture treatments may be woven in between sessions as a way to directly address your specific areas of inflammation and chronic pain. As our Rolfing sessions work to realign and verticalize the entire structure, we can also address acute pain, inflammation, and more internal issues.

Acupuncture Treats the Following Conditions

Z

Chronic Pain

Z

Inflammation

Z

Insomnia

Z

Digestive Disorders

Z

Anxiety

Z

Infertility

Z

Autoimmune Conditions

Z

and many other illnesses

Have additional questions about our treatments?

Read our FAQs

Different Modalities in Acupuncture

An acupuncture treatment may involve one or more of the following modalities based on your particular diagnosis. 

Cupping

Cupping is a treatment in which glass, plastic, or silicone cups are placed on parts of the body using suction. Cupping is an effective modality for increasing circulation, and eliminating congestion. It is known for treating stiff muscles, injuries, back and neck pain, anxiety, rheumatism, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Flash cupping is especially powerful for fighting off a cold in its beginning stages.

The suction is created either by briefly inserting an open flame into the cup before placing it on the skin or by attaching a pump that effectively sucks air from the cups, thereby creating suction. An open flame never comes near the skin itself but is simply used to create heat and suction. In some cases I will apply therapeutic massage oils onto the skin. This allows me to gently move the cups.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion (also known as Moxa) is slightly less known than cupping, but a very important and effective TCM treatment all the same. A type of heat treatment, moxibustion is a therapy that consists of burning dried mug wart over various parts of the body. It is a useful therapy for menstrual pain, sexual disorders, cold symptoms, headaches, backaches and other issues related to circulation.

There are two types of moxibustion. During indirect moxibustion, a stick that looks like a cigar is ignited and held over the area, delivering a deep, warm sensation. In direct moxa, a small rolled piece of mugwort is placed on a specific point on the body until the area gets hot and then the moxa is extinguished. This treatment does not involve placing an open flame near the skin and you should never feel that your skin is burning.

Guasha

During a guasha treatment a small tool with a smooth edge is stroked repeatedly across the skin, often on the upper back or the limbs. It treats the skin and the tissue just below the surface of the skin, creating small petechiae to which the body responds by sending immune messengers and blood flow to the area.

Guasha has traditionally been applied at the onset of catching colds with remarkable efficacy. It can reduce painful muscle spasms, increase sensory input and blood circulation, and improve range of motion.