By Brittany Durkin, LAc., DACM
Did you know that in addition to working with needles acupuncturists are trained in herbal therapies, lifestyle therapies, cupping, body work and heat therapy too? In fact, Coronado acupuncturists are trained to use several effective treatments using other modalities that have long lasting results. If you’re nervous about being treated with needles, here are some of the other techniques that can be used to improve your health.
Taking herbal supplements can be as effective as taking western pharmaceutical drugs without the undesirable side effects. Herbal therapy does usually take a couple of weeks to see major change so don’t be discouraged if you feel the same after a couple of days from taking your herbs. The positive about herbal therapy is that the herbs help assist your body back to your “normal” healthy vibrant self! Once this happens you can discontinue your herbal treatment! It’s kind of like the tortoise and the hare… slow and steady wins the race. Only reputable, high quality sources of herbs are used.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is a type of therapy that involves the use of glass cups, which are suctioned onto the skin for a few minutes at a time. This therapy is used to pull toxins out of the body, improve blood circulation, and relax muscles. It is most often used for muscular pain and tightness, but can also be used to treat cellulite, colds, digestive disorders, and more.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha (soft tissue manual muscle therapy) is a healing technique that involves the cutaneous stimulation of the skin in strokes using a round-edged instrument. The purpose of Gua Sha is to remove blood stagnation, which is considered pathogenic and a cause of pain. This results in increased circulation and metabolic processes, and often, the patient experiences immediate improvement of pain, stiffness, or respiratory issues.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a technique that heats, nourishes, and relaxes certain points on the body. It is made from the Chinese herb, “Ai Ye,” also known as Mugwort. This herb is known for its strength for increasing white blood cell count and increasing blood flow in the body, which in return speeds up the healing process. This powerful herb also warms the body’s internal environment, boosts energy, improves digestion, relieves pain, regulates the menstrual cycle, improves fertility, and much more.
There is much more to an acupuncture treatment than just the needles. Give your body the ability to reset and recharge. You deserve to feel amazing, healthy, and energized every day! I believe if we all take better care of ourselves then we can take better care of the ones we love and our environment.
Contact Us Today for Your Acupuncture Treatment At Peak Health Group
To book your acupuncture appointment, call (619) 522-4005.