Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture is similar to a TENS machine where a mild current is passed between pairs of needles inserted in acupuncture points. Electroacupuncture stimulates the nerve impulses without being painful. It is generally used for numbness or pain from neuropathy or to address pain over a larger area. It can also be used to increase the intensity of treatment at specific points.
Cupping
In cupping, glass or plastic cups are applied to muscle areas using suction to stimulate blood circulation, and alleviate pain and tension. Cups also move congestion in the lungs and dispel invasions, like the common cold. Often cups leave a red or purple marks that can cause soreness. This is normal and resolves in 1-4 days. The result is relaxation, reduced pain and tightness and improved breathing.
Tuina
Tuina (tōōway na), is a century-old form of Chinese massage that combines acupressure, shiatsu and other hands-on manipulation to unblock the flow of energy and blood. Tuina benefits the person’s entire well-being. It is most often used for chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, stress and digestive and respiratory disorders. Aside from the neck and shoulder area, treatments are administered with the patient clothed in loose fitting attire.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha (gwah shah) is a technique that involves scraping skin with a hard, smoothed-edge surface. Scraping increases microcirculation in the area, and along channels and in related organs. Like cupping, gua sha reduces muscle pain and tightness, moves congestion in the lungs and dispels exterior invasions, all while inducing a sense of relaxation. It can cause redness that resolves in 1-4 days.
Moxibustion (Moxa)
Moxibustion is a form of therapy in which the herb “mugwort” (Artemesia) is used to impart heat and medicinal qualities on an acupoint or area of the body. The heat and specific blood-moving qualities of moxa drive out cold and dampness, stimulate qi and blood circulation, and enhance the effects of the acupuncture needles.
Dietary and Lifestyle Counseling
What we feed ourselves is fundamental to our well-being and general health. An unhealthy diet results in an unhealthy body. The same is true for lifestyle. Poor habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, irregular sleep, eating too late, lack of exercise and over working, all eventually lead to disease. At WholeSelf, we counsel based on your health goals and challenges and at a pace that is right for you.
