Acupuncture is the insertion of hair-thin, sterile, one-time use needles at specific points on the body to manipulate the flow of energy.  This energy or "qi" (chee) as it is commonly called flows through the meridians of the body.  When this energy becomes blocked, pain and disease can result.  By inserting acupuncture needles along the meridians, blockages are cleared and the normal flow of qi throughout the body is encouraged. 

In Western terms, acupuncture stimulates the body's natural pain-killing chemicals, endorphins.  It also increases the production of adenosine, a painkiller.  These help improve circulation, decrease inflammation and provide pain relief.  Acupuncture also regulates serotonin which positively affects mood!

Gua Sha:
gua (to rub or to scrape)
sha (the distinctive type of redness and skin discoloration created during and after treatment)

This is a healing technique sometimes called "coining" or "scraping".  A smooth edged instrument (I prefer a Chinese soup spoon) is rubbed across a lubricated skin surface where tightness, an injury or imbalance is found.  When done effectively, sha (redness, discoloration) is produced.  This creates a positive response in the body which reduces heat and inflammation, releasing pain and loosening the muscles. This redness will dissipate in a few days.

Commonly used to treat: colds and flu, fever, headache, indigestion, dizziness, injury, joint pain, fibromyalgia, to relax tight muscles, fatigue and liver inflammation in hepatitis.

Cupping is the application of cups (made from glass or plastic) which create a vacuum by removing the oxygen either through the quick insertion of fire (glass) or with a pump (plastic).  This suction allows the skin and superficial muscle layers to be drawn into the cup.  They are either used stationary or by sliding them to cover a greater area.  This vacuum opens the pores, stimulates the flow of blood and qi, pulls toxins from the body and reduces pain and inflammation throughout the body.  Afterwards, you will look like you were hugged by an octopus!  These circular marks will disappear within a few days of your treatment.

It can be used to treat:
- blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
- rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
- fertility and gynecological disorders
- skin problems such as eczema and acne
- high blood pressure (by sedating the nervous system)
- migraine
- anxiety and depression
- bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma
- varicose veins