Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine sterile disposable needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. It is one of the primary branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine which has been practiced for more than 3,500 years. The traditional Chinese philosophy of acupuncture is based on the belief that energy known as Qi (pronounced “chee”) circulates through specific meridians throughout our body, each meridian connecting to a specific organ system. When the body is healthy, the Qi flows unobstructed. When Qi flow is disrupted by disease or injury, stagnation occurs which leads to illness or pain. Acupuncture balances the flow of Qi and stimulates our body’s natural ability to heal. This is a healing art that is beautifully rooted in tradition but also supported by modern research. Acupuncture is one of the most utilized modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is most effective with regular and frequent treatments.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas and Herbs
The Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas and herbs offered by Lore Acupuncture and Wellness are carefully sourced, GMP certified and have passed rigorous testing methods which include screening for sulfur, heavy metals, and pesticides. Lore offers pre-made formulas as well as custom hand-mixed prescriptions available as tablets, capsules or in powdered granule form (to be dissolved in water and sipped as a tea). Raw herbs/formulas and liquid single dose pouches are also available.
Cupping
Cupping is a therapeutic method where glass cups, placed on particular acupuncture points or meridians on the skin, create localized vacuum pressure to the area. While cupping has its earliest roots in China, it is a treatment method employed cross-culturally by Native Americans, inhabitants of the South Sea Islands, in rural parts of Africa, by the ancient Egyptians and in countries such as Japan, India and the Philippines. Cupping has been used to treat more than just musculoskeletal pain but also abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, constipation, asthma, cough, and fevers just to name a few. Cupping may leave circular marks on the body, from light pink to darker purple depending on the level of stagnation, which disappear after a few days. Cupping, or what I like to call “an inverted massage” provides a strong relaxing sensation and is one of the favored modalities of patients.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves the burning of the classical Chinese herb Ai Ye (Artemisia Vulgaris aka mugwort and wormwood) on or near specific acupuncture points. The moxa leaf is a bitter acrid herb that has the powerful effect of penetrating the body’s meridians. Moxa therapy warms the channels and expels cold from the body, relieving pain. It further promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi within the body, facilitating circulation. Moxa also assists in strengthening the yang of the body thereby supporting healthy respiration, digestion, elimination and reproduction.
Gua Sha
Gua sha refers to the gentle press-stroking of the skin with a smooth rounded instrument to intentionally create temporary therapeutic petechiae (red marks) or what the Chinese call ‘sha’. Modern research shows that gua sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following treatment.