What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and trigger the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals involved in pain relief, mood, and healing.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the body is organized by meridians (energy pathways) through which Qi (vital energy) flows. These pathways closely correspond with nerves, muscles, connective tissue, and vascular networks recognized in modern anatomy. When this flow is disrupted, pain, illness, or emotional imbalance may occur.
By stimulating specific points along these pathways, acupuncture helps regulate nerve signaling, reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and restore balance in the body.
Acupuncture originated in China and has been practiced for thousands of years, with written records dating back over 2,000 years.
What can Acupuncture Treat?
Modalities used with Acupuncture
Cupping
Cupping therapy uses gentle suction on the skin to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and support recovery. It is commonly used for pain, stiffness, and tight muscles.
Gua Sha (scraping therapy)
Gua Sha involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation, release muscle tension, and support healing.
Gua Sha helps move Qi and Blood, clearing stagnation that may contribute to pain, stiffness, or inflammation. By supporting circulation and lymphatic flow, Gua Sha assists the body’s natural detoxification and healing processes.
Sound Therapy
Sound therapy with tuning forks is a gentle, non-invasive way to calm the nervous system and support physical and emotional balance. The vibrations are used to quiet the mind and stimulate acupuncture points, much like acupressure. From a Western perspective, this helps regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and release tension; from a holistic perspective, it supports the smooth flow of energy through the body. Tuning forks are especially helpful for children and for anyone who is sensitive to needles, offering a soothing, effective alternative or complement to acupuncture.
Acupressure
Acupressure involves applying gentle pressure to specific acupuncture points to support healing and balance. It is a great option for children or for anyone who prefers not to be needled, offering many of the same benefits as acupuncture in a comfortable, non-invasive way.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture involves attaching a gentle electrical stimulation device to acupuncture needles after they are inserted. Very mild electrical pulses are then delivered through the needles to continuously stimulate specific acupuncture points and/or targeted muscles.
Electroacupuncture is commonly used to support pain management, neurological conditions, and muscle dysfunction, and the stimulation is carefully adjusted to remain comfortable and well tolerated.
Auricular therapy
Auricular Therapy involves placing fine acupuncture needles or small ear seeds on specific points on the ear.
From an Eastern medicine perspective, the ear is viewed as a microsystem of the entire body, with auricular points corresponding to different organs and functions, similar to acupuncture points throughout the body. Stimulating these points can support a wide range of physical and emotional concerns.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves applying gentle heat just above the skin at specific acupuncture points to support healing and circulation. Traditionally, this is done using dried mugwort (moxa). In clinic, we use a smokeless moxa, which provides the same warming benefits without smoke or discomfort.
Tui Na Massage
Tui Na is a form of massage based in Traditional Chinese Medicine Principles, and focuses on increasing the flow of Qi and blood in the body. Tui means "push" and Na means "pinch and pull", this refers to the different techniques used in Tui Na massage.