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Modalities

As a Holistic Medical system, Asian Medicine utilizes various techniques and modalities that help to elicit a positive change and restore health and balance to a patient's body.  Listed below are a few of the modalities that exist within Asian Medicine.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the use of very fine needles which are shallowly inserted into various points along the body.  Targeted areas typically involve the connective tissue (myofascial layer) that exists between the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments.  These Acupuncture points lie on channel meridians that coarse throughout the body and help to elicit changes that promote homeostasis. 

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical Stimulation is often times used along with Acupuncture to direct micro-currents of electricity into Acupuncture points as well as muscles.  The use of Electrical Stimulation is to enhance the effects of Acupuncture needles to treat a variety of conditions including but not limited to chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, nausea from cancer medication, acute pain and trauma as well as to promote healing for bone breaks/fractures.

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Gua-Sha

Gua-Sha is the use of a blunt-edged tool to lightly rub the surface of the skin to help break up adhesions within the myofascial layer of connective tissue located directly below the skin.  The Chinese word "gua" means to rub or scrape, and "sha" is the release of stagnant energy through the skin.  Sometimes used prior to Acupuncture needles, Gua-Sha can help improve circulation, treat pain and reduce inflammation, aesthetically to improve complexion and skin health, as well as to break up scar tissue.

Cupping

Cupping is the use of heat to create a suction within a cup to help increase the space in the myofascial layer of connective tissue by gently pulling the skin away from the underlying muscle.  This helps to promote circulation and clear any blockages caused from stagnation and is used along the Acupuncture meridians.  Cupping can treat digestive issues, respiratory conditions, as well as general aches and pain.

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Moxibustion

Moxibustion, or "moxa" for short, is the use of Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) which is burned close to Acupuncture points on the body.  Moxa is a warming and tonifying therapy that typically treats deficiency and cold syndromes commonly found in chronic conditions or geriatric patients.  Moxa is commonly used to treat pregnant mothers who have babies that are in a breech presentation.  

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