Chinese Medicine Acupuncture, Cupping and Gua sha

“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create— acupuncture helps you align with your inner equilibrium.”

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to promote healing and restore balance to the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee"). According to TCM, Qi flows along pathways in the body called meridians, and disruptions to this flow can lead to pain or illness. By stimulating acupoints, acupuncture helps to restore the harmonious flow of energy and supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Common Concerns Acupuncture Can Address

Jennifer, our registered acupuncturist is trained to help with a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Pain management: Back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, joint pain, and muscle tension

  • Stress and anxiety relief: Promoting relaxation and reducing mental health symptoms

  • Digestive issues: Bloating, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or difficulty falling or staying asleep

  • Women's health: Menstrual irregularities, menopause symptoms, and fertility support

  • Chronic conditions: Fatigue, allergies, and immune system support

If you’re curious whether acupuncture can address your specific concern, don’t hesitate to reach out for a Free Discovery Call.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Initial Consultation Your first appointment includes a detailed consultation to understand your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals. The acupuncturist may also examine your tongue, pulse, and other diagnostic indicators used in TCM.

Treatment Session Once the assessment is complete, the acupuncturist will insert fine needles at specific acupoints. The needles remain in place for 15-30 minutes while you relax in a calm, comfortable setting. Additional techniques like cupping, moxibustion, or electroacupuncture may be incorporated depending on your treatment plan.

Post-Treatment After the session, many people report feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Some may notice immediate improvements, while others experience gradual benefits over time. Your acupuncturist will provide guidance on aftercare and recommend follow-up sessions if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, much finer than those used for injections. Most people feel little to no discomfort when the needles are inserted. Some may experience a mild tingling or dull ache at the needle site, which is a normal sign that the treatment is working.

  • The number of sessions required varies based on the condition being treated and its severity. Some individuals notice improvements after just one session, while others may benefit from a series of treatments. Your acupuncturist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

  • Yes, acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a licensed professional. We use single-use, sterile needles to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

  • We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, and torso. Gowns or draping can be provided if needed.

  • Acupuncture coverage is often included in private benefit packages. Every insurance plan is unique, so it is best to check the details of your specific plan. Most insurance companies require an acupuncturist to be registered under the CTCMPAO.

Cupping

Cupping is a therapeutic technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote healing and restore balance within the body. It involves placing glass, silicone, or bamboo cups on the skin and creating a vacuum inside them. This suction draws the skin and superficial muscle layers into the cup, enhancing circulation, reducing muscle tension, and facilitating the flow of Qi (energy) and blood.

How Cupping Works

In TCM, stagnation of Qi or blood is believed to cause pain and illness. By using cupping, practitioners aim to dispel stagnation, clear blockages, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The suction helps to draw out toxins, reduce inflammation, and relieve stress in the affected areas.

Common Uses of Cupping

  • Pain relief: Alleviating back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as headaches and migraines.

  • Stress and tension reduction: Promoting relaxation and easing mental strain.

  • Improving circulation: Enhancing blood flow to areas of stagnation or injury.

  • Respiratory health: Supporting conditions like colds, asthma, and bronchitis.

  • Detoxification: Assisting in the removal of toxins through enhanced blood and lymph flow.

What to Expect During a Session

During a cupping session, the practitioner will apply cups to specific areas of your body, often based on TCM diagnostic principles. The cups are left in place for 5-15 minutes. Some individuals experience a warm, pulling sensation during the treatment. Temporary circular marks, which are not painful, may appear on the skin afterward and typically fade within a few days.

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is a therapeutic technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to stimulate circulation and promote healing. The term "Gua" means "scrape," and "Sha" refers to the redness or petechiae (tiny red spots) that appear on the skin during the treatment. This practice is used to release tension, improve energy flow (Qi), and detoxify the body.

How Gua Sha Works

In TCM, pain and illness are often attributed to stagnation of Qi or blood. Gua Sha aims to resolve this stagnation by applying pressure and scraping along the skin in specific areas. The technique stimulates microcirculation, encourages the body’s natural healing processes, and helps release toxins.

Common Uses of Gua Sha

  • Pain relief: Especially effective for chronic pain, muscle tension, and joint stiffness.

  • Reducing inflammation: Supports conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, and other inflammatory issues.

  • Improving circulation: Enhances blood flow to relieve stagnation and support healing.

  • Boosting immunity: Often used to treat colds, respiratory issues, and fever by stimulating the immune system.

  • Facial rejuvenation: In modern adaptations, facial Gua Sha is used to reduce puffiness, improve skin tone, and promote lymphatic drainage.

What to Expect During a Gua Sha Session

The practitioner applies oil or a balm to the skin to reduce friction. They then use a Gua Sha tool typically made of jade, rose quartz, or stainless steel to scrape along the body or face in long, firm strokes. This process may leave temporary redness or light bruising on the treated areas, which usually fades within a few days.

Benefits of Gua Sha

  • Relieves muscle tension: Loosens tight muscles and relieves knots.

  • Encourages relaxation: Promotes a calming, stress-reducing effect.

  • Supports detoxification: Improves lymphatic drainage and eliminates waste buildup.

  • Enhances energy flow: Helps restore the balance of Qi throughout the body.

Gua Sha is a safe, non-invasive therapy when performed by a trained professional and can be an excellent complement to acupuncture, massage, or other holistic treatments. It offers both immediate relief and long-term health benefits, making it a versatile tool in TCM.