Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture | Cupping | Moxibustion | Herbs
Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-thin needles along the meridian lines of the body to balance energy flow. This practice has been around for approximately 3,000 years and is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM. The aim of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to bring balance to the yin and the yang in the body as it’s believed that the imbalance of these two forces is what causes illness.
How does acupuncture work?
By inserting the needles in areas of stagnation it unblocks imbalances and allows the Qi to flow, thus creating a healthy body. As acupuncture has risen in popularity in the West, it’s more commonly explained that acupuncture activates the body’s self-healing mechanism through the micro-injury of the needle. While understanding the science behind it is still a work in progress, Western doctors are now widely accepting acupuncture as a treatment for pain, bringing acupuncturists into hospitals to treat patients.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is safe, and has no major side effects when you work with a trained practitioner. Acupuncture can help improve the following conditions:
Fertility
IVF
Pregnancy
Menopause
PMS
Pain
Migraines
Mood (Depression, Anxiety)
Stress
Digestive Problems
Allergies
Sleep
What should I expect at my first acupuncture appointment?
Prior to your appointment we’ll have you fill out forms to gain insight into your health history and the problems you’re facing that brought you to our clinic. For the initial appointment, we’ll spend a good portion of the appointment getting to know each other to create a plan that works for your unique constitution and goals. From there we’ll start needling! If it’s your first time getting acupuncture, we’ll take it slow, trying out easier points at first so you can become comfortable with the sensation. You shouldn’t feel pain from needling, in fact, many patients fall asleep during treatment because they’re so calm. From the heated table, eye-mask, to soothing oils - we promise to make it a relaxing and healing experience for you.
During your appointment it’s likely that you’ll receive a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities in addition to acupuncture. Here at Nurture, we practice acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and meditation during your treatment. We’ll send you home with a care plan, often including nutritional suggestions and recommending Traditional Chinese Herbs as a part of our holistic healing approach. We believe that by offering all of these modalities together you’ll find the approach best for your unique constitution and learn how to nurture and take care of yourself in and out of appointments.
We hope to see you soon!
Cupping
What is cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is a traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern practice which involves creating a suction with a cup against the body, pulling the skin up and increasing blood flow. While this practice may look a bit odd and leaves those strange hickey marks, it actually feels extremely good. Think of it like an inverse massage - rather than pushing down on your muscles, they’re lifting the fascia and connective tissues up. This gives a feeling of spaciousness and deep tissue softening.
Different types of cupping therapy:
There are a multitude of cupping styles that can be performed with glass, silicon, or bamboo cups. Here at Nurture, we practice dry cupping. Here are the three most common types of cupping therapy, for comparison:
Dry Cupping: Cups are applied directly on oiled skin by removing air via a pump or suction mechanism.
Fire Cupping: An alcohol-soaked cotton ball is set on fire, briefly placed in the cup to remove oxygen then placed on the body.
Wet Cupping: The skin is punctured prior to the placement of cups, drawing blood out during the treatment. We do not practice this type of cupping at Nurture.
How does cupping work?
Cupping works by breaking up blockages and increasing the flow of blood, lymph, and Qi to that area of the body. As the Traditional Chinese maxim says: “Where there’s stagnation, there will be pain. Remove the stagnation, and you remove the pain.” This is the ideology behind cupping,
Benefits of cupping
Cupping can help improve a myriad of pains, here are a few of our favorite times to use this treatment:
Back and neck pain
Stiff or sore muscles
Anxiety
Immunity Issues
Allergies
Fatigue
Migraines
Cellulite
What to expect at my first cupping appointment:
Before letting the cups sit, they’re often glided along the body at first for a relaxing massage that will soothe the muscles. After that they typically only stay on for 5-15 minutes. Since it’s such a short treatment, it’s typically paired with acupuncture in one session. If you haven’t had acupuncture before, we recommend you read our other article about Acupuncture.
If it’s your first appointment with us, we will have you fill out some forms so we understand more about your history and reasons to receive treatment. The initial appointment is a bit longer, so we have time to get to know each other and make a plan that fits your unique constitution and goals.
During your appointment, it's likely that you’ll receive a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities in addition to acupuncture. Here at Nurture, we practice acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and meditation during your treatment. We’ll send you home with a care plan, often including nutritional suggestions and recommending Traditional Chinese Herbs as a part of our holistic healing approach. We believe that by offering all of these modalities together you’ll find the approach best for your unique constitution and learn how to nurture and take care of yourself in and out of appointments.
We hope to see you soon!
Moxibustion
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy which increases flow of Qi to acupuncture points by burning moxa close to the skin. Moxa is typically made from Chinese mugwort, a pungent herb that is believed to cause Qi to travel through the meridians of the body adding warmth and possibly by increasing blood flow. Although this practice has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has been gaining traction and popularity in the West, particularly for its usefulness with gastrological and women’s health.
Benefits of Moxibustion
Moxa is helpful for a variety of cold-related illnesses and ailments, most notably:
Arthritis and Joint Pain
Breech Births
Digestive Issues
Depression/Low Energy
Hot Flashes
Muscle Stiffness and Pain
Menstrual Cramping
Sensitive Immunity
Two types of Moxibustion therapy
There are two main types of moxibustion therapy: direct and indirect. Direct is when the moxa is burned directly on the skin, which is rarely used in the US; rather, Western practitioners tend to practice one of two indirect methods. Popularized because you can do it at home, the most common indirect moxibustion includes lighting a moxa stick (the rolled mugwort) and holding it close to the skin until the area reddens and is warm. The second common indirect Moxibustion practice includes adding moxa to the point of an acupuncture needle, which is what we do here at Nurture Acupuncture. This is our favorite because it allows us to be precise about warming and activating a specific acupuncture point.
What to expect at my first Moxibustion appointment
We often let the moxa burn for only a few minutes so that you receive a gentle, warm sensation. One thing worth noting is that the moxa smoke is dense and has a scent similar to marijuana. If you have respiratory issues or are sensitive to the smell, we may choose not to incorporate this practice into your session. Because at Nurture Acupuncture we tend to burn moxa on acupuncture needles, it is typically paired with a complete acupuncture session. If you haven’t had acupuncture before, we recommend you read our other article about Acupuncture.
If it’s your first appointment with us, we will have you fill out some forms so we understand more about your history and reasons to receive treatment. The initial appointment is a bit longer, so we have time to get to know each other and make a plan that fits your unique constitution and goals.
During your appointment, it's likely that you’ll receive a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities in addition to acupuncture. Here at Nurture, we may practice acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and meditation during your treatment. We will send you home with a care plan, often including nutritional suggestions and recommending Traditional Chinese Herbs as a part of our holistic healing approach. We believe that by offering all of these modalities together you’ll find the approach best for your unique constitution and will learn how to best nurture and take care of yourself in and out of appointments.
We hope to see you soon!
Chinese Herbs
What are Chinese Herbs?
Chinese Herbs have been used for thousands of years and are a key component to the larger healing system called Traditional Chinese Medicine. The goal of Chinese Herbs is to identify imbalances, remove blockages, and allow Qi to flow freely, ultimately supporting a balance between the Yin and Yang. By addressing ailments in this way, rather than trying to treat the issue, TCM teaches your body how to heal itself.
Most Chinese herbs are plant-based, although some include mineral or animal products, so let your practitioner know if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions. Rather than taking one herb at a time, we often choose from a variety of formulas made from mixtures of herbs that have been tried and tested over centuries of practice. They are typically taken in pill or powder form daily or occasionally multiple times a day.
How Do TCM Herbs Work?
There is a huge range of Chinese herbal offerings, all of which work differently to address a variety of ailments. A common practice to address the imbalance of an ailment is by utilizing a Traditional Chinese Medicine theory known as the “Five Elements.” The Five Elements are organized according to five categories of natural element: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Within these categories there are additional characteristics that are associated with each element including: the seasons, a direction, climate, an internal organ, taste, and color, among others. These five elements are supposed to have interconnected relationships, which a TCM practitioner is working to foster through the proper treatments, often including herbs that will help balance your current constitution.
Common Chinese Herbal Formulas & Their Benefits
Here are our favorite four formulas at Nurture Acupuncture and their benefits.
Bao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Decoction): Aids digestion, settles bloating, clears heat, and removes phlegm.
Xiao Yao San (Free & Easy Wanderer): Assists in managing stress, depression, irritability, and fatigue.
Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction): Regulates cycle, improves fertility, and invigorates the blood.
Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen): Immunity, cold, and pollen support.
What Should I Expect When I Start Taking Herbs?
Firstly, please only take Chinese herbs and formulas as directed by a licensed practitioner! Some herbs are extremely potent and their application can be complex. Please schedule an appointment prior to any usage. During your appointment we will take plenty of time to learn about your unique needs and to create a personalized treatment plan. We also believe in following a holistic approach, using a variety of modalities to get the most out of your experience. Here at Nurture, we practice acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and meditation during your treatment.
After your appointment, we will send you home with a care plan, often including nutritional suggestions and your Traditional Chinese Herb dosage and schedule. Please note that like all good things, herbs are not always an instant fix. They work best when used consistently and as directed by your practitioner. Tangible results are different for every formula: sometimes you will feel results immediately, and sometimes it will take weeks of regular usage for you to notice results. We will discuss the results you should expect from your unique treatment when we prescribe them to you.
We hope to see you soon!