Acupuncture - the insertion of very fine needles, not much thicker than a human hair, into specific points on the body's surface, in order to influence the physiological functioning of the body. The needles used are individually packaged, sterile, single use, disposable needles.
Electro-Acupuncture (EAC) - the use of electrical micro-current attached to the needles as a means of stimulating the acu-points. Stimulation increases levels of analgesia, promotes tissue repair and healing, and promotes regeneration of nerve fibers in situations where cell bodies of damaged nerves are still vital.
Qi - pronounced chee. The vital energy or life force within all living organisms which is the source of all movement and change in the universe. In the human body, qi consists of all essential life activities including the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of life. It is the energy we create from the digestion of food, liquids, and air, and is influenced by how we react to our environment through such activities as exercise and meditation. If the flow of qi is insufficient, unbalanced, or interrupted, illness and disease may occur.
Meridians - the pathways running throughout the body along which qi flows. There are fourteen main meridians, twelve of which are paired and flow in each half of the body, and two unpaired midline meridians, one on the back of the body and one on the front. Specific meridians are connected to and influence the organs of the body.
Acu-Points - specific locations where the qi in the meridians come to the surface of the skin and is easily accessible by needling, as in acupuncture or electro-acupuncture, or by the use of the fingers, as in acupressure or Tui Na. There are 361 primary points and dozens of secondary points.
Tui Na - Chinese therapeutic massage. The use of various hand and finger techniques used to stimulate the acu-points and meridians. Tui Na is especially good at treating musculo-skeletal diseases, relieving spasms, and promoting the recovery of function of muscles, bones, and joints.
Gua Sha - literally "scraping sand". A massage-like technique utilizing a round edge instrument to stimulate the affected area. Usually using a therapeutic oil as lubrication, the area is stimulated in a stroking manner to relieve congestion and stagnation.
Cupping - the use of heat or suction inside a jar or cup to create negative pressure on the skin causing local congestion. The cups can either be left in a stationary position or gently moved on the skin in a technique called Sliding Cup. Excellent for chest congestion, muscle pain, and relieving spasm.
Moxibustion - the application of heat to acupuncture points through the burning of the herb Ai Ye (mugwort). The function of this herb includes warming the meridians, dispersing cold, alleviating pain, warming the womb, and stopping bleeding.
Qigong- qi = vital energy; gong = cultivate. Specific exercises used to cultivate and enhance the vital energy or life force of the body. Low impact, beneficial for various chronic health conditions including high blood pressure, heart and kidney ailments, stress reduction, improving balance, and general tonification of the body. Please see our "Qigong" page for more information.
Meditation - Taoist, Ch'an (Zen), and medical qigong meditation classes available for group or individual instruction. Excellent for improving mental clarity and focus, relieving stress, and improving the overall quality of life.