What Services Do Acupuncturists Provide as Part of a Holistic Practice?

Across the world, people increasingly seek out acupuncture as part of their holistic healing process. While incredibly effective, acupuncture is not the only service many acupuncture offices offer.

Nothing is more important than your health and well-being, and a holistic approach can make a difference. When we are healthy, we can enjoy our achievements, family, friends, and everything that life has to offer.

Consider the following holistic treatment options for optimized physical, mental, and spiritual health. So, in addition to acupuncture, what other options do we have?

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is the main modality of Chinese medicine, in which small sterile needles are placed at pressure points or acupuncture points to stimulate the nervous system.

As part of the Chinese medical system, acupuncture is most well-known and can treat various conditions such as pain, nausea, women’s health, stress and anxiety, and much more.

The ancient idea of acupuncture is that needling acupuncture points stimulate the flow of energy known as qi. Today, we know this to be a reaction in the body that affects our central nervous system.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment rooted in Chinese medicine. Although not a part of traditional Chinese medicine as we know it, microneedling has a deep history of Chinese medical practices for both skin health and rejuvenation.

Microneedling is a modern treatment that involves the use of needles with a mechanical microneedling device. The device creates small punctures in the skin, which set off the healing cascade.

This results in a natural healing process that increases collagen production and elasticity while resurfacing the skin. Commonly treated conditions include fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, textural issues, and more.

Cupping

Cupping is another commonly known branch of Chinese medicine. It is an adjunctive therapy by which glass cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This therapy releases tightness in the muscle tissue by breaking up knots and adhesions and can alleviate pain and discomfort.

Traditional fire cupping is a process that involves glass cups and fire. First, the acupuncturist will soak a cotton ball in alcohol and use forceps to hold it. Then, the cotton ball is lit on fire.

With a swift motion, the cotton is placed inside the cup and quickly removed. Finally, the cup is then placed on the skin to create suction. The suction and negative pressure loosen tightness in the muscles and encourage blood circulation.

Cupping feels like a deep tissue massage, but instead of downward pressure, there is a lifting effect. The lifting is a separation of tissues that allows blood to circulate.

Herbal Supplements

There are many different varieties of herbal medicine. Chinese herbal medicine is a part of the Chinese medical system. Additionally, herbs are an integral part of this system and have been studied for thousands of years.

Most herbs are taken internally in a pill or liquid form; however, there are also topical herbal supplements such as liniments (oils placed on the skin) or soaks (herbs diluted in water). Depending on the reason for treatment, your acupuncturist can also prescribe an herbal supplement to help support your condition.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a specific form of herbal therapy. This treatment is sometimes included during acupuncture treatment for specific purposes.

What is moxibustion or moxa? 

Moxa is an herb called ai ye or Artemesia more commonly known as mugwort. Moxibustion is the process of using this herb topically on the skin. Moxa comes in a variety of forms including sticks like incense or the loose herb that can be rolled for use.

Moxibustion treatment occurs when the moxa stick is lit like incense and either held close to the skin or placed directly on the skin to heat the surface gently. The heat and warmth create a therapeutic effect and increase circulation to the area being treated.

As you explore the world of holistic medicine, contact us for more information. We can answer any questions you may have about the individual treatments we offer and if they are right for you. In addition, we can design a treatment plan to help you look and feel your best.