Acupuncture +
Adjunctive Therapies
Bringing together the best of Eastern and Western approaches to natural healing
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of East Asian medicine, is based on the principle that the body has an innate capacity for self-regulation. This practice aims to enhance the uninhibited flow of Qi, the vital life-force energy, to correct disharmonies and support optimal health. Practitioners use ultra-thin, sterile, single-use needles—about the width of a human hair—to initiate a ‘conversation’ with the body, facilitating natural healing and improved functioning.
From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture offers several benefits:
- Increased microcirculation and blood flow to organs, muscles, and other body tissues
- Stimulation of endorphin and endogenous opioid release, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals that help reduce pain, improve mood, and promote relaxation
- Balancing of physiological processes often inhibited by stress, including lactation, labor, sleep, and immune function
Non-insertive acupuncture/Japanese style acupuncture
Developed in Japan, gentle non-invasive acupuncture techniques offer an alternative approach for sensitive patients and those averse to needles. These methods, such as shonishin and teishin, aim to stimulate acupoints without skin penetration. By employing specialized tools to tap, brush, or press on the skin’s surface, practitioners can evoke the same therapeutic and healing responses traditionally achieved through standard needle-based acupuncture. These techniques have gained popularity not only for their gentleness but also for their effectiveness in treating a wide range of conditions, particularly in pediatric care and for individuals with needle phobias.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment that focuses on the craniosacral system—comprising the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Practitioners use light touch to detect and address restrictions in the movement of cerebrospinal fluid and associated soft tissues.
This approach aims to alleviate tension and improve the functioning of the central nervous system. By enhancing the body’s natural healing mechanisms, craniosacral therapy can promote overall well-being and address a variety of health concerns. The therapy is based on the concept that subtle manipulations can affect deep physiological changes, potentially improving physical and emotional health.
Tui Na Massage and Bodywork
Tui Na (pronounced “twee nah”), a therapeutic bodywork rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been practiced for over 2,000 years. Based on Taoist principles, this holistic technique aims to harmonize the body’s vital energy, or “Qi.” Practitioners employ a diverse array of methods, including pressing, kneading, rolling, shaking, and stretching, to manipulate specific acupoints and meridians. These techniques are designed to remove energy blockages, alleviate pain, and restore balance to the body’s systems.
Tui Na is often integrated with other modalities like acupuncture and moxibustion for enhanced therapeutic effects. This combination can address a wide spectrum of health concerns, ranging from musculoskeletal issues such as neck and back pain to systemic conditions like insomnia, depression, and chronic fatigue. It has also shown efficacy in managing premenstrual syndrome, promoting lactation, and alleviating digestive problems like constipation.
When used as a precursor to acupuncture, Tui Na serves to “warm up” and relax muscles and connective tissues. This preparatory phase increases blood flow and loosens fascia, thereby enhancing the body’s receptivity to acupuncture. The synergistic effect of these combined therapies often results in more profound and lasting therapeutic outcomes.
Trigger Point Needling/Dry Needling
Trigger point needling, also known as dry needling, is a therapeutic technique used to treat myofascial pain and release tight, hyper-irritable muscular junctions. This method involves the precise insertion of a thin needle into specific areas of muscle tension, known as “trigger points.” When the needle penetrates these taut bands of tissue, it stimulates a release, allowing the muscle to relax and unwind. This technique has shown effectiveness in addressing various conditions, including muscular tension, stress-related symptoms, headaches, and general musculoskeletal pain.
In Colorado, trigger point needling is practiced by various health professionals. However, it’s important to note that the training requirements can vary significantly among practitioners. Some healthcare providers may begin offering this treatment to patients after completing as little as a single weekend training course in trigger point needling techniques.
In contrast, state-licensed and nationally board-certified acupuncturists undergo rigorous and comprehensive training. Their education typically includes thousands of hours of instruction and supervised practice, covering detailed anatomy and physiology, as well as sophisticated needling techniques. This extensive training equips acupuncturists with the skills to perform needle treatments with minimal discomfort to the patient while maximizing therapeutic benefits.
Moxa therapy
Moxa is the use of a specially prepared and refined form of the herb mugwort. Used to lightly warm and stimulate acupuncture points or larger areas of the body, this deeply soothing therapy has highly beneficial physiological effects and is almost always used in conjunction with acupuncture.
Moxa can be highly beneficial for:
- Recovering from longstanding fatigue in the case of autoimmune conditions, chemotherapy/radiation treatment, and post-viral syndrome including long COVID
- Improving red and white blood cell production in cases of cancer and chemotherapy/radiation treatment
- Improving ovarian function and supporting reproductive/hormonal health in cases of infertility
- Reducing dermatological flare ups, healing chronic diarrhea, soothing painful swollen joints, and more
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient therapeutic technique that involves placing specialized cups on the skin to create suction. This gentle, controlled vacuum effect is believed to offer several potential benefits: it may enhance local blood circulation and lymphatic fluid movement, potentially reducing muscle tension and loosening connective tissue. Many recipients report experiencing a profound sense of relaxation during and after treatment.
Cupping can be highly beneficial for:
- Tight iliotibial bands, sciatica, glute and hamstring tightness
- Helping the lungs to descend and disperse with acute or lingering, chronic coughing
- Neck, trap, and upper back tension
- Digestive distress such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea
Gua Sha
Gua sha is an ancient healing technique originating in East Asia that involves gently scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool. This practice aims to improve circulation, break up scar tissue and connective tissue adhesions, and alleviate pain and muscular tension.
Traditionally, gua sha has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including acute and chronic coughs, stress, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, and digestive issues. In modern therapeutic applications, gua sha has shown effectiveness in addressing specific musculoskeletal problems.
For instance, it can help relax scalene muscles in cases of Thoracic outlet syndrome, release tension in the plantar aponeurosis for those with plantar fasciitis, and soften the tibialis anterior muscle to alleviate shin splints. The versatility of gua sha makes it a valuable tool in both traditional and contemporary healing practices.
E-Stim
E-stim, short for electrical stimulation, is a technique used in conjunction with traditional acupuncture. It involves applying a low-level electrical current to acupuncture needles after they have been inserted into specific points on the body. Patients typically experience this as a mild, pulsating sensation at the needle sites. The intensity of the current can be adjusted to ensure patient comfort. E-stim is widely employed as an adjunctive therapy, particularly in the management of pain and various musculoskeletal conditions. This method is thought to enhance the therapeutic effects of acupuncture by stimulating the release of endorphins and promoting increased blood flow to the treated areas.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture involves the precise insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the external ear, corresponding to various organs and systems throughout the body. Practitioners believe these points act as a microsystem, reflecting the entire body on the ear’s surface. This method is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and addiction. It’s particularly noted for its effectiveness in managing pain, alleviating stress-related symptoms, and inducing a profound state of relaxation.
Nutrition recommendations and lifestyle guidance
To maximize the effectiveness of your acupuncture treatment and accelerate your path to wellness, I offer comprehensive guidance that extends beyond the treatment room. This holistic approach may include personalized herbal formulas, tailored dietary recommendations, stress-reducing meditation and relaxation techniques, targeted nutritional supplementation, and specific exercises. By integrating these complementary strategies, we can potentially reduce the number of acupuncture sessions required, enhance the overall efficacy of your treatment plan, and help you achieve a more profound and lasting sense of well-being.