Traditional Therapies
Traditional Oriental Medicine is a system of medicine that has been developed and refined over thousands of years. It originated from careful observation of the interaction between humans and their environments, and evolved into a holistic diagnostic and treatment system.
In addition to the symptoms that the patient describes, some of the things that a practitioner of Traditional Oriental Medicine will take into consideration are the observation of the complexion and the tongue, palpation of the abdomen and the pulse, and even things the doctor can hear, such as the loudness or softness of the voice. All of these elements are taken into consideration before a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is put into action.
In this day and age, it is also useful for Doctors of Acupuncture to know the results of bloodwork and other medical tests, as these give insight into the inner workings of the body and a person’s constitutional tendencies as well. Traditional Oriental Medical treatment can consist of bodywork, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping or guasha (more on these below), and the prescribing of herbal formulas. Doctors of Acupuncture may also suggest diet and lifestyle recommendations, and the best long-term results are obtained when this advice is followed as well.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is often a central part of the treatment, with other bodywork techniques added as needed. It involves the insertion of very fine, filiform needles into specific points on the body. The applications of acupuncture are diverse, and more information about the benefits of acupuncture can be found here.
Acupuncture often produces a mild achy or distending sensation. The needles are normally left in for 20–30 minutes while the person rests. It is typically very relaxing, and people regularly go into a light sleep while the needles are resting.
Cupping & Guasha
Cupping and guasha are techniques that help relieve tension in muscles and connective tissue and invigorate blood circulation. They effectively release tension over a larger areas (shoulders and upper back, for example). People often comment that the area treated feels warm and more relaxed.
Both techniques can produce fine, red spots under the skin that fade away after a few days. Typically, the more red spots that appear, the more the circulation was congested prior to the treatment, and the more likely the treatment will need to be repeated. As guasha or cupping are repeated in subsequent treatments, the amount of red spots that appears tends to diminish.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion refers to the warming of acupuncture points, typically through the burning of moxa sticks or cones (made from fibres of the mugwort plant) over the skin to produce a comfortable sensation of warmth. Acupuncture stimulates mechanical receptors in the muscles, whereas moxibustion stimulates thermal receptors in the skin, so the two therapies can have slightly different effects on the body. Moxibustion is often done in addition to acupuncture, but depending on the pattern of disharmony that a person presents with, it can sometimes be done in place of acupuncture.
Shonishin
Centuries ago, Japanese doctors developed Shonishin, a system of treating the acupuncture meridians and points that doesn’t require the insertion of needles. Instead, Shonishin involves the use of a variety of metal instruments, all used on the surface of the skin. Some are used for tapping specific areas or acupuncture points. Others are used to stroke the skin along meridian lines. This gentle stimulation of acupuncture points may be used on its own for children who are newborn to 12 years old, or it may be combined with acupuncture.
Acutonics
Tuning Forks
Acutonics Tuning Forks produce a comfortable vibratory sensation and can be used on acupuncture points instead of or in addition to needles. The sensation they produce is therapeutic, and well-loved by adults and children alike! They can be the central focus of the treatment or can be a supplemental therapy added on as necessary.
Craniosacral Therapy
Upledger Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, light-touch technique that is safe for all ages and stages of life. It is firmly rooted in physical anatomy, but the benefits of treatments often go far beyond, with people often noting improvements not only on a physical level, but mentally and emotionally as well.
Genevieve's training with the Upledger Institute includes specialized training in the treatment of infants, children and pregnant women. Craniosacral therapy can be performed on its own or in combination with acupuncture.