What is Qi?
Qi
(pronounced "chee") is our vital energy that flows throughout the body. Qi circulates through specific pathways
called meridians. Meridians pathways transport life giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, organ, gland tissue and
muscle.
When Qi flows freely through the body, one enjoys good physical,
mental and emotional well-being. Many things can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Physical and emotional
trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, change in season, diet, or accidents.
What can I expect on the first visit?
During the initial visit a full health history will be taken. You and the acupuncturist will sit together
and talk about any questions or concerns that you might have. Questions will be asked about your symptoms and overall health.
Your acupuncturist will also check your pulses and tongue to prepare a comprehensive diagnosis. After the interview process
you will receive a treatment. Your treatment may last for about an hour. You may have a treatment on one or both sides.
How
many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies from person to person.
Some may experience relief after just one session, others may feel results following several appointments about a week apart.
The number of treatments varies from person to person. We offer packages of 3, 5, or 10 to bring down the cost of treatments.
Some patients prefer to supplement Community Acupuncture in between private sessions as well.
What
should I expect to feel during a treatment
- Come with any questions you have.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- If hungry, eat a
small meal around your visit.
- Refrain from overexertion following visit.
- Make time to relax, be sure to get plenty of rest.
- Make
a note of any changes between visits.
How safe is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture
is extremely safe. It is an all natural, drug free therapy, yielding no side effects. The Acupuncturists needles are sterile,
used once and then discarded.
What is cupping?
Cupping is designed to stimulate
the flow of Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used in cases of sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common
cold. A plastic cup is placed on a specific area of your body. The practitioner then creates a vacuum under the cup
using suction. There may be a slight redness that will quickly dissipate.
What is Gwa Sha?
Gwa Sha is a technique used to release muscle tension, tightness and constriction. A specialized tool is used
to gently scrape or rub the skin over the problem area. Gwa Sha feels a bit like a deep massage.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be used on the needle or above
the skin to "warm" the acupuncture points in order to quicken the healing process.
What are the benefits of massage?
The field of therapeutic massage and bodywork draws from
touch therapies of both Western and non-Western traditions. Practitioners incorporate knowledge of anatomy, physiology and
pathology to address soft tissue dysfunctions, stress related conditions and energy imbalances.
Massage
therapy has been shown effective in:
- Relieving back pain
- Boosting immune system
- Reducing anxiety
- Lowering blood pressure
- Treating migraines
- Decreasing carpal tunnel symptoms
- Easing post-operative
pain
- Alleviating side effects of cancer
What Should Someone
Expect from their Massage & Massage Therapist?
- A clean, safe and comfortable
environment before, during and after the massage
- Respect, courtesy, confidentiality
and dignity
- Privacy while changing and right to remove clothing only to your
level of comfort for the massage
- Draped appropriately by a sheet, towel or blanket,
with only the area being massaged exposed
- A licensed/registered/certified professional
massage therapist, working within their scope of practice and in an ethical manner
- Option
to ask questions of the massage therapist
- Determine if there will be conversation,
music or quiet during the massage
- An explanation of the nature of the massage
and techniques to be used in advance of starting the massage
What should I expect following the massage?
Massage and bodywork can be profoundly relaxing,
affecting all your bodies systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up. After an initial period of
feeling slowed down, people can experience an increase in energy that can last for several days. Sometimes you may not
feel dramatic results right away. Watch for changes over the following days, such as pain relief, increased mobility, or reduced
stress.
Why is national certification in massage important?
National certification sets high standards for massage and bodywork practitioners. It protects
consumers and employers by ensuring that certified practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their
job.