Traditional Acupuncture
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture helps to reestablish homeostasis by balancing the body's Qi, Blood, and Essence. From a more western perspective, acupuncture activates the immune system, decreases inflammation, releases endorphins, decreases cortisol, and helps patients shift out of “fight or flight” and into “rest and digest”.
Orthopedic Acupuncture
Orthopedic acupuncture, often referred to as "dry needling," is used to treat sports injuries, repetitive stress injuries, and chronic pain. These treatments utilize trigger points, muscle motor points, and nerve pathways in the fascia. It alleviates pain by releasing endogenous opioids and endorphins, decreases inflammation in the area, and to stimulates the immune system to initiate healing.
Tui Na Massage
Tui Na (pronounced 'tway nah'), translated as 'push and grasp', is an ancient form Chinese orthopedic massage that is very similar to today’s Active Release techniques. It’s a dynamic bodywork method that utilizes acupressure, stretching, and joint mobilizations, which affect soft tissue (muscle and tendons), improve the flow of Qi and blood to the affected area, break down scar tissue, and realign muscle fibers. It’s great for the treatment of tendonitis and muscle strain, arthritis, sprains, post-operative healing, back pain, cramping, and more.
Cupping
Cupping is becoming very popular among physical therapists and sports doctors for its many healing benefits. Small dome-shaped glass cups are used to create a vacuum and then are quickly and painlessly placed on the skin. It feels like a suction cup! By creating high tension inside the cup, the surrounding muscle tissue is forced to release. It also creates space between your skin and muscle tissue thereby increasing circulation, breaking up scar tissue and fascia, and removing toxins. Cupping can leave a light red to dark purple mark at the cupping site. This is a normal reaction and is simply blood under the surface of the skin. These marks will fade after one day to a little over a week.
Corrective Exercises
Muscle imbalances lead to poor movement. Poor movement leads to injuries. As a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Brenda enjoys giving her patients stretches and exercises to safely and effectively speed their healing time and decrease the risk of re-injury. Knowing when to stretch, how to stretch, and what muscles to strengthen will effectively get you back to top health.
Chinese Herbs, Supplements, and Nutrition
Taking herbal formulas is the best way to extend the benefits of an acupuncture treatment while also being a powerful healing force all on their own. Brenda offers custom and patented formulas in pill and powder form, whichever you prefer. They can also be drop shipped right to you so refills are always easy. Supplements like vitamins and minerals are also very important for optimal health. If you are prescribed supplements, be assured that only the highest quality brands will be used to ensure their potency and safety.
In Chinese medicine, looking at a patient’s diet is one of the first places we go when there are disharmonies in the body. Although in the west we often think a salad and a cold glass of water is a healthy meal, this may not be true for everybody. We are unique people and so are our digestive systems. It’s equally important to have a meal plan that suits your body, condition, and health goals.