Modalities to successfully treat chronic pain, anxiety and stress, insomnia, reproductive health issues, addiction, and more. Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Cupping, Moxa. Providence, RI.
Modalities to successfully treat chronic pain, anxiety and stress, insomnia, reproductive health issues, addiction, and more. Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Cupping, Moxa. Providence, RI.
Acupuncture is one of several components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves the insertion of very fine, sterile, single use acupuncture needles at specific points on the body, which correspond to a patient’s ailment or area of concern. Most patients experience no pain from insertion, others may feel a pinch, warm sensation at the site, or a sensation at a distal (other area) of the body. Any discomfort is brief; inserted needles should be undetectable by the patient. Most patients feel extremely relaxed once the needles have been inserted, and typically fall asleep during treatment. Acupuncture may be used in conjunction with other modalities, such as herbal medicine, Ontake/Moxa, Tui na, and cupping.
Effective in treating: A wide range of conditions, such as: musculoskeletal pain, asthma, irregular/painful menstrual cycles, infertility, migraines, insomnia, stress, anxiety, PTSD, symptoms of cold & flu, digestive disorders, side effects from cancer treatments, post-surgery healing, addiction, and side effects from smoking/substance cessation, and more.
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine: Treats the underlying cause of illness and disease in the body, rather than the symptoms. Unlik over the counter herbal remedies, TCM practitioners create a unique, custom formula for each patient based on what the patient needs to regain health and harmony in the body. In this way, herbal medicine supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Special consideration is given to any Western medications/supplements a patient may be taking to prevent interactions. During your appointment, we will discuss which of the 3 forms your formula will come in: raw herbs (brewed into a “tea”); powdered herbs (to be mixed with water or other beverage); or patent herbs (in capsule form). All of our herbs come from Massachusetts-based Crane Herb Company to ensure safety, purity and potency. May be used in conjunction with acupuncture and/or any of the modalities listed on this page. Herbal appointments can be done by telemedicine or in person. While herbal appointments are considerably shorter than other modalities, a significant amount of time goes into creating custom formulas, and pricing for these appointments is a reflection of that. Please remember that the cost of your appointment does not include the cost of your herbal prescription.
Effective in treating: chronic conditions such as asthma, migraines, allergies; side effects from cancer treatments; addiction and substance cessation; menstrual cycle discomfort; infertility; digestive issues and more.
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy that uses Moxa (dried Chinese Mugwort (Artemisiae argyi Folium) which is burned on or near the skin, or sometimes on the tip of an inserted acupuncture needle. Moxa warms and invigorates the flow of Qi in the body and dispels certain pathogenic influences.
Effective in treating: arthritis digestive problems, gynecological and obstetrical conditions, and more.
Ontake is a form of Moxibustion. This technique from Japan utilizes bamboo tubes filled with Moxa. The practitioner taps, rolls, and presses a warm, Moxa-filled tube along the acupressure meridians in a rhythmic pattern (often using a metronome) in what is known as Dr. Manaka’s meridian frequencies. The combination of rhythm, heat, frequency and pressure triggers rapid shifts in body condition and mood. This modality is extremely relaxing. All Ontake equipment is UV sterilized in between appointments.
Effective in treating: stress, muscle tension and pain, as well as to move Qi and blood.
In either form of treatment:
May be used in conjunction with acupuncture and/or herbal medicine.
Expect a small amount of smoke and a pleasant smell of burning Moxa, similar to a very mild incense. Ontake produces far less smoke than other techniques using Moxa.
Expect to feel a warming sensation that quickly radiates along the pathway that is receiving treatment. This is a. good sign, indicating the arrival and flow of Qi.
Cupping applies suction to the surface of the body to draw out pathogenic factors or to invigorate the flow of Qi at the surface of the body. Sometimes a lubricant is applied to the skin prior to placing the cups; this allows the cups to be slid back and forth, incorporating friction therapy (gua sha).
Effective in treating: early stage colds and flu, trauma, and muscle pain (especially in the back and shoulders).
Cupping leaves circular marks on the skin which can vary in color and intensity - faint to dark, red to purple. The marks are painless but can resemble bruising. These should fade within a day or two.
May be used in conjunction with any of the other modalities on this page.
Tui na is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapeutic massage and bodywork, sometimes used in conjunction with other modalities. It incorporates gentle pinching, pulling and pressure to address specific patterns of disharmony. As with acupuncture, tui na is used to harmonize yin and yang in the body by manipulating the Qi in the meridians.
Effective in treating: superficial trauma and injury, and a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems. It is an effective treatment for children and those averse to, or unable to tolerate, acupuncture needles.
Rest if you are able. Avoid strenuous activity immediately after your appointment.
Stay hydrated - drink water or caffeine-free herbal teas
Avoid caffeine and alcohol after your appointment
Be kind to yourself - your emotions may feel closer to the surface post-treatment
Some symptoms may intensify before they lessen post-treatment. If you have concerns or questions about what you are experiencing, give us a call.
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