Therapies

Acupuncture is the most well known of the Eastern medical techniques. In traditional treatment it involves the insertion of hair thin needles at specific points that allow a practitioner to manipulate the qi and hence the physiology and functions of the human body. The exact bio-mechanism is still a mystery to modern science, but many interesting theories exist. Acupoints used can be meridian points that are often used for systemic issues, or trigger and pain points for muscular issues.. Electrical stimulation is frequently and effectively used for the latter and involves a micro-current to stimulate the mal-functioning tissues.

These are primarily plant and mineral substances that are used as medicine to rectify biochemical imbalances in the organs, tissues and fluids. Remedies are typically composed of several to over twenty herbal ingredients that are customized to the patient’s needs and constitution. Traditionally, these ingredients were raw or dried, then boiled into a soup called a decoction. Modern techniques usually use pre-decocted dried ingredients in powder or pill form that are much more convenient. These are typically taken orally with a bit of warm water.

Oriental bodywork has been documented as an effective medicine in its own right as far back as 2000 years (Huang Di Nei Jing). It is quite varied and goes by numerous names; Tuina, Anmo, Moshou. Over the years it found its way to Korea and Japan where it is the ancestor to Amma and Shiatsu therapy. It combines use of the meridian system using acupoints with physical manipulation of the muscles, bones and fascia.

As with herbal medicines, foods have specific properties and if they are used appropriately they can rectify systemic problems, including digestive, insomnia, allergy, sweating and skin problems to name just a few.. The use of food as medicine is closely tied to your digestive system and to how your metabolism is operating. For example, some people have hot constitutions, the use of frequent and large amounts of spicy foods will usually cause trouble, especially in the summer. In Oriental medicine, we use the diagnostic “pattern” that we develop from our intake to direct herbal or other treatments, it also allows us to recommend appropriate dietary changes.

Qi Gong is a gentle and profoundly beneficial form of exercise. It requires little external movement but generates internal energy and builds stamina. If done regularly it can reduce stress, strengthen immunity, help regenerate injured organs and tissues, revitalize the nervous system and relieve chronic illness. Typically Qi Gong is taught and practiced in groups or individually, but in clinic, Kurt often teaches specific exercises after treatment when they are deemed to be particularly helpful for a condition.

Moxibustion is the burning of mugwort leaf or ai ye in various forms. It usually accompanies other treatments and is used to remove stasis and promote circulation, to warm the channels and disperse cold. It is very effective when used where there is pain in a tissue or an organ dysfunction due to a lack of physiological vigor or lack of circulation and warmth.

Cupping is a very old technique involving the placement of glass, plastic, porcelain or bamboo cups on the body in a vacuum state. Suction is usually created with a flame or with a small pump. The cups can be stationary, sliding or walked around. Traditional therapeutic benefits include the promotion of circulation, dispersal of stasis and accumulated tissues, reduction of swelling and pain and the drawing out of toxins and pathogens if they are superficial.

The use of sound and vibration has been used extensively for healing therapies since the dawn of time. In a modern incarnation of this, specialized tuning forks can apply specific physical vibration frequencies to various points throughout the body. These have the effect of releasing stress, tension and blockage where we may not be aware thus harmonizing the body with the mind and emotions.

This practice gently works with the spine and the cranium and its sutures and fascia. It allows the restrictions of nerve passages to be eased and the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord to be optimized. Physically the therapy involves the placing of hands on the patients head, spine, sacrum or other connective structures and working with the natural craniosacral rhythm. Touch is very light, typically around 5 grams. This treatment is subtle and has been used to treat headaches, TMJ, migraines, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions, mental stress, neck and back pain.