Heather Forgey
MTWPAM Registered Massage Therapist
Kripalu-inspired Certified Yoga Instructor
Student Acupuncturist through CCATCM
What is Acupuncture? What would I use it for?
Basically, Acupuncture is the application of VERY fine needles (1/10th the size you see at the doctor's office) to various specific points all over the body to bring the body and its systems back into balance. Some people feel nothing at all when the needles are applied, some may hurt as well (however this is a sign that those points need the attention that much more); once the needles are in and you are comfortable, you are left to relax for a short while to allow the effects to settle in. It is important that you come to treatments as rested, fed, and hydrated as possible, to imporve the efficacy of your treatments.
A better question would be what NOT to use it for! The key to remember is that Traditional Chinese Medicine views disease and symptoms much differently than Western Medicine, in that what we here in the West have been taught is "just getting old" or nothing of consequence, is actually the first signs of the imbalances which lead to disease. That dry hair or skin, brittle nails, lingering cough after colds or susceptibility to colds/flus, aches and pains, energy level changes throughout the day... all of these seemingly little things tell us something about your overall health and internal balances. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can also be used for more acute or serious issues as well however.
There are also a few other tools in our bag of tricks to utilize as well to help you feel your best:
Acupressure Massage
Acupressure massage is the use of the hands, fingers, elbows, and occationally other massage implements to stimulate the Acupoints and meridian lines. Although the effects are not as strong as with the needling of Acupuncture, this can be a great way to introduce yourself to this amazing healing methodology. It can be used for both general relaxation, as well as for various pain conditions.
Cupping
Cupping has been used for thousands of years to help relieve stagnation and pain throughout the body. It is the use of suction to draw toxins and stagnant fluids up to the surface of the skin to be cleared away by the lymphatic system; it also opens the pores, releases muscular and fascial tensions, and improves general circulation. There are various kinds of cups; at the college we use the fire cupping method, which uses fire to draw the oxygen out of glass cups to create the suction. Should a patient have such stagnation in the effected areas, this technique may leave red or purple circles in the affected areas for up to approximately one week after treatment (these marks themselves are not 'bruises', however occationally some bruising may occur around them as well). Always keep treated areas covered for at least a day or two after treatment to assist healing in the effected areas, and make sure to stay well hydrated to help with the detoxifying effects.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha, also known as 'scraping,' is the use of massage tools which scrape or roll over tissues to release restrictions and stagnation. Lotion is applied, then a Gua Sha tool is scraped accross the skin to produce 'sha', or redness similar to that produced through cupping. The skin should not be damaged during Gua Sha (that's what the lotion is for), and the redness is from stagnant fluids and toxins being brought up to the surface to be cleansed away by the lymphatics; these areas may develop occational bruising after treatment (just like cupping), and may be tender the following day (just like massage). In many ways, Gua Sha is like a combination of massage and cupping in this way, as it works into muscle tissues deeply, but also draws up any fluids which may be reinforcing tensions or adhesions in the area. Gua Sha has many uses, including cosmetics and pain relief. Hydration after treatment is again, very important to getting the most benefit from the treatment, as well as to prevent and treat any post-treatment soreness which may develop, and help clear the Sha.
Want to give it a try???
Come out to the student clinic for a treatment! Treatments there are only $30 for 1 hour, including any of these modalities during your time with us (depending on the training of the student practitioner you see).
Don't hesitate to contact me should you have any questions about any of these modalities, or Traditional Chinese Medicinal theory or techniques in general!
For more information on the student clinic locations, hours, and contact information, or the college in general:
http://www.ccatcm.ca/clinics/student-clinic