Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into the superficial skin, subcutaneous tissue, or muscles depending on the condition or point. Often needles are manipulated in order to stimulate "Qi", the energy of the body. The number of needles used also depends on the illness treated and the condition of the patient.
Facial Rejuvenation
The face and other areas are treated using special techniques that lessens the appearance of fine lines as well as deeper wrinkles.
Tui Na Massage
Tui na is a medical massage that is often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, but can be used for many other conditions. This Asian bodywork is generally a vigorous massage that focuses on acupressure, and joint, muscle and sinew manipulation. Application can be directly to the skin or over clothing. Herbal compresses, ointments, and heating pads can also be applied to enhance treatment.
Cupping
Cupping is a technique that employs cups that are placed on the skin under suction. The vacuum that is created will draw toxins and stagnation up to the surface of the skin to be removed by circulation. This procedure can often leave red marks that will persist for several days.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a massage technique, similar to cupping, that uses a piece of smooth material like stone or bone to release obstructions. Gua Sha can often treat areas that cupping cannot reach. A oil lubricant is used to smooth the scraping sensation, but redness can often persist after treatment.
Chinese Nutrition & Herbs
The healing qualities of food and herbs re-balance energy in the body. Dr. Foss can create diets and recommend patent medicines that can be used on a short term basis to re-balance the digestion and metabolism in the body.
Qigong/ Tai Chi
These low impact, movement based meditations can be taught to reduce stress, promote proper circulation, improve bone density, strength and balance.
Electroacupuncture
A very low strength of electrical current added to acupuncture is used for painful muscle spasms, neurological disorders, skin conditions, kidney stones, and acute nausea caused by cancer medications. There is also evidence that electrical stimulation lowers blood pressure and reduces heart disease.
Moxibustion
Moxabustion is a therapy that involves burning a herb called mugwort root to facilitate healing. It is used to warm and invigorate the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi, and strengthen the constitution of patients.
Is It Safe?
Acupuncture is considered safe when performed by an experienced practitioner using sterile needles. Make sure you ask the person who is performing your treatment, if they are a Traditional Chinese Medicine Board Certified and Licensed acupuncture practitioner (3 year university degree program). Many individuals who perform acupuncture do not have this degree training, and are only trained in "dry needling", which is not the same training and is a very short training eduaction.
Occasionally marks such as bruising, redness, cupping circles or other associated temporary side-effects can occur as part of normal treatment.
Keep in Mind
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
