Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Techniques, Procedure Descriptions, Expected Discomforts and Risks
Acupuncture
Most styles of acupuncture involve the insertion of very fine needles into specific acupuncture points located around the body or on the ear. There are many different lengths and gauges of needles used. They are all sterilized, disposable, one-time-use needles. These are standard procedures designed to maximize the cleanliness and hygiene of the acupuncture treatment.
The insertion of acupuncture needles can range from being completely painless to eliciting some momentary sharp sensations, which usually disappear as soon as the needle has penetrated the skin. Subsequent needle stimulation by the practitioner can elicit a range of sensations from a dull ache to tingling sensations around the needle.
Since acupuncture points lie on meridians, it is not unusual for the patient to feel the propagation of sensations to other parts of the body.
It is most common for the patient, once the needles have been inserted, to feel deeply relaxed. Should any feelings of discomfort develop or persist, alert your practitioner. They may be able to lessen the discomfort.
Occasionally, the removal of an acupuncture needle can produce a hematoma or bruise under the skin. These are temporary and usually disappear within a few days.
Moxibustion
Traditional moxibustion involves burning the herb mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris) to produce heat on or around specific points or regions of the body. There are many different moxibustion techniques.
For indirect moxibustion treatments, the moxa is placed in a ball on the head of an acupuncture needle or on top of a barrier (such as a slice of ginger or salt), which rests on the skin. When direct moxa is used, the moxa is placed directly on the skin. The heat generated from moxa treatments is usually comfortable and, often, enjoyable for the patient. On occasion it may produce discomfort.
Usually when it reaches this point, the attending practitioner will terminate the procedure immediately. On rare occasions direct moxibustion techniques may leave small blisters on the skin which typically takes 5-8 days to heal. As with any form of heat, there is a risk of burn; however, Moxa burns at a relatively low temperature, so the risk is low.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a massage technique, which involves scraping the skin (to which a lubricant such as Vaseline jelly or massage oil has been applied) using the edge of a porcelain spoon in a repeated fashion.
This procedure is used to remove what in TCM is referred to as stagnation. It may produce redness, dark red or even purple area on the skin that can remain for 1-5 days following the treatment. A slight bruising and tenderness may persist after the treatment.
Cupping techniques involve the application of suction to areas of the body to relieve what is referred to in TCM as stagnation. This promotes the circulation of Qi in the area treated. Glass or plastic cups are applied to the designated area and suction is created within the cups.
If the cups are not moved, this is referred to as stationary cupping. If a lubricant is applied to the body and the cup is slowly moved over an area, this is referred to as the moving cup method. Cupping techniques may produce a red or purple color on the body area treated. This may remain for 1-5 days following treatment.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation of inserted acupuncture needles may be used. This typically produces a vibrating or tapping sensation on the needles, which is slightly felt by the patient. The attending practitioner typically increases the current gradually until the patient first feels a sensation. At this point, the current is held steady for a period of time.
Intradermals and Press Tacks.
Intradermals are tiny sterile stainless steel needles that are inserted very superficially, just under the skin, at an oblique angle into the skin. Press tacks are inserted perpendicularly into the skin. The head of the needle is a flat ‘O’ shape. In the case of intradermals, once the needle is inserted, one piece of tape is positioned below the needle head to protect the skin and another is placed over the needle to hold it in place. In the case of press tacks, a piece of tape is placed over the needle head to hold it in place.
Intradermals and press tacks stimulate the acupuncture points by their presence in the skin. They may be used on body points. Intradermals may also be used on ear points. They should not be manually stimulated, since this could cause irritation to the skin and/or dislodge the needle.
Once in place, you should not be aware of an intradermal or press tack. Although problems with intradermal needles are rare, daily examinations are important. Remove the intradermal immediately if it causes you any discomfort. Remove it also if you notice any swelling or redness in the area. Minor itching or irritation could indicate an allergy to the adhesive tape.
Remove the intradermal or press tack and alert the therapist to the possibility that you may have an adhesive allergy. Pain, soreness, heat or itching either persistent or to the touch may indicate an infection. If any of these symptoms are present in the ear, a physician should be consulted.
You may wash and shower when you have intradermals or press tacks in. However, avoid vigorous washing or scrubbing of areas where intradermals have been applied. If an intradermal or press tack becomes loose, do not try to reinsert it. Normally, intradermals or press tacks should be left in for a maximum of 3 days.
Press Balls
Press balls are very tiny stainless steel, silver or gold balls held in place with adhesive tape. Press balls are positioned over the same ear acupuncture points used for needling.
To stimulate the point, gently massage the press ball for 15-30 seconds. You may do this periodically throughout the day. Once in place, you should not be aware of a press ball.
Remove the press ball immediately if it causes you any discomfort. Remove it also if you notice any swelling or redness in the area. Minor itching or irritation could indicate an allergy to the adhesive tape. Remove the press ball and alert the researcher to the possibility that you may have an adhesive allergy. Pain, soreness, heat or itching either persistent or to the touch may indicate an infection. If any of these symptoms are present in the ear, a physician should be consulted.
You may wash and shower when you have press balls in. However, avoid vigorous washing or scrubbing of areas where press balls have been applied. If a press ball becomes loose, do not try to reapply it. Normally, press balls should be left in for a maximum of 3 days.
Tui-Na and Acupressure / Shiatsu Massage
Tui Na massage is a Chinese massage technique and Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique. Both involve the manual massage of specific acupuncture points and meridians.
Herbal Decoctions, Powders and Patent Remedies
The use of herbs involves a sophisticated system of natural medicine using plant extracts and herbs to help treat physical and mental disorders. Herbalists use the 'whole' herb or plant rather than isolating and breaking down chemical compounds and then synthesizing them. Herbs are usually prescribed in tincture, powder, fluid extract or capsule form, which may then be made into a tea by the patient.
Chinese Herbal Medicine is used as a supplement to Acupuncture. The History and findings of Herbal Medicine has been documented for thousands of years.
A variety of similar exercise regimens shown by your Master Therapist.
