Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points along the meridians of the body. It has been found to promote natural healing through the release of endorphins for pain management, increased blood circulation, and general physiological balance. A number of sensations may be felt during an acupuncture treatment such as a dull ache, tingling, movement, or itchiness. This is generally an indication that the acupuncture is working; however, at any point a needle can be adjusted or removed depending on an individual’s comfort level. In general, most people find treatment relaxing and restorative.
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can positively affect a wide variety of conditions and symptoms as follows, although not all-inclusive.
Acute and chronic pain
Addiction recovery
Anxiety, depression, PTSD
Arthritis, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
Asthma and allergies
Bell’s palsy
Common cold, sore throat
Digestive problems (i.e., gas, bloating, reflux, constipation, diarrhea)
Ear and eye problems
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia, other autoimmune diseases
Immune system support
Infertility and In-vitro Fertilization
Insomnia
Menstrual and menopausal issues
Nausea, morning sickness
Numbness and tingling
Postpartum depression
Rhinitis, sinusitis
Skin disorders
Stress management
Stroke rehabilitation
Tinnitus
Urinary problems
For complex medical conditions, such as cancer or progressive neurological disorders, acupuncture is often supportive and provided as an adjunct to other medical treatments.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic medical practice that has existed for more than 3,000 years. It is utilized by nearly one-third of the world’s population as a primary health care system or adjunctive therapy. TCM includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition/lifestyle counseling, Tuina massage, cupping, guasha, moxibustion, and Qigong. At the heart of Chinese medicine is the principle of treating the person as an integrated whole in body, mind and spirit. The goal is to return the body to a balanced state by addressing the root cause of illness and dis-ease, not just the symptoms.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is defined as instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae called ‘sha’ representing extravasation of blood in the hypodermis. Gua Sha is an important hands-on medical treatment that has been used throughout Asia for centuries. The benefits of Gua Sha are numerous and include reduced spasms and pain, stimulation of the immune system and enhanced microcirculation. Gua Sha upregulates heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), that acts to reduce internal organ inflammation, for example, in cases of asthma, hepatitis and liver disease. For more information, visit www.guasha.com or view the Gua Sha Handout below.
Qigong
For those of you unfamiliar with Qigong (pronounced "chee gong"), it is a moving form of meditation and translates as "energy cultivation or practice". There are over 3,000 forms of Qigong dating back thousands of years. It is a mind-body-spirit practice that improves mental, emotional and physical health through the integration of posture, movement, breath work, self-massage, sound and focused intention. Incorporating a daily Qigong practice can improve, sustain and maximize overall well-being.
Prescriptive Medical Qigong exercises are taught based upon Eastern medicine diagnosis and tailored to your health goals. Private and two-person instruction available in 30- or 60-minute sessions.
BEMER Vascular Therapy
BEMER is designed to improve blood circulation thereby supporting the body’s natural self-regulating processes. This is necessary to ensure optimal levels of health and fitness. For more information, please refer to https://life.bemergroup.com and/or check out research conducted since 1998 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed.
At Gig Harbor Acupuncture & Holistic Health, we offer one complimentary BEMER session. Come check it out!
Microneedling / Nano Needling
Natural facial rejuvenation without surgery or injections. Microneedling, aka Collagen Induction Therapy, facilitates topical serum absorption by 3,000%. It is defined as the insertion of very fine short needles into the skin creating small vertical channels causing the skin to respond with increased collagen production and new skin cells. Specially crafted lab grade TCM serums, including apple stem cells, are incorporated for best results. For results lasting 3-5 years, microneedling should be done once monthly for 4-6 consecutive months. Maintenance treatments can occur as needed and nano needling can be done weekly to speed up and enhance results. Nano-needling uses the same type of oscillating motion to treat the skin but with a cartridge that encompasses 81 silicone tips.
Treatments:
- Wrinkles, fine lines
- Age spots (hyperpigmentation)
- Under eye bags, puffiness, dark circles
- Loose, sagging skin
- Acne reduction, scarring
- Hair loss, alopecia
- Stretch marks, body scars
Benefits:
- Improves skin texture & tone
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Increases cell turnover
- Rejuvenates skin
- Promotes hair growth
- Immediate glow
- Minimal to no downtime
Red, Yellow and Blue Light Therapies
Light therapies are a stand alone treatment or they can be incorporated into microneedling, infrared or acupuncture sessions. Each light has a different wavelength, indicated for various conditions. Blue light (wavelength 423 nm) is used primarily for acne and bacteria. Yellow light (wavelength 583 nm) is best suited for rosacea, bruising, spider veins and heat or redness. Red light (wavelength 640 nm) is best known for facilitating skin cell regeneration, improving circulation, improving acne and wound healing, decreasing wrinkles and increasing collagen production by up to 200%. Light therapies are good for skin, hair, anti-aging, weight loss, sleep, immunity, arthritis and injury recovery. Most clinical trials have found that it takes about 10 sessions to see results.
Infrared Crystal Mat Therapy
This can be a stand alone treatment or added to any acupuncture, microneedling or light therapy session. There are seven different crystals in the infrared mat that correspond to each of the chakras. Benefits include reduced inflammation, deep tissue regeneration, improved circulation and body detoxification, improved quality of sleep and increased metabolism.
Contact us for a free consultation, pricing/packages and scheduling.
Infrared Sauna
Historically saunas have been used for detoxification for centuries in a variety of cultures. Sauna therapy has long been recommended by holistic health practitioners because of its known effect in removing heavy metals and other environmental toxins, including mold, plastics, and other chemicals that have become part of modern life. Benefits for regular IR sauna include weight loss, anti-aging, heart health, pain management, mental emotional stability, sleep, muscle recovery and immunity. The health benefits increase with regular use over time.
Select one of six health programs and know the warmth you feel is delivering what you need in a precise combination of near, mid and far infrared wavelengths at the optimal dosage for each health focus, based on clinical studies:
- Detoxification
- Weight Loss
- Cardio
- Anti-Aging
- Pain Management
- Relaxation
Take refuge from stress, reclaim your peace, and take care of your body and mind inside a peaceful sauna sanctuary. There’s no unbearable heat. Enveloped in gentle, therapeutic infrared warmth, you’ll love how you feel during and after your session.