Gua Sha and massage 

In Chinese Medical Theory many types of pain are said to be caused by stagnation. This condition arises when energy or blood becomes trapped in the skin and/or muscle tissue and is unable to move. Gua Sha (pronounced “gwa-shah”) is a technique used to release muscle tightness, pain, and constriction. Gua means to rub or friction, Sha is the term used to describe congestion of blood at the surface of the body. A gua sha tool is used to apply friction in repeated even strokes on the skin over an area where muscles are tense or tight. Red or purple spots will appear in the area, fading into bruise-like patches. The sha usually disappears totally in two to four days. The color and rate of fading are both diagnostic and prognostic indicators.

The technique promotes normal circulation of blood and energy to muscles and organs, helping the body resolve painful stagnation in the tissues. Many people experience a significant release of muscular tension, decreasing stiffness and increasing mobility. Normal metabolic processes are restored by the movement of fluids as nutrients are carried to the tissues and metabolic wastes are carried away.

Moxibustion and heat lamp

Moxibustion, or “moxa”, involves burning an herb called mugwort directly on or above acupuncture points. Moxa adds heat and stimulates the points in a way similar to acupuncture. Like acupuncture, moxa is used for a wide variety of disorders and is effective with many conditions. While needles can move energy and build or “tonify” the organ systems of the body, moxa is a way to actually add energy into the body’s systems.

Moxa produces a sensation of heat and sometimes redness around a particular area but it is not painful and often has a relaxing effect. The use of moxa enhances treatment and often allows the practitioner to use fewer needles than would be required without the moxa.

Soothing, safe infrared heat helps provide effective, temporary relief of minor aches and pains in joints and muscles. It reduces aches and pains associated with arthritis, neuralgia, tennis elbow, gout, tension, bursitis, low back pain, shoulder pain and headaches. For injuries, heat stimulates vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels, bringing oxygen to joints and extremities, relaxing stiff muscles, and speeding the healing of sprains and strains.

Nutritional and exercise recommendations 

At Valley Acupuncture & Healing I believe that a healthy, balanced, whole-foods diet is one of the most important aspects of maintaining health. The digestive system is an integral part of the immune system and plays a significant role in a person’s sense of well-being. For example, scientific evidence has demonstrated that there are more serotonin receptors (for mood regulation, among other benefits) in the gut than in the brain. Thus, a functional digestive system is actually one of the crucial keys to health and happiness.

Yoga classes

I highly recommend yoga classes for helping bring body, mind and spirit into alignment. Receiving hands-on assistance and then learning to feel from within the proper ways of using your musculoskeletal system to hold your body in proper configuration is an important step in releasing long-held tensions.

A regular yoga practice leads to better health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind. Yoga has been shown to provide many physiological and psychological benefits, including helping relieve headaches, chronic pain, colds, insomnia, menstrual cramps, stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and menopausal symptoms. Yoga poses improve cardiovascular, immune, nervous, and digestive system functioning. By practicing yoga on a regular basis, you will not only have more energy and feel more “in your body”, you will also receive greater benefits from your acupuncture treatments. Read more about yoga classes here.

Guided stress reduction techniques involving visualizations 

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