Krista George Registered Acupuncturist

From Krista

Looking for a great way to relax & de-stress? Try a gentle Tui-Na Microsystem Massage for the Head/Scalp/Neck. This treatment includes an acupressure massage of your face, scalp, neck & shoulders. You will fall into a state of absolute relaxation while activating the natural healing processes of your entire body. Special attention can be paid to areas of personal concern to you (such as headaches, sinus issues, insomnia...) or just let your body do what it needs to do. This massage is a giant step toward personal rejuvenation and self-care. Destress, sleep better and relieve pain.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Modalities:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the use of very fine, single-use needles that are inserted through the skin and directly into the desired acupuncture point. According to Chinese medicine, the normal functioning of the body depends on a balance of yin and yang energy. Acupuncture works to restore normal functioning by stimulating certain points along the meridians in order to free up the flow of Qi.

The practitioners may also use heat, pressure, massage, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate the points. Acupuncture activates our body’s natural defense mechanisms and can increase the function of specific systems (lymphatic, endocrine, digestive, circulatory & immune system).

Cupping

In a typical cupping session, glass cups are warmed using a flame, which is then placed inside the cup. The flame removes all the oxygen, therefore, creating a vacuum when the cups are then placed on the body. The vacuum created anchors the cup and pulls the skin up inside. By drawing up the skin you open up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body.

Depending on the condition being treated, the cups will be left in place from 5 to 10 minutes. Several cups may be placed on a patient’s body at the same time (stationary cupping) or the practitioner may only use 1 or 2 cups and after applying an oil (sometimes medicated or herbal) will slide the cups up and down particular meridians (moving cupping). In China, cupping is used primarily to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and congestion; arthritis; gastrointestinal disorders; and certain types of pain. The back and stomach (and, to a lesser extent, the arms, and legs), are the preferred sites for treatment.
**Generally will cause bruising- which may last for a number of days**

Tui Na (Massage, Bodywork)

Tui Na is a form of Asian bodywork that most closely resembles conventional western massage. Despite the similarities, the intent of Tui Na is more specifically therapeutic than the simple relaxation of a Swedish-style massage. Through Tui Na, we have the ability to focus on specific problems, especially chronic pain associated with the muscles, joints, and skeletal system. It's especially effective for joint pain (such as arthritis), sciatica, muscle spasms, and pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. It also helps chronic conditions such as insomnia, constipation, headaches (including migraines), and the tension associated with stress.
Since Tui Na was developed out of the TCM theory it does not work only on the muscles, bones, and joints but also with the energy of the body (Qi) at a deeper level.

Tui Na uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, as well as a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints & like acupressure, Tui Na directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a healing technique used in Asia by practitioners of Traditional Medicine, in both the clinical setting and in homes, but little known in the West. It involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation where the skin is pressured, in strokes, by a round-edged instrument; that results in the appearance of small red petechiae called 'sha', that will fade in 2 to 3 days.

Raising Sha removes blood stagnation considered pathogenic, promoting normal circulation and metabolic processes. The patient experiences immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, nausea, and so on. Gua Sha is valuable in the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness, upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many other acute or chronic disorders.

**Generally will cause bruising- which may last for a number of days**

Eastern Nutritional counselling

Western nutrition theory focuses more on the concept of a balanced diet based on the 4 food groups and the food pyramid as well as the material food components such as carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.

In the Eastern nutrition view, a balanced diet is based upon the holistic concept of yin and yang and illustrates how thermal nature and flavour of foods influence the body.

Four basic criteria for the energetic classification of foods:

• Thermal nature: Hot, warm, neutral, cool, cold
• Flavour: Sweet, acrid, sour, bitter, salty
• Organ: Spleen, stomach, lung, large/small intestine, kidney, bladder, liver, gallbladder, heart
• A direction of movement: Upbearing, floating, downbearing, falling

*For more information on the above modalities and TCM, please visit our website

Pregnancy Acupuncture

Pregnancy is a natural and wonderful thing, but pregnancy is not always a comfortable process.

General Care Throughout Pregnancy

Many women suffer during their pregnancy with unnecessary symptoms. Acupuncture offers a drug-free and safe method of treatment for ailments like;

• Nausea/Morning sickness
• Heartburn
• Sciatica or low back pain
• Insomnia
• Low energy
• Edema
• Constipation

Pre Labour Acupuncture

Research shows that acupuncture from 37 weeks can result in;

• More effective labour
• Shortened 1st stage of labour
• Reduced induction rates
• Reduced amounts of Oxytocin (when an induction is necessary)
• Reduced epidural rates
• Reduced number of emergency c-sections
• Increased number of normal vaginal births

*Additionally moxa treatment is offered from 34 weeks to treat breech/posterior position babies

Microsystem Massage For the Head/Scalp/Neck/Hands & Feet

• This massage uses Tui Na techniques along the meridians and acupuncture points of your face, scalp, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet.
• You will fall into a state of absolute relaxation while activating the natural healing processes of your entire body.
• Special attention can be paid to areas of personal concern to you (such as headaches, sinus issues, insomnia, anxiety...) or just let your body do what it needs to do.
• This massage is a giant step toward personal rejuvenation and self-care. Destress, sleep better and relieve pain.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion (Moxa) is a form of fire heat treatment that stimulates specific acupuncture points of the body. The most common form of moxa is indirect where the practitioner lights a moxa stick (roughly the shape and size of a cigar) and holds it slightly above the skin (sometimes at a needle location) to bring mild warmth to the area. The intensity of the heat is adjusted according to the patient’s condition and comfort. This therapy causes a gradual localized vasodilatation response. In addition to increasing the local blood flow, it can also be extremely comforting and create a deep relaxation response.

In combination with acupuncture, moxa therapy can be very effective for many diseases and conditions including back pain, muscle stiffness, headaches, migraines, tendonitis, arthritis, digestive disorders, anxiety, and female health problems such as menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and infertility.

Hara Diagnosis

Hara is an abdominal diagnosis that comes from the Japanese line of Oriental Medicine. The diagnosis is done by palpation of the abdomen- where the patient is asked to compare the sensations felt at different locations, each of which specifies particular organ or disharmony in the body. The sensations you might experience are; sharp or dull pain, heaviness, fullness and guarding, among others. The results of this form of diagnosis help to solidify your patterns and offers another layer to the treatment of the root problem.