Lawrence Acupuncture Integrative Health Clinic

Bodywork

Tui Na

Tui Na (pronounced "tway-nah") means "pushing grasping," and is a powerful form of Chinese medical massage that is performed with no oil and with the clothes on. It is a series of techniques that manipulate the soft tissues and fascia, increasing circulation, harmonizing the flow of Qi and blood, relaxing tight muscles, and releasing unnatural holding patterns. When performed on the abdominal region, it can help to balance digestion and elimination and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. Tui Na is particularly effective for conditions involving muscles, tendons and joints, such as structural misalignment, orthopedic problems and sports injuries. It can also be used to treat internal diseases.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping brings fresh blood to the area and helps improve circulation. Traditional cupping, sometimes referred to as “fire cupping," uses heat to create a vacuum-like suction inside of glass cups. In modern times, cups that use a small pump to create suction have also been introduced. The suction gently pulls the skin upward, and thus increases circulation of blood, lymph, pulling out toxins, harmonizing the flow of Qi and blood and releasing tight, sore and painful muscles.

Gua Sha

This technique uses the a blunt edge of a ceramic or jade tool designed to perform a type of deep tissue massage to a specific area of the body. It is excellent in breaking up adhesions and scar tissue, and for treating disorders of the ligaments and tendons. 

Facial Gua Sha involves gentle pressure strokes and massage over lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool often made of rose quartz or jade. Benefits includes depuffing the face by draining lymphatic fluid, helping clear up congested skin, firming sagging skin and jowels and relieving jaw tension.

Moxibustion

This is a very important warming technique in Chinese Medicine, which involves burning a special herb called Moxa (also known as Chinese Mugwort, or Artemesia vulgaris) over specific acupoints on the body. It is used to warm the body and dispel cold, increase circulation, stimulate the immune system and to tonify the Qi or vital energy of the body.