Acupuncture
The details
Acupuncture doesn’t hurt, and you will be amazed at how relaxed you will feel during your session. We insert thin, sterile needles through the skin into therapeutically active anatomical sites. A highly effective for treatment of many conditions, it helps your body heal itself. Acupuncture regulates inflammation, alters nerve signaling, increases blood flow, inhibits pain, restores muscle function, and relaxes the brain.
The types of points that are needled during an acupuncture treatment are chosen based upon your particular condition:
Traditional Eastern acupoints balance the body systemically
Myofascial trigger points and neuromuscular motor points are needled for certain musculoskeletal issues
Auricular points improve communication between your brain and different regions of the body
Neurological points regulate the nervous system and alter pain perception
Depending on your condition and the types of points being needled during your treatment, you won’t typically feel much due to our smooth and gentle techniques. Some points like active trigger points may cause a mild sensation like a dull ache or muscle twitch, a sign your body is responding to the stimulation.
What to expect
During your first appointment consultation we will explain what you should expect in greater detail. If you are nervous about the acupuncture sensation, you have nothing to fear. Please let us know of your concern so we can take extra steps to help you feel more comfortable. We often begin with a few points that are typically not sensitive, then after you realize that it feels fine and you are comfortable, we proceed with the remainder of the treatment. Once the needles are all in, you relax for about 20-30 minutes in acupuncture bliss.
Bodywork
Massage & MFR sessions are now available.
Massage therapy is a custom blend of massage techniques based on your individual needs and preferences. Pressure ranging from lighter to deep tissue, approaches from traditional modalities such as Swedish, Shiatsu, or Sports massage may be applied.
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a safe and very effective hands-on manual therapy technique to relieve pain, improve mobility, and promote soft tissue vitality. It involves applying gentle sustained pressure into restrictions in Myofascial connective tissue. This low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly to connective tissue allows a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate promoting viscous flow and piezoelectric phenomenon to create lasting change in the soft tissues. MFR is also an excellent modality for oncology massage and other conditions requiring gentle techniques.
Cupping is used for back, shoulder, and leg pain conditions. We apply a suction cup over active trigger points to create a deep release of tight or knotted muscle and connective tissue, improve circulation, and helps repair soft tissue damage. It feels like a deep tissue massage but instead of applying pressure and compressing the tissue, the cupping pulls and stretches to decompress the tissue.
Gua Sha is used for neck, shoulder, arm, leg pain, arthritis, tendonitis, and scar tissue. We rub some oil into the skin and scrape the affected area with a tool. This therapy is done quickly and can make a huge difference in pain and myofascial restrictions.
Stretching and exercise is used for muscular imbalances after an acupuncture treatment to improve range of motion and retraining your muscles to move correctly.
Moxibustion is used for arthritis, improving energy, fertility and hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, certain issues during pregnancy, and strengthening the immune system. We warm or burn dried mugwort over specific acupoints during your session to heat the point.
Herbal Medicine
We use extracts in blends of tinctures, capsules, powders, and topical ointments. They are tested for quality and free from heavy metals and impurities.
Herbal medicine is used safely and effectively for many conditions, and we assess for any potential drug-herb interactions. The purpose of herbal medicine is to regulate and restore your body’s function on a systemic level and support the root cause of your symptoms.
Nutrition
In addition to prescribing individualized dietary approaches, we also use supplementation to restore micronutrient levels and naturally regulate body function.
Our dietary philosophy is based upon anti-inflammatory and nutrient dense foods, regular meal times, and digestive support with meals to enhance absorption. When there is an ailment that calls for specific nutrients or signs of underlying imbalances, supplementation is recommended.
Discover your Inner Balance
Give us a call to schedule your unique healing experience at Inner Balance Medicine.
