at Inspirit Common (a store) on Route 9 in Hadley, MA. ~ phone 413-575-5563

Qi Therapy Acupuncture Treatments and Techniques

Japanese Acupuncture

Japanese Acupuncture utilizes the knowledge from traditional acupuncture along with modern clinically proven techniques to strengthen the body, to move the stagnation that can cause pain and to balance the meridians of the body. It promotes health and healing in a subtle and profound manner.

In general the needles for Japanese Acupuncture are inserted only very shallowly into the body. The core techniques of the Japanese Toyohari Association require only a gentle touch or slight indentation of the skin with a soft silver needle. (Many other techniques utilize an insertion depth of about 1/8 of an inch.) This results in greater comfort for the patient while still affecting the patient’s ‘qi’ (vital energy) at a deep level.

Child Friendly Techniques

I use the term child friendly techniques for treatment methods that do not require the insertion of needles. Gentle touching techniques, specialized tools that stroke but do not pierce the skin, magnets and warming techniques are all included in this category.

Depending on the patient they may be combined with a treatment that requires only a very few needles. In all cases the patient’s feedback helps to determine the course of their care. I especially recommend child friendly techniques for needle shy children and for the child in all of us.

QI gong

Qi gong is a Chinese exercise form that aids health by promoting the free and balanced flow of qi in the body. It involves gentle movements coordinated with one’s breath and mind. Qi gong is performed in a slow and meditative fashion and is suitable for all ages.

I offer private lessons and when appropriate include instruction with my acupuncture treatments. Together the acupuncture and the qi gong support each other and allow the patient to become actively involved in their own care.

Toyohari

The Japanese Toyohari Association was founded by blind practitioners of acupuncture. Their techniques have now spread all around the world. The society continues to research and study ways to refine their methods. In their own words, "Hari works (by) fortifying vital energy and rebuilding the physical constitution."
Many of the Toyohari techniques do not require that needles be inserted. Rather the needle is placed against the skin in order to stimulate appropriate acupuncture points, revitalize and balance the qi and to relieve stagnation. The body is then better able to heal itself.

Needle insertion

While acupuncture can involve a variety of treatment methods it is most closely and most often associated with the insertion of needles. The needles that are inserted are very thin, filiform (solid) and sterile. They are placed into selected and known points of the body where they promote a healing process and can relieve pain. Generally the insertion of these needles is painless, however every patient is different and some may experience a momentary discomfort. This usually passes quickly. Other normal sensations with the insertion of the needles includes a feeling of warmth, a dull aching or a tingling feeling at the site of the insertion or along the associated acupuncture meridian.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the burning of an herb, moxa, either on the head of the needle or against the skin. Most often this involves only tiny threads of the moxa. With proper technique it is often a pleasant treatment that gives a mild warming feeling and carries little risk of causing a burn. Moxa is an herb from the chrysanthemum family. It warms, increases the circulation of qi and blood, strengthens yang and helps to prevent disease.

Cupping

Cupping is a technique that is not unique to acupuncture. It is used to promote the flow of qi and blood in the meridians. Glass or plastic cups are placed against the skin with an internal vacuum. While this does leave marks on the skin they generally resolve in a few days.

Gua sha

Gua sha is also a technique that promotes the movement of qi and blood. It is a scraping technique done with oil to protect the skin. It often feels like a deep massage in a short amount of time. Gua sha, most often performed on the back, leaves the skin looking slightly bruised and the patient generally feeling very good. Like cupping the marks soon resolve on their own.

Tui na

Tui na is Chinese massage. Depending on the technique and the site where it is performed it is applies either with or without oil. Tui na can warm muscles and relieve stiffness. As for the above techniques it can be an aid in relieving stagnation and promoting the free flow of qi. It is very gentle and feel very good.