Other Therapies
by Metis Acupuncture Clinics, 503.819.2904
Chinese Medicine includes many other therapies.
In addition to acupuncture, we offer the following therapies at our clinics:
- Breathing Exercises
- Electro-Acupuncture
- Herbal Prescriptions
- Moxibustion
- Nutrition
- Stretching
- Tuina or Chinese Bodywork
Below is information about our lesser known, non-acupuncture therapies:
Herbal Prescriptions
Herbal prescriptions or formulas are combinations of herbs used to treat various conditions ranging from the common cold to infertility. Currently, more than 30,000 herbs exist in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Combinations of these herbs are an excellent way to treat an individual’s entire constitution and not just the chief complaint. Often Chinese herbal formulas combined with expert acupuncture treatments can be an excellent treatment plan for patients to enjoy maximum relief from their conditions.
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture, versus acupuncture without electric current passing through it, is often used to break up scar tissue/adhesions from surgery and/or from a stroke. It is also used to reduce inflammation and to treat female infertility. Electro-acupuncture works by increasing blood flow to the affected areas by sending therapeutic electric currents to the affected areas.
Tuina or Chinese Bodywork
Tuina is used to adjust and realign bones and muscles into place. It is also used to relieve muscle spasm, strain, and/or injury. Tuina is a type of Chinese bodywork which encompasses the principles of acu-pressure, massage, and slow-moving techniques into one therapy.
At Metis Acupuncture Clinics, if we feel that you are a candidate for bodywork, we are happy to provide Chinese bodywork for you and/or offer you a referral for chiropractic care and/or massage. We have relationships with many of the chiropractors and massage therapists in the area. Many times, acupuncture combined with chiropractic care and massage yields acupuncture patients’ long-term results for their various conditions.
Moxibustion
Moxa, or the herb Artemesia Vulgaris, is used as a warming agent on the body to move blood, body fluid, and other nutrients to the affected areas. Often, when there is pain, inflammation, and/or cold sensation in the body, moxa can be an excellent approach towards moving nutrients to the affected tissues. Often acupuncture combined with moxibustion can reduce pain very quickly.
Nutrition
Nutrition is used to treat the body’s constitution naturally with foods. Once we determine your constitution, we can advise you of healthy foods to eat. It is important to note that nutritional changes, which are lifestyle in nature, may yield slower results than the acupuncture for various conditions. However, nutritional results, which may be slow in nature, often lay the foundation for a long-term solution. Often, at Metis Acupuncture Clinics, nutritional counseling is provided along with the acupuncture treatments.