Acupuncture Sherwood, OR

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice, in which very fine needles are gently placed in the body. The needles are packaged, single use, and disposable, every time. Acupuncture is a complementary medicine that is commonly used prior to other body work such as Chiropractic, Physical Therapy and Massage.

When you come in for a treatment as Elite Spine and Sports, your practitioner will do an extensive intake, and then choose specific points catered to you, to help stimulate, move and regulate the flow of energy or “Qi”.

Acupuncture has been proven to help release serotonin, which not only helps contribute to feelings of happiness and wellbeing, but also helps relax the muscles and stimulate the nervous system. Occasionally, your practitioner will use electrical stimulation to help with pain issues. Electrical stimulation is a very gentle technique, where tiny probes are placed on the needles and a very low current is sent through to the muscles. Electrical stimulation helps the muscles fatigue, and therefore let go of pain. This is just one tool that can be used in combination with Acupuncture.

Acupuncture is most commonly used to relieve pain; however, it is also very beneficial for emotions, hormones, allergies, sleep issues, and more.

Cupping is another way in which your provider can help with relieving pain, as well as help with issues such as: Asthma, allergies, common cold, fertility, digestion, and more.

Cupping is the placement of glass cups on the body. This is done by creating suction. The cups are usually left on for about 10 minutes. Cupping can be thought of as the opposite to massage: with massage, the muscles are having pressure applied, with cupping; there is gentle pressure to pull them upwards, which is quite relaxing.

Cups can either be left still, or be moved on the skin, while still suctioned, by using oil or salve. After the cups are removed, there are marks left on the skin that are not painful, and resolve within a few days. Cupping is commonly performed after Acupuncture, and is a great compliment to care.

Tuina is a form of Chinese massage. “Tui” means pushing and “Na” means grasping. It’s based on the theory of meridians and can treat many issues. It is mainly used for treating musculo-skeletal pain; however it is also very effective in treating emotional issues as well.

Tuina utilizes the Acupuncture points and meridians by using massage, stretching, acupressure and meditation to help stimulate the energy “Qi” in the body and create balance once again.

Gua Sha is a healing technique in which the practitioner applies a salve or oil to the skin of the area that is to be treated. Then, a smooth-edged instrument is used to apply strokes on the skin, in most cases, where the pain is located.

Pain is the most common use for Gua Sha, and is particularly beneficial for decreasing scar tissue. The idea is to help break up stagnation or blockages, and create a smooth flow, therefore relieving pain.