Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-fine needles into the skin and tissues, at specific points on the body.

There are over 2,000 identifiable Acupuncture points on the human body. These Acupuncture points run along pathways, referred to as ‘Meridians’ or ‘Channels,’ that connect to create a flow of energy and communication between the body’s various tissues, structures and systems.

The energy that courses through these Meridians is referred to as ‘Qi,’ which has been loosely translated as ‘Life Force’ or ‘Vital Energy.’ When the flow of Qi becomes blocked or stagnant, complications can arise that impact your health and well-being.

Each of these acupuncture points have a particular action or indication, aimed to target a specific area of the body, and achieve a desired therapeutic action and/or clinical effect.

Stimulating these defined points, restores the balance and flow of Qi, and provokes the body's innate healing mechanisms to reestablish optimal physiological function and wellness, so you can truly THRIVE in the world!

Ancient origins of Cupping Therapy can be found in China dating back to the Han Dynasty. It has also been used traditionally in Egypt, Greece, and Africa, and is currently used throughout Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

Fire Cupping utilizes an open flame and glass cups, to create a suction on the skin, that draws and pulls the skin and tissues upward from under the fascial layer, into the cup.

In addition to relieving muscle tension, cupping also increases blood and lymphatic circulation, to aid the body in the removal of toxins and to promote cellular repair. It also stimulates the sensory nerves in the skin and autonomic nervous system, and it may help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels within the tissues.

Commonly, the cups are either left stationary, slid along the skin with the use of a lubricant, or flash cupping is performed, where the cup is applied and then removed from the skin very quickly, repeatedly over an area. Additionally, cupping can be performed over an Acupuncture needle or done in conjunction with a technique called Bloodletting, where the cup is placed on the skin after pricking and bleeding a point on the body. Each of these techniques has a different therapeutic indication and result.

Patients should expect to see some marks or bruising on the skin, post-treatment. This is normal and reflective of pathology present. These marks should disappear within 10-12 days after treatment.

Cupping may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for:

• Headaches/ Migraines

• Acute or Chronic Injury

• Pain conditions

• Digestive Disorders

• Circulatory Disorders

• Respiratory Disorders

• Atrophy Disorders

• Common Cold and Flu

The name Gua Sha comes from the Chinese work for scraping. It may also be referred to as skin scraping, spooning or coining.

Gua Sha is the practice of utilizing a tool to apply pressure to the skin with a scraping motion to intentionally produce redness and petechiae, known as "Sha."

This technique of scraping the skin, breaks of stagnation, increases the flow and circulation of Qi, Blood and lymph, it releases the exterior by opening the pores of the skin, and moves fluids and metabolic waste.

While "Sha" can appear alarming the first time you see it, Gua Sha is a SAFE and NON-INVASIVE therapy that can be utilized on almost any patient. Patient's frequently report immediate relief of their symptoms, and the marks should disappear within 7-10 days.

Gua Sha can be useful in a variety of acute and chronic conditions. While it is commonly used to relieve muscle tension and joint pain, it can also be beneficial for the following:

• Acute and Chronic Injury

• Post-surgical support

• Headaches

• Cold and Flu symptoms

• Respiratory Conditions

• Circulatory Conditions

• Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Gynecological Disorders

• Morning Sickness

• Perimenopause

Moxibustion is an ancient East Asian therapy, where an herb commonly known as mugwort, is burned directly or indirectly, either on or above the skin, at Acupuncture points or at a specific region of the body.

Moxibustion is an effective therapeutic modality to address symptoms associated with:

• Asthma

• Arthritis

• Rheumatic Pain

• Acute or Chronic Injury

• GI conditions

• Abdominal Pain

• Gynecological Disorders

• Reproductive Concerns and Infertility

• Breeched Babies

Moxibustion is warming, penetrating, drying, healing and regenerating.

It has the ability to warm cold or stagnant conditions to repair the flow of Blood and Qi in the body. It is beneficial for inflammation and injury, and studies have shown it has the ability to penetrate deep within the bone marrow, where it can stimulate the production of new red blood cells and generate a healing response in the body.

Studies have also shown, Moxibustion has the ability to support our immune function, and it can even be beneficial in the treatment of the common cold, by drying and relieving sinus congestion.

Additionally, Moxibustion is incredibly helpful in gynecological support. Studies have shown Moxibustion can stimulate the flow of blood through the uterus, reducing symptoms associated with painful menstruation or common conditions, such as PCOS and Endometriosis. Additionally, Moxibustion has been used for centuries to help turn breeched babies in late stage pregnancy.

This warming therapy, is often used in conjunction with Acupuncture treatments at Luuma Wellness, but patients may also be encouraged to integrate this therapy into their self-care at home under the guidance and direction of their practitioner.