New England Acupuncture & Herb Clinic offers a full range of traditional Chinese medical therapies. Some of these, often referred to as ‘accessory techniques’, may be included within an acupuncture visit. Such techniques include cupping, moxibustion, tui na (chinese therapeutic massage), and others. Each of these can accentuate and augment the benefits of the acupuncture itself, and are commonly used. There is generally no additional fee for these procedures, all of which are quite comfortable. For those of you who would like to find out more about these exceptionally helpful techniques, you can read about them here .
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the main therapeutic techniques utilized by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. It works by gently and safely inserting hair thin needles at specific locations along the surface of the body. These precise locations are commonly referred to as ‘acupuncture points’. They are somewhat akin to control switches. Each acupuncture point (there are over 360 main points), has a precise set of phsical and psychological functions that it can help direct. As the needle is comfortably inserted into the acupuncture point, signals are switched on which promote proper functioning of the body and mind.
In the lingo of traditional Chinese medicine, it is stated that stimulating these acupuncure points can promote healthy flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”, and often translated as energy). Thus, acupuncture taps directly into the natural healing ability of the body and mind. Which points will be utilized within a given session, is dependent on each patients’ particular situation. It has been said that traditional Chinese medicine ‘customizes’ the treatment to fit the patient. This is very true. Many of our patients could tell you from their own experience, that as they improved, and things changed, the treatments they received also changed. This served to better meet their needs at each step of the way. In some cases, a treatment may not be working as successfully as it has for other patients. That also is a case where selection on acupuncture points might be changed to a approach which could offer a higher degree of success. Overall, treatment is always customized to fit the patient, what their needs are, at any given point in time.
Chinese Herbal Therapy
Chinese herbal medicines are quite effective in many situations. At our clinic, we have successfully employed Chinese herbal therapy in a number of cases over the 11 years we have been opened. There are some cases however, which may not be suited to this therapy. For example, patients on blood thinners should generally not use herbs. In cases where a patient stands to benefit a great deal from Chinese herbal therapy, it will be discussed with the patient, and the patient can decide if this is something they wish to pursue. We work together with all our patients in a mutual spirit of cooperation and understanding, to find what methods of treatment best suit them. Some individuals come to the clinic specifically because they wish to pursue Chinese herbal therapy independent of acupuncture. This is available and entails an initial visit during which a thorough intake is done. Then a herbal formula is given and follow up visits are scheduled as needed. In some cases, follow up visits may not be necessary. The actual cost of herbal formulas will vary depending on the amount prescribed and the specific herbs used within the formula. To read more about Chinese herbal medicine you can click here.
Bodywork
There are two ways a patient at the clinic can receive bodywork (i.e., various form of massage). If they wish to make an appointment solely for bodywork, they can do this with our therapist Adrianna Szyda, who is a well-trained and experienced bodywork therapist. If you wish to learn more about Adrianna Szyda and how to book an appointment with her, then please click here. The other way patients receive bodywork is within the context of an acupuncture appointment. When receiving acupuncture, sometimes a patient will have 5-20 minutes of bodywork at the end of their acupuncture visit. This is given if it is therapeutically helpful and if time permits.