| "Melanie's treatment was my first experience with acupuncture...Besides her
knack for making me feel comfortable, and really acting with compassion
at every appointment, she has a real talent for creativity with
treatment options to help me with whatever I was going through. I
really learned a lot about the body and mind and how everything is
connected. Along with my injured ankle finding more relief, I also
experienced more mental clarity and a much less stressed body. I highly
recommend anyone trying acupuncture for the first time, to see Melanie
first!" Liz F., Scottsdale, 2010
| | SERVICES & TECHNIQUES
Acupuncture is simply one facet of Oriental Medicine. During your treatment, a number of adjunct therapies may be utilized depending on your condition. In
addition to acupuncture therapy, these may include some of the following:
Acupuncture
For everything you could ever want to know about acupuncture, check out the Acupuncture FAQ page.
 Dietary, Nutritional and Lifestyle Recommendations
Cupping and Gua Sha
The theraputic techniques Gua Sha (pronounced "gwa-shah") and Cupping are two of my favorite
therapies, which I use frequently with my patients. These therapies help clear toxins trapped in the body tissues,
ease chronic and acute muscle tension, tightness and spasm and even
treat and relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu. They are
especially useful for relieving neck, shoulder and back pain.
The
Gua Sha technique involves the rubbing of the skin with buffalo
horn, a polished jade stone or plastic tools. The process feels very
much like a deep-tissue massage and most patients really enjoy the treatment.
Cupping involves the application
of glass or plastic cups with mild to moderate suction to the appropriate
areas on the body. The cups are left in place for 5-8min or, with the use of a lubricant oil or herbal tincture, can be moved across areas of the body in a "sliding" motion. Cupping has been found to affect the body up to four inches into
the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic
system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins,
arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and
improve varicose veins. Cupping is the best inside-out, deep-tissue massage
available!
NOTE: Both of these techniques induce a particular type of minor bruising. This bruising is totally
benign and is basically just a "hickey." The marks may last anywhere
from 1-5 days and are
not normally painful. Significant, immediate pain relief can be
achieved from these therapies or results may show up within 24
hours.
Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture
This type of acupuncture is one of the most widely
researched forms of acupuncture therapy. It is most
often used for detoxification such as smoking cessation,
drugs, and weight loss, but can also be very useful
for many other types of physical, mental or emotional
disorders.
Tuina or Shiatsu Massage (Asian Bodywork)
This is essentially a therapeutic massage that is
designed to stimulate the meridians and acupuncture
points and therefore regulate proper Qi and
blood flow throughout your body. It is used for a
wide variety of conditions.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy using a conventional TDP/Infrared heat lamp may be placed
on or near any part
of the body to stimulate and improve Qi and blood flow to that area. It
can be very useful in
the treatment of many types of conditions and besides that, it just
feels good!
Electro-acupuncture
Electrical Stimulation ("E-Stim") may be used in conjunction with acupuncture needling
techniques. E-Stim involves clipping a small wire to the body of the needle in order to deliver
a mild electric current. It generally produces a vibration, tapping, pulsating or buzzing
sensation through the needles and the areas of the body being treated. This therapy is commonly
used and can be very effective, especially for patients dealing with pain syndromes.
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