Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique to treat non-critical conditions with the use of needles.
Traditional Chinese Medicine take a holistic approach to treatment of the human body. Treatment is based on the traditional concept of Qi, life energy, that flows through the body via meridians. At certain junctures in the meridian network there are points where the Qi is accessible. By applying needles to a combination of points, so called Acupoints, practitioners of acupuncture strive to treat a number of different conditions.
A typical treatment session will involve at least 6 to 12 needles – sometimes more – depending on the type of condition and individual needs of the patient.
The acupuncture needles employed are thin, sterile and disposable. You may feel a slight sting when a needle is applied to the skin, but by comparison, it does not feel as much as e.g. when taking a blood sample.
Acupressure
Acupressure, in China called Tui na, is a form of East Asian massage performed according to the same basic principles as acupuncture. The person performing the treatment will use fingers to stimulate the energy flow by targeting acupoints on the patients body.
Unlike Western massage, acupressure is used to treat specific conditions and will be frequently used together with acupuncture in the same treatment session.
Cupping
Cupping utilizes glass vessels to stimulate blood circulation in the skin tissue. The cupping vessels are heated within with a flame and then immediately applied to the skin. The suction created will stimulate deep tissue and muscles. A cup is moved over the skin for a massaging effect or several cups applied at once and left in place for a longer period.