Traditional Chinese medicine includes techniques and treatments that were developed in ancient China and have evolved over thousands of years. Today, these approaches continue to be used to treat a wide range of conditions and symptoms, either alone or in combination with Western medicine techniques in an integrative approach to care.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses very fine needles inserted at specific points to ease pain in the muscles and elsewhere in the body. Although no one is clear exactly how acupuncture works, most researchers believe it stimulates immune responses or the release of natural painkillers produced in the body.
Guasha (or gua sha) is an ancient technique that uses long strokes of gentle pressure applied repeatedly along specific areas of the body called meridians. These meridians are also used in acupuncture to identify the way the body's natural energy, or qi, flows. During guasha, these meridians are bathed in a lubricant like massage oil and a smooth-edged device is used to apply gentle, firm pressure along the meridian. These strokes are used in much the same way as acupuncture to re-balance the body's energy and promote healing.
Fire-cupping uses special cups that have been quickly and gently heated, then placed on the skin to create suction. The suction draws the skin upward, promoting circulation that can aid in deep healing. Fire-cupping is often used in combination with guasha.
Dr. Degenhardt received his training in traditional Chinese medicine at the Guangxi College Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanning, China, and his certification in medical acupuncture from SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
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