Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Alexandria, VA

2212 Mount Vernon Ave | Alexandria, VA 22301 | Second Fl. Ste.

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Acupuncture
	Acupuncture is a technique using tiny, sterile needles to move Qi, or energy, in order to acheive a healthier balance in the body. For example, it can move Qi out of areas of excess, which manifests as knots in your muscles, and areas that are painful or uncomfortable. Or, it can bring it where it is needed, like a weak digestive system. When Qi flows freely through the body, we feel strong, centered, and are healthy. Qi-Energy that travels through channels in the body, similar to the nervous system, but a more subtle form of energy. Qi has five major functions or actions in the body: warming, protecting, raising/stabilizing, activating, and transporting.
Cupping
.	A technique that uses a light suction to draw toxins and stagnant blood out of the bodies tissues. A vacuum is created by burning the oxygen out of a glass cup, like the ones shown in the picture, without heating the cup itself. The cup is quickly placed onto the skin, where it forms a suction. This painless therapy works wonders on tight, achy muscles. It can also be used on the upper back to help coughs and bronchitis.
Gua Sha
	A technique using a smooth edged tool, such as a ceramic soup spoon, to rub the skin and clear out toxins. Oil is first applied to the skin, and then the practitioner rubs the gua sha tool over the skin. It feels like a deep tissue massage, with the added benefit of quickly decongesting the tissues and bringing fast pain and tension relief.
E-Stim (Electro-Stim)
	The acupuncture needles are hooked up to a battery powered device that sends small electric signals to the needles. This is used to stimulate the needles, and may feel like a vibration or a tapping at the site of the needle. This technique has many uses, but is often used for pain relief.
Moxabustion
	Moxabustion, or moxa, is a warming technique using various forms of the herb mugwort. The picture to the right shows a moxa stick held close to the persons body. Moxa is often used around the needles, or can be used around a larger area of the body. Moxa brings warmth into the body, promotes circulation, and can help to nourish the body as well.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
	Chinese herbs come in many forms. It is rare to take one herb by itself. By combining 5-10 herbs, formulas are created to address a very specific problem, and side effects are avoided (when prescribed correctly) because the herbs balance each other and are used whole (individual chemicals are not extracted and concentrated). These formulas are often given in pill form, which has the advantage of convenience, affordability, and lack of flavor.