Styles and Techniques (iha)

Styles and Techniques

Japanese Style acupuncture in particular the teachings of Kiiko Matsumoto, focuses on Hara diagnosis (palpation of the abdomen) and palpation of the meridians to determine which acupuncture points to needle. The use of moxibustion, ion pumping cords and pachi pachi may be used stimulate acupuncture points and promote the flow of Qi.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture uses various diagnostic methods for determining which acupuncture points to use. These include tongue and pulse diagnosis and meridian palpation. The use of moxabustion and cupping may also be used in conjunction with needles.

American Style referring to APM (Acupuncture Physical Medicine) a protocol developed by Dr. Mark Seem founder of Tri-State College of Acupuncture. Uses classical acupuncture and Western physical medicine to focus on the individuals unique holding pattern. Trigger point style needling is used on tender points to release of myofascial constrictions. This is especially effective with musculo-skeletal, tendino muscular problems, chronic and acute injuries.

Moxibustion: the use of an herb (mugwort) that is burned directly or indirectly on the acupuncture point warming the area, promoting circulation and the flow of Qi. Moxa can be used with needles or alone. Its affects are warming and soothing.

Cupping: is a therapy in which a jar or glass cup is attached to the surface of the skin creating a suction. This brings congested stagnant Qi and blood towards the surface promoting free flow of Qi and blood.

In ancient times cupping method was called "horn method" because an animal horn was used.

Gua Sha: Is a frictioning/scraping technique used bring "Sha" to the skin surface. "Sha" is congestion under the skin surface and in the tissue below that causes pain and stiffness.Gua Sha is applied with a rounded tool, this could be a soup spoon, a buffalo horn made for this purpose or a metal lid. When "Sha" comes to the surface there is a warm feeling and the skin will have reddish discoloration and petichia. This is not painful and the redness disappears in a day or so.

Massage techniques:

Anma : gentle pressure and circular motions along meridians and acupressure points, releasing tension. Anma can also be used as a diagnostic treatment to determine which meridians and acupuncture points to be needled.

Sotai ho: is a Japanese form of physical therapy and bone structure adjustment. It is neuromuscular re-education through breathing and movements, untwisting muscular holding patterns. This balances the nervous and muscular systems.

Sotai ho literally means "work (or manipulate) body way (or method)."

Tuina: Chinese massage that literally translates as "push press". It is considered a form of "bone setting" because as the soft tissues are manipulated the tension around the joints is able to relax, enabling the "bones" to "set".The source of many types of pain is from imbalances of muscles and tendonous attachments around the joints. Many martial artists practice Tuina because it is effective in treating pain and the affects of traumatic injury.