Dry Needling
Dry needling also uses solid monofilament (think, paper-thin) needles that are inserted into the body, but they are placed at different points in the body than acupuncture needles- the points that the needles are placed are based on anatomy, such as muscle, nerves and joints, to help increase blood flow and oxygen and relieve muscle pain, spasms or tension. Since they don’t inject a liquid, they are known as dry. The goal is to help speed up recovery and allow your body to focus on healing a specific trouble spot or area.
Microneedling
Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture
LED Red Light Therapy
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body(sliding cupping). Cupping brings fresh blood to the area and helps improve circulation. Traditional cupping, sometimes referred to as “fire cupping," uses heat to create a vacuum-like suction inside of glass cups. In modern times, cups that use a small pump to create suction have also been introduced.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a healing technique used throughout Asia. Gua means to rub or to use friction. Sha is the term used to describe congestion of blood at the surface of the body. When friction is applied in repeated even strokes, the sha surfaces as small red pettechiae, resembling that of a “hickey” which fades in about 2-4 days. The technique is applied by using a round edged instrument. The benefits are numerous and include moving stuck blood thereby promoting normal circulation to the muscles, tissues, and organs directly below the surface treated. Since gua sha mimics sweating, it also resolves fever.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb (known as moxa). Moxibustion stimulates circulation, counteracts cold and dampness in the body, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi. This safe, non-invasive technique may be used alone, but it is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment.
Auricular Therapy
Auricular Therapy (Ear Acupuncture) corresponds to the human body as a microsystem, whereas the outer ear is seen as an inverted fetus map where individual points correspond to body parts. When disorders occur in the internal organs or other parts of the human body, it is likely that various reactions may appear at the corresponding areas of the auricle (ear), such as tenderness, discolorations or morphological changes. Therefore these sites (tender spots) are taken into consideration for diagnosis/treatment. The benefits of auricular therapy are unending and it is highly noted for the successful treatment of addictive disorders/detox because of its potential to strongly stimulate local nerves such as the vagus and trigeminal nerves with are accessed by tiny ear needles or adhesive ear seeds.
Tina Kellen, Licensed Acupuncturist, Divine Right Acupuncture, Island Park, NY