Therapies
Complementary natural therapies to address a wide range of pain, stress and hormonal health issues.
TCM Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the ancient art and science of inserting hair-thin needles into the skin at specific points to stimulate a response in the body. Modern research has shown that acupuncture works by:
- increasing circulation by boosting micro-circulation in the tissues
- calming and balancing the nervous system
- helping the body release muscle tension
- helping the body's immune function
- reducing inflammation
- increasing the body's release of endorphins (the "happy hormones")
- reducing the over production of certain stress hormones such as cortisol
TCM Acupressure
Acupressure works on the same principle as acupuncture and is often suggested as a simple "DIY" self care routine to do at home. It can also be included in a treatment, and is especially beneficial for children or those who may be hesitant around acupuncture needles.
It also combines well with the practice of AcuPatching® using LifeWave phototherapy patches on acupressure points to stimulate a healing response with light.
TCM Cupping Therapy
Also known as "myo-fascial decompression", cupping involves using suction force to increase blood flow and manually break-up myo-fascial adhesions in the body. It is an ancient practice that spans many cultures, but is most commonly used in traditional Asian medicine.
It can help to loosen tight, tense muscles (ie. shoulders, back, thighs in particular). Cupping therapy may be done with glass or plastic cups on various parts of the body, including cosmetic cupping for the face and neck. The cupping and release mechanism helps to increase circulation as well as release toxins. Temporary cup shaped marks may appear on the skin, but these are not the same as bruising as usually disappear in 1-5 days. Facial cupping typically is much gentler and does not leave visible marks on the skin.
TCM Gua Sha
Gua Sha, also known as "skin scraping" is an ancient healing therapy that involves rubbing or scraping a smooth-edged instrument along the surface of the skin. This often produces therapeutic petechiae (pink or reddish spots under the surface of the skin). The procedure is not painful, and the scraping motion does not break the surface of the skin. The dots fade after 1 or more days. According to TCM theory, gua sha moves stagnant blood and fluids in the tissues, allowing for a detoxification effect. In modern research, Gua Sha has been shown to have significant immune and anti-inflammatory benefits.
When the goal is facial rejuvenation, the gua sha treatment is very gentle and does not produce any marks on the skin. The goal of gua sha facial massage is to move lymph fluid and fresh blood flow, improving health of the skin.
TCM Dietary Therapy
A well-nourished body acts in balance and efficiently manages stress, allowing all body systems and organs to function at peak levels. We offer nutritional counselling based on a functional medicine approach integrated with TCM healing principles.
The right combination of healing foods and supplements can nourish the body's depleted tissues and glands, setting the stage for a true health re-set.
Tui Na
Tui Na (pronounced "tway-nah") is a traditional manipulative therapy that is effective for musko-skeletal disorders and benefits stress and chronic pain issues. It is sometimes known as "Chinese Medical Massage".
Tui Na may include range of motion, traction, massage and acupressure to stimulate circulation of blood and energy in the channels and tissues of the body.
Arvigo Therapy® / Abdominal Therapy
Based on traditional abdominal massage - this is an external, non-invasive massage that gently stimulates circulation within the abdominal area. > LEARN MORE
Clinical Aromatherapy
High quality essential oils can stimulate a healing response in the body and mind. Unlike general aromatherapy, which is mostly for relaxation, Clinic Aromatherapy uses the plant's vital energy to target a specific response in the body.
Essential Oils are applied to the concepts of TCM and can support and enhance a treatment by working on the limbic system, affecting both emotional and physiological responses.
Qi beauty™
Qi beauty™ is a cosmetic treatment based on TCM principles that incorporates the power of gold plated magnets on the skin. It helps to improve skin health naturally, by boosting the circulation and volume of beneficial fluids beneath the skin. It is non-invasive (no needles) and can be used as a complement to - or as an alternative - to facial acupuncture with needles. > LEARN MORE
Mind Body Medicine
A combination of visualization, breathing techniques and meditation can be a powerful method of reducing stress and making changes at a deeper level. We teach you easy to do methods utilizing imagination and relaxation techniques to calm the mind and deepen the body's innate healing response.