Acupuncture and TCM
Acupuncture
I use a blend of acupuncture styles to tailor each treatment to your individual needs. This includes Traditional Chinese acupuncture, along with additional techniques such as Master Tung and Dr. Tan’s methods. I also address muscle tension and pain using motor and trigger point acupuncture, often referred to in Western settings as IMS or “dry needling” by physiotherapists and chiropractors. For more details, please see the FAQs under the About section.
FIRE cupping
Commonly used to address muscle tension and improve circulation, I often describe cupping as a “reverse massage.” The gentle suction created by the cups helps release tight areas, increase blood and oxygen flow, and support the body’s natural repair processes. Cupping can also be an effective, needle-free way to stimulate acupuncture points on the back.
non-needle therapies
Various non-needle modalities can be integrated into acupuncture treatments or used as standalone therapies for patients with needle sensitivity or phobia. These include moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, ear seeds, acupressure, and electrical stimulation (e-stim) pens. Ear seeds are small seeds or pellets placed on specific points of the outer ear using adhesive tape, providing continuous gentle pressure. These points correspond to different systems and areas of the body and can be used to support concerns such as stress, anxiety, digestion, and sleep. E-stim pens deliver a mild electrical current through a rounded metal tip applied directly to the skin over acupuncture points. While traditionally used to stimulate needles, e-stim pens can also be applied independently to support point activation and enhance therapeutic outcomes.