Moxibustion is a fancy word for burning moxa which is the herb artemesia/mugwort. Moxa
has a special and remarkable ability to drive warmth into an acupoint location. This is done
to encourage blood circulation into the region of the body that needs support or perhaps
into the whole channel. Moxa has a distinctive aroma that some individuals associate with
the burning of cannabis/marijuana. If the odor is unpleasant or causes allergies, it will not
be used.
Pain is often defined in traditional chinese medicine as caused by qi and blood stagnation
in the tissues. Gua sha is the brushing of the skin with a scraping tool to flush blood from
tissues underneath. Cupping is the placement of glass cups under vacuum to flush blood to
the skin from even deeper tissues. These methods are very efficient at mechanically
moving blood and qi from areas of stagnation and returning them to the general
circulation thus dispelling the local inflammation causing pain. Gua sha and cupping are
often found to be nurturing and relaxing as well.
Tui Na is the word for Chinese massage and physical therapy in traditional chinese
medicine. It literally means “pinch and pull” and is not specifically intended to be
pleasurable or relaxing although that may be a beneficial side effect! Most cases of pain
and dysfunction are due to stagnation of qi and blood therefore the bodywork is designed
to be more invigorating and stimulating. An acupuncture session for body pain may include
5 minutes Tui Na.
In traditional chinese medicine there is a continuum between food medicine and herbal
medicine. Foods have been classified as to their effects on the body as being damp, dry, hot,
cold, qi and blood producing and yin and yang producing, etc. Recommendations are made to
support the way your body is currently processing in regards to the energetics of food.
Bioenergy from biochemistry. We get energy from fresh air and water,
healthy food, sunlight, exercise and recreation and enjoyable relationships.
Our energy levels also depend on efficient digestion, breathing, circulation,
balanced blood sugar, thyroid and adrenal activity and ideal mineral levels
and ratios.
Minerals are extremely vital components to energy systems in the body. By
calculating mineral ratios through laboratory analysis of a hair sample, the
optimal function of major glands and organs can be measured. From mineral
testing we can determine the rate at which your cells are working which can
help determine which type of diet is best for you.
The results of mineral testing can also help us understand patterned emotions, detect toxic metals and determine
the amounts of vitamins and supplements to balance your body’s chemistry. By balancing your minerals, you meet
the needs of your body on a cellular level and pave the way to experiencing greater energy.
Qi (chee) is the electrical energy that courses through the body on predetermined
circuits called meridians or channels. By inserting an extremely thin, delicate needle
into points along the circuit, energy balance is restored, the blood circulation is
stimulated and nerves get to reset. In other parts of the world this method has been
used for centuries for health and well being.
Body dysfunctions can be classified into hot, cold, damp, dry, excess, deficient etc.
Herbs are used to help mitigate these imbalanced states and restore health. Herbs
are dispensed in many forms: capsules, powders, teas and even as foods. Everyone
is different so Dr. Rudd works with his patients to find the appropriate mode for
each individual.
Movement and exercise therapies that cultivate and move Qi. Tai Chi means “supreme
ultimate” and Qi Gong means “energy practice.” By moving and breathing slowly and
focusing on your movements, you create “meditation in motion.” Tai Chi is based on
martial arts and is a slow motion fighting form. Qi gong is more like moving yoga that
both strengthens and creates flexibility.
