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Acupuncture is part of a 5,000 -year-old medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  It is an energetic medicine, which restores balance in the body by removing blockages within the bodies meridian pathways. The application of fine, sterile, single-used needles at specific acupuncture points on the body, stimulates the natural healing process. Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for enhancing recovery, boosting immunity, and improving energy. Acupuncture supports overall physical and emotional health. It can help with many health concerns, ranging from the simple to complex, and the acute or chronic. 

You may have heard about cupping therapy in current times, by way of famous athletes and celebrities. Cupping is in fact, an amazing technique, that is thousands of years old. Today, glass or plastic cups are placed upon the skin, according to an individually tailored treatment plan. By creating a gentle, yet firm negative pressure, tissue is drawn into the cups. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the cups remain on the skin in a stationary manner, or may be moved in a sliding motion. Cupping therapy is best known for its ability to reduce muscular aches and pains.  Dr. Kari LOVES cupping!

Yet another wonderful ancient therapy, Gua (scraping) Sha (petechiae), is the practice of using a tool to apply gentle pressure and a brushing action to the skin. This will allow a variation of red spots to arise on the surface of the skin, called petechiae.  Not only does this soften tissue, but promotes the alleviation of pain and tension. As is with acupuncture and cupping, gua sha also encourages improved circulation and blood flow in or around the applied area.

At the heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine is herbal medicine. To heal on the outside is to heal from the inside.  Acupuncture, cupping, and other TCM modalities access the exterior of the body, therefore, having a profound effect internally. Taken orally, herbal formulas work directly from within, and are often recommended to continue balancing the body between wellness visits. 

A form of acupuncture that entails the passage of a small electric current between paired acupuncture needles. Depending on an individuals constitution and other factors, the acupuncturist will determine a customized set of paired points and adjust the amount of current according to the desired outcome.  

During your acupuncture visit, a Far Infrared (FIR) heat lamp may be placed at a safe distance over an area of pain or muscle tension, such as a shoulder, ankle, or knee. Similarly, based on Chinese Medicine theory, a condition that presents with cold hands or feet, menstrual irregularities, or poor digestion, may benefit from FIR heat therapy. If the lamp subjectively feels desired,  it usually indicates you'd benefit from it. FIR rays transfer energy 2-3cm into subcutaneous tissue without irritating or overheating the skin. This therapeutic heat results in increased blood flow to the targeted area, a reduction in pain, and greater sense of well-being.  

Acupoint Injection Therapy is utilized to enhance acupuncture wellness visits. When used alone or combined with acupuncture, whole body wellness is further enhanced. Homeopathic, herbal, and nutritional substances, such as B12, are inserted into an acupuncture point. The combined action of the acupoint with the pharmacologic effect of the substance provides a truly integrated treatment. Dr. Kari is certified in acupoint injection therapy as a licensed Acupuncture Physician by the State of Florida, Department of Health (AP3858).