Adjunct Therapies are therapeutic modalities that may be utilized as indicated in addition to acupuncture during treatment.
The following therapies are offered at AAE:
Microcurrent ElectroTherapy
Microcurrent ElectroTherapy (MET) is a highly effective treatment when used in conjunction with acupuncture in the treatment of pain and in rehabillitation after injury, and wound healing.
A gentle therapeutic approach, MET works with the bioelectrical potential of the body to promote the healing of injured tissues. Acupuncture points are sites of increased bioelectrical potential, or conductivity, and lower skin resistance. The meridians conduct bioelectrical current throughout the body. Using subtle currents, MET restores the function of the bioelectrical pathways so as to regulate the sympathetic nervous system, increase cell membrane transport, reduce levels of inflammation and modulate pain.
The use of MET in conjunction with acupuncture accelerates the healing process.
MET is a gentle treatment that appeals to elderly, sensitive, and chronic pain patients and is ideal for children. It can be offered as an alternative to the use of acupuncture needles in needle-phobic patients.
Conditions that respond well to MET include:
- Sports Injuries
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Repetitive Movement Syndrome
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
- Neuralgia
- Gastrointestinal Pain
- Shingles
- Bone fractures
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Wound healing
- TMJ Dysfunction
At Acupuncture Arts East, we use the Acutron Mentor ElectroMedical device from EastWestMed.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a form of physical therapy in which firm but comfortable pressure is applied with the hands to acupuncture points on the muscles to relieve focalized muscle pain. Areas of muscle tissue that become hard and lose flexibility limit movement of the muscle and impair circulation. Known as arthrosis, this muscle condition can worsen over time and lead to spinal problems. Acupressure on these tight points on the muscles together with acupuncture reduces the arthrosis of muscle fibers leading to healthier muscle tissue, less restriction and more effective function of muscle groups.
Far Infrared Heat
Used in conjunction with acupuncture, Far Infrared Heat is used to treat musculoskeletal disorders, pain syndromes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and injuries. Infrared heat deeply penetrates joints, muscle and tissues thereby increasing circulation and enhancing oxygen flow. It is used by athletes to increase blood flow to muscles both before and after training to improve performance.
Guided Relaxation
Stress can have an adverse effect on emotions, mood and behavior. It can effect the functioning of various systems, organs and tissues all over the body causing numerous symptoms of discomfort. If stress persists over a period of time, it can become an underlying cause of the disease process. Stress reduction is an important practice in the maintenance of health.
Deep relaxation allows the levels of stress hormones to fall to normal levels. The breath is key to deep relaxation. Deep breathing raises levels of oxygen in the blood, calms the sympathetic nervous system and enhances mental clarity and cognitive function. This level of deep relaxation is important to healing and wellness. It is similar to what is called yogic sleep, which concludes a practice session of yoga, or the meditative state. Guided relaxation and breath work enhances the effect of acupuncture. Most people feel deeply rested and refreshed after an acupuncture treatment.
