Styles of Acupuncture used

Heather Shoup, L.Ac. utilizes several different styles of acupuncture for her treatments. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):  TCM is the most widely taught style of acupuncture in the world.  It is a systematic form of Chinese acupuncture that was developed in the People's Republic of China in the 1960's, in order to fit Chinese Medicine into a Western Style biomedical model.

Kiiko Matsumoto style acupuncture (KM):  KM is a Japanese style acupuncture that was developed by Kiiko Matsumoto over the last two decades.  It utilizes a systematic palpation method used to give instant feedback from the patient. 

Acupuncture Physical Medicine  (APM):  APM is a modern approach to acupuncture.  It was developed over the last twenty five years by Mark Seem.  It draws from French Meridian acupuncture, Japanese Meridian acupuncture, and the trigger point work of Dr. Janet Travell.  It uses the patients experience of illness as the main component of diagnosis and treatment.  It works on a modal of myofascial constriction in the body.

 As an adjunctive style of treatment:

Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture:  Mei Zen is a specific protocol developed from Traditional Chinese Medicine to revitalize and rejuvenate the face. 

Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine dating back more than 2500 years.  It works with the bodies on energy source, known as qi.  Fine, hair like needles, are inserted into specific points on the body to trigger the body to re-balance itself. 

In addition to the insertion of needles, various other modalities are included in the practice of acupuncture. 

Fire Cupping is the placement of glass cups by creating a vacuum with fire, over specific areas of the body.  Cupping is used to bring qi and blood to an area.

Gua Sha is a healing technique that involves the application of pressure to the skin in strokes, with a round edged object.  Gua Sha will remove stagnation promoting circulation.

E-Stim is the attachment of small wire to the acupuncture needles.  The wires are attached to a machine that emits gentle electrical impulses.  This promotes tissue healing and helps to alleviate pain.

WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

According to the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization acupuncture is effective at treating:

Neck or Cervical Pain
Lower Back Pain
Sciatica
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Headaches and Migraines
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Arthritis and Arthritic Pain
Jaw and Face Pain
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Sports Injuries
Motor Vehicle Injuries
Stress related Disorders
PMS and Menstrual Problems
Smoking Addiction
Infertility

Mesothelioma