Geralyn Kruger Acupuncture and Wellness

Adjunctive Techniques

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb (known as moxa). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, moxibustion stimulates circulation, counteracts cold and dampness in the body, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi. This safe, non-invasive technique may be used alone, but it is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. Japanese Acupuncture style also uses many different forms of therapeutic moxabustion technique. Moxa feels wonderful! Patients report warmth, greater range of motion, comfort, and pain reduction in areas of the body where moxabustion is applied long after their treatment has concluded.

Tui Na

Tui na means "pushing grasping," and is a powerful form of Chinese medical bodywork. Based on the same Oriental medical principles as acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine, tui na seeks to improve the flow of qi through the meridian channels. Tui na is particularly effective for conditions involving muscles, tendons and joints, such as structural misalignment, orthopedic problems and sports injuries. It can also be used to treat internal diseases. I tend to incorporate massaage into many of my treatments. 

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping brings fresh blood to the area and helps improve circulation. Cupping in Traditional Chinese Medicine, sometimes referred to as “fire cupping," uses heat to create a vacuum-like suction inside of glass cups. In modern times, cups that use a small pump to create suction have also been introduced. Cupping is used in both Chinese Acupuncture and Japanese Acupuncture styles and feels great! 

Auricular Acupuncture

The ear is one of the most widely used microsystems of acupuncture. Microsystems use one aspect of the body - for example, the ears, hands or feet - to treat conditions that are present anywhere in the body. The the ear is in fact a miniature copy of the entire human organism, and is used for diagnosing and treating pain or illness in any part of the human body. Auricular acupuncture is an integral element of quite a few detox programs throughout the country. Although it is not a substitution for any program, it has helped many people fight, and decrease, cravings and severe depression, crippling anxiety, weightloss, PTSD, or stresses related to the withdrawal symptoms associated with any withdrawal from addiction. Many people claim immediate calming sensations and regular patterns of sleeping that were previously missing. I use Auricular acupuncture on most of my patients as well as pressballs or presstacks for take home use in between treatments to provide continuous stimulation of the points for added support. 

Shakuju Therapy (Acupuncture Core Therapy)

Shakuju Therapy is a Japanese non-insertion technique. In Shakuju Therapy, the ultimate origin of all illness is explained by fundamental cold (Hie). Treatment consists of moving qi in the body and eradicating fundamental cold (Hie). In general, the Japanese word, hie, means coldness and cold temperature, but fundamental cold (Hie) in this context, means a decline of the body’s vital force and vacuity of Jing qi, or essence, which declines over time due to external factors of the environment, pathological factors such as disease or stress, and our choices about diet, exercise and rest. The abdominal and dorsal regions are emphasized in this therapy and a small blunt metallic instrument called a teishin is used on the surface of the skin without penetration rather than the traditional acupuncture needle. Shakuju Therapy feels great and is highly effective. I often use Shakuju for pediatric patients and those who are especially frail or needle sensitive, but anyone can benefit from a Shakuju Therapy treatment and together we may discuss how Shakuju can achieve your health goals.

Kinesiology Sports Taping

First used by acupuncturists and chiropractors in Japan, today kinesiology tape is used by practitioners throughout the world to treat injuries and improve sports performance. This stretchy tape is 97% cotton and 3% nylon. The adhesive is a hypo-allergenic, acrylic-based and contains no latex.

 

Kinesiology taping has been shown to:

• Reduce pain
• Decompress and area of swelling/inflammation
• Delay fatigue during athletic activity
• Normalize and improve muscle tone from one area of the body to another
• Distributes physical forces evenly to other nearby areas through the fascia, ligaments, and even bones.
• Augment and Disperse Energy along the acupuncture meridians