FLOAT | Chinese Medical Arts | Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine

FLOAT Services: Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
At FLOAT we take a one-on-one approach to treatment. We respect the individuality and uniqueness of each patient: because no two people are exactly alike, no two treatments will be exactly alike. The acupuncturist will determine which techniques are most appropriate for you based on your chief complaint, symptoms, medical history, and diagnosis, and will discuss all treatment options with you. A typical session may include some or all of the modalities listed below.
		ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture is a complex technique of Oriental Medicine that was developed thousands of years ago by Chinese physicians. It involves the insertion of hair-thin, sterile, stainless steel needles at specific points on the channels (or meridians) through which qi (or energy) flows. Stimulating these points helps restore the normal flow of qi in the body so the internal organs and the body systems can work together in harmony.
CUPPING Cupping is an ancient technique in which glass cups are placed on large areas of the body (such as the back or shoulders) to create suction, thus increasing local circulation of blood and qi. Cupping is excellent for detoxification, reducing inflammation, muscle pain and arthritis. It also treats fevers, the common cold, flu, and asthma.
		GUA-SA Pronounced "gwa-sha," this is an ancient scraping technique performed with a flat tool such as a fake buffalo horn over certain areas of the body. Gua-sa is used to reduce heat conditions such as urinary tract infections and fevers, to reduce inflammation, and treat pain from sprains, strains and fractures.
HERBAL MEDICINE In Oriental Medicine, herbal formulas are used to facilitate the body's own restorative processes. Acupuncturists in California are highly trained in the science of herbal medicine and a pharmacopeia that consists of about 500 Chinese herbs. Chinese herbal formulas contain combinations of roots, seeds, grains, flowers, berries, fruit, bark, leaves, stems, shells, nuts, resin, or seaweed. The goal of Chinese herbal medicine is to treat the root of a problem, rather than simply medicating its symptoms. In so doing, the patient’s body is stimulated to heal itself.
MOXIBUSTION Moxibustion (or ‘moxa’ for short) is the act of burning the herb Ai Ye (Artmesia Vulgaris, or mugwort) over specific acupuncture points. This process facilitates the movement of qi and blood and warms the body. Moxibustion is highly effective in treating infertility, malposition & breech presentation of the fetus, menstrual pain, fatigue, digestive disorders, and chronic injuries.
NUTRITIONAL CONSULTATION Acupuncturists are trained in both Western Clinical Nutrition and Traditional Chinese Nutrition. We use an integrated approach to help each patient discover which foods are best for their specific constitution, diagnostic patterns, and health goals. Traditional Chinese Nutrition looks at the effects that particular foods have on the individual, rather than on a scale or in a test tube. If a patient is suffering from a "heat" condition, for example, foods that have a cooling or neutral effect on the body will be recommended; if a patient has suffered heavy blood loss, foods that build up blood will be recommended. We use modern research in clinical nutrition, and laboratory tests, if necessary, when helping a patient determine which vitamins and minerals may lacking in their diet and how best to replenish them. Each patient is given a customized list of foods to eat in abundance, in moderation, and to avoid. Supplements may also be recommended.