What is Acupuncture and its associated therapies?

Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that may involve manual acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and auricular (ear) acupuncture, selected according to individual needs. Fine, sterile needles are used to stimulate specific acupuncture points on the body, face, scalp and ears.

In Chinese medicine, these points are located along pathways called meridians or channels and are traditionally chosen based on the person's individual symptoms and diagnosis. Different points have different functions — some are used for pain, some for digestion, sleep, stress, or women's health.

Western perspective, many acupuncture points are also located near nerves, muscles and connective tissue, and research suggests stimulating them can influence the nervous system and pain pathways.

Acupuncture * Cupping * Chinese Herbs * Cosmetic Acupuncture and more

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Acupuncture * Cupping * Chinese Herbs * Cosmetic Acupuncture and more 〰️

Cosmetic / facial Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that may include a combination of manual acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and auricular (ear) acupuncture, depending on individual needs.

Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Ear Seeds

Auricular acupuncture focuses on acupoints on the ear, which correspond to the different parts of the body in TCM microsystem theory. Small needles, beads, or seeds may be used to stimulate these points with adhesive ear seeds able to be left for 3-5 days, pressed when needed.

Ear seeds can influence the nervous system, helping with stress, sleep, pain, and cravings.

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Electro (e-stimulation) Acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture involves passing a gentle, controlled electrical current through acupuncture needles at specific points. This enhances the stimulation of the points and can be particularly effective for pain relief, slowing down bone degeneration, muscle tension, or nerve-related issues. It can be used for acute and chronic conditions.

  • Western view: May increase local blood flow, stimulate nerve responses, and support the body’s natural pain-modulating and healing mechanisms.

  • TCM view: Enhances the flow of Qi and Blood along the meridians, helping to remove stagnation, strengthen weak areas, and restore balance to the body’s systems.

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Chinese Herbal Formulas

Willow Tree Acupuncture offers Chinese herbs in pre-prescription pill formulas only. Using Acupuncture and Chinese herbs together strengthens the success of the treatment and is especially helpful for chronic conditions, hormonal issues, digestive problems, stress-related symptoms, and fatigue, where the body needs both immediate support and ongoing regulation.

HERBS CAN ONLY BE PRESCRIBED AT AN APPOINTMENT

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Acupuncture Therapies

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Acupuncture Therapies *

Cupping

Cupping — is a traditional therapy adapted for modern practice that uses suction to lift the skin and superficial tissues. It helps support increased local blood flow, promoting lymphatic drainage, relieves muscle tension, reduces pain and supports tissue healing. Often used alongside acupuncture, massage or other manual therapies.

Common indications: muscular pain and tightness (neck, shoulders, back), myofascial trigger points, respiratory congestion, recovery after exercise, and circulation issues. It’s also used in complementary care for chronic pain and some women's health concerns.

  • Sensations and effects: patients typically feel tightness or pulling; warmth and increased local circulation follow. Temporary circular bruises or redness are common and usually resolve over days to two weeks.

  • Safety and contraindications: generally safe when performed by trained practitioners. Avoid over bruised, infected, broken or fragile skin; not suitable over varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, recent fractures, or areas with active bleeding disorders. Caution in pregnancy (avoid abdomen and lower back), on anticoagulant medications, or when skin sensitivity is high.

  • Aftercare: keep the treated area clean, avoid heavy sun exposure immediately after, stay hydrated, and rest if needed. Mild soreness, tenderness, or bruising can occu

Gua sha (body and face)

Gua sha is a traditional East Asian technique that uses a smooth-edged tool to apply repeated, gentle scraping strokes across the skin. It’s used on the body and face to improve circulation, relieve tension, support lymphatic drainage and promote a refreshed appearance.

Conditions for treatment

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    Psychological

    Stress
    Anxiety/depression
    Insomnia

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    Physical

    Pain - Acute
    Chronic conditions
    Arthritis

    Muscular Skeletal conditions

    Frozen Shoulder

    Tennis/ Golfers Elbow

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    Immunity

    Allergies
    Digestion- IBS, poor bowel habits
    Fatigue / Energy levels

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    Women's Health & Urinary

    Menopausal symptom
    Menstural Pain & Regulation

    Frequent /Difficult Urination

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    Recovery

    Ongoing wellness
    Post surgery
    Injury rehab

    Scarring