Therapeutic Services

Chinese medicine consists of many different treatment modalities, any combination of which
may be used during your treatment. Below are brief descriptions of these therapeutic techniques;
please feel free to ask questions about the techniques.

Acupuncture uses very fine needles inserted at specific points on the body. These points are
found along channels (also called meridians) which flow all over the body, forming a network.
Gentle stimulation of these points allows vital substances such as blood and qi (a form of energy
in the body) to flow freely, which stops pain, improves circulation, and promotes healing. This
free, unimpeded movement of qi and blood is the basis of health, and acupuncture seeks to
restore this movement to promote wellness and comfort in both the physical body and the mind.

Chinese herbs are medicinal substances that
may include various plant parts and minerals.
These herbs may be boiled into a tea or may
be administered in pill form. Your practitioner
can prescribe a Chinese herbal formula that is
specifically for you and your condition. These
formulas are usually based on classic formulas,
but may be modified to fit your specific health
needs at any given time. Herbs are given in
various forms; your practitioner can help you
choose a form that makes sense for you.
  Raw herbs: These are boiled in water to make a tea.
  Granules: Herbs that are ground to a powder, which is stirred into water.
  Pills: Standard formulas that can be purchased in pill or tablet form.

Moxibustion (also called moxa) is the burning of an herb called mugwort (artemesia) on or near the skin. This is done to promote movement of vital substances, or to warm the body and
facilitate bodily functions. Moxa is very safe and most people find it pleasant and relaxing; some
say it feels like lying in the sun!

Tui na is a form of Chinese massage. Tui na, which means "pushing and pulling", is used to
ease muscle strain and improve circulation, and is often used to enhance the effects of
acupuncture. Tui na can be done through the clothing or on bare skin; it may involve oils or
liniments, but can also be performed without any substance on the skin.

Cupping uses glass cups and gentle suction to draw impurities and pathogens out through the
skin. The cups may be left in place or may be pushed gently over lubricated skin. Most people
find the sensations of cupping pleasant.

Gua sha creates friction on the surface of the skin to release pathogens and impurities, and to
encourage the healing and regrowth of injured or damaged tissue. This is done using gua sha
tools or a ceramic Chinese soup spoon over a lubricant, such as Vaseline. The lubricant is used
to protect the skin.

Diet therapy is an important part of Chinese medicine wellness and healing. It is vital that we
make good food choices so that our bodies can effectively process and extract nutrients for
efficient use. A practitioner can guide you in selecting foods that are appropriate for your
constitution and health needs.

Essential oils are very fragrant and aromatic, and are extracted from a wide variety of
everyday plants, such as grapefruit, lavender, geranium, and cedarwood. While essential oils are
not historically part of traditional Chinese medicine, they can enhance the effects of treatment.
They can also contribute to a pleasant experience during your acupuncture session.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine                 
a classical approach to healing the body and mind
Jessica I. Yunker, M.S., L.Ac.
copyright 2007 Yunker Acupuncture
Complimentary  
Consultation

Jessica is pleased to
offer a 20 minute
complimentary
consultation to all
new and prospective
patients. Come meet
Jessica in person,
visit the office, and
have your questions
and concerns
addressed. Please
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information.