Other Common Modalities

Auricular Therapy

Auricular Therapy (aka Ear needling) is to stimulate points on the ear by needles or pressure to treat or prevent diseases.  It has long history dated back 500 BC in China. There are approximately 90 points on the ears.  The distribution of auricular points resembles an upside-down fetus in shape, such as ear lobe represents the “head” while ear apex is to the “hip and buttock”.

Modern clinical researches have provided evidence in support of its therapeutic ability. Needling on ears does not hurt but you may have sensations such as heat or tingling.  Dr. Paul Nogier of France also elaborates ear needling further into different systems.  Dr Nogier explains that the mechanism of auricular therapy is based on a specific system of energy pathways.  His theory is consistent with Chinese Meridian Theory.

During acupuncture sessions, small needles may be inserted on both ears to facilitate the healing process.  After acupuncture, small black seeds from Vaccaria plant (size little bigger than sesame seeds) are secured on the ear with a tiny adhesive tape over specific acupressure points.  Patients are encouraged to massage the seeds with fingertip frequently to stimulate the acupressure points.  The purpose of ear seeds are to continue building up natural healing momentum before next treatment.

Generally, we should leave the ear seeds in place for up to three days.  Sometimes, it is hard to keep the seeds in place within the high humidity weather in Florida.  Depending on the individual’s constitution, little tiny needles (similar mosquito’s mouth piece) may be used instead to create stronger stimulations.

Moxabustion

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort on particular points on the body.  It plays an important role in the traditional medical systems of China (including Tibet), Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia.  It can be used indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or burn it near the patient’s skin.

Moxabustion can be used to warm regions and meridian points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and Qi.  It can treat conditions associated with the “cold” or “yang deficiencies” in Chinese Medicine.  Moxibustion mitigates against cold and dampness in the body, and can serve to turn breech babies in some cases.

Moxibustion is effective in the treatment of chronic problems, “deficient conditions” (weakness), and gerontology.

TDP Mineral Heat Lamp Therapy

The story unfold in a black clay plant located in a rural area in China.  Despite working in conditions of extreme heat, cold and in wet environments, the employees remained healthy and rarely fell sick.

When Chinese scientist studied on the hot clay, they found that it emitted a beneficial “Far Infrared” radiation. Far infrared energy is very easily absorbed by the human body and is helpful for enhancing blood circulation, reducing pain, strengthening the cardiovascular system, easing joint stiffness and inflammation, and revitalizing skin cells.

The mineral plate of the device comprises of an iron plate that serves as the base for the 33 trace elements in unique mineral forms.  When this plate is heated, the minerals in it are ionized.  The heat, radiation, and electromagnetic waves of the lamp carry these ions into the human body by penetrating up to 3 ½ inches below the surface of the skin and into the muscles.  In their ionic state, the minerals can stimulate the healing and metabolic processes of your body.

The micro-circulation of blood caused by the TDP Lamp can have many beneficial effects on the human body.  For example, the warmth can ease the stiffness in the muscles and reduce inflammation simply by spending time lying under it.