Acupuncture involves putting very thin needles into the body to elicit a healing response. The acupuncture points lie along meridians than run through the body and produce a variety of effects, depending on which point is used, when the needles are inserted. Acupuncture has been used for centuries with great results. The needles used are very thin and do not cause pain.

The use of herbs in Chinese medicine goes back as far, if not further, than the use of acupuncture. In most cases, herbs will be recommended as part of your treatment either in a capsule or powdered formula.

Cupping therapy is used for a variety of conditions, most commonly pain or soreness of the muscles, particularly older injuires. Cupping will be either fire cupping, the use of heat applied inside the cup, or air-suction cupping. Most people love cupping and it is often added to treatments.

Gua Sha actually translates to "scraping" in English, but it is not as harsh as it sounds. It involves using an instrument, such as a jade spoon or flattened animal horn, to gently scrape the skin to improve the circulation of blood and Qi -- the flow of energy along the meridians of the body. I currently only use Gua Sha for pain and stiff muscles and don't practice facial Gua Sha.

Massage may be included as part of the treatment for sore and tight muscles. A form of Chinese massage, known as Tui Na, may also be used.