Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago. The traditional Chinese theory behind acupuncture as medical treatment is very different from that of Western medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, health results form a harmonious balance between the complementary extremes (yin and yang) of the life force known as qi or chi. Qi is believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. These meridians and the energy flow are accessible through more than 350 acupuncture points. Illness results from an imbalance of the forces. By inserting needles into these points in various combinations, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will rebalance. In contrast, the Western explanation of acupuncture incorporates modern concepts of neuroscience. Many practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body's natural painkillers and increase blood flow. Some examples of what acupuncture may be able to treat are:
- Stress
- Asthma
- Common cold
- Allergies
- Constipation
- Anxiety Disorders
- Sports Injury
- Pre-Menstrual Symptoms
As with most medical therapies, acupuncture has both benefits and risks. Acupuncture is safe when performed properly. It has few side effects. It can be useful as a complement to other treatment methods. It's becoming more available in conventional medical settings. It helps control certain types of pain. It may be an alternative if you don't respond to or don't want to take pain medications.
Acupuncture may cause soreness, bleeding, or bruising at needle sites. Negative side-effects of acupuncture are quite rare. Caution is exercised with bleeding disorders, if you are taking blood thinners, extremely high blood pressure, and other acute disease syndromes. However, any risks are low in the hands of competent practitioners. Please contact us with any questions about our acupuncture department or any specific questions you have: acupuncture@meccagymandspa.com
The treatment involves the careful placement of extremely thin needles into various areas of the body, especially along the acupuncture points on the meridians. The treatments are generally quite comfortable and painless. After an initial consultation and diagnosis, your specific treatment will be discussed. This may involve various methods, depending on your needs.
Initial session: 80 minutes: $120 member/$135 non-member
50 minutes: $95 member/$110 non-member
80 minutes: $120 member/$135 non-member
Chinese Bodywork: Chinese bodywork is a form of therapeutic medical massage also known as ‘tuina’ which simply translates as ‘push and hold’. In China, it has been a distinct medical specialty in every dynasty up to the present day, with some schools and hospitals devoted exclusively to the practice. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or aid in supporting the acupuncture treatment. Furthermore, it’s commonly performed with light clothing, and the procedure is usually very comforting and pain free.
50 minutes: $95 member/$110 non-member
80 minutes: $125 member/ $140 non-member
Herbs are generally put into a complex formula specific to the patients constitution, complaints, and disease processes. These herbs are generally very safe and effective, and metaphorically, they can be seen as the couture medicine of natural remedies, as they are uniquely made to fit 1 person – you.
Add on treatment: $30
Stand alone treatment: $45
A form of manipulative therapy that was developed in Japan in the 20th Century. Shiatsu is less about mechanical techniques and more about healing the life force energy (Qi) in our bodies. But it is through acupressure – acupuncture without needles- that we attain balance using subtle, graceful movements and meridians. Diagnostic skills include observation, touch, intuition, and reading of diagnostic zones in the hara (abdomen). Treatments are traditionally done on the floor on a mat, although table-work is available to accommodate those who are unable to get on the floor. Loose clothing is worn.
50 minutes: $95 member/$110 non-member
Add 20 minutes to service time
moxibustion - $40
Moxibustion
is a practice of both traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine that stimulates acupoints in order to promote the body's ability to heal itself. Moxibustion is the application of heat resulting from the burning of a small bundle of tightly bound herbs, or moxa, to targeted acupoints. The radiant heat produced by moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body, restoring the balance and flow of vital energy or life force called qi (or chi).
cupping - $40
Based on the principles of acupuncture theory, Cupping involves the use of glass cups placed on various areas of the body. A vacuum is created in the cup, either with a pump or a small flame. When the cup comes into contact with the skin, a suction is formed and the skin and muscles rise into the cups. The suction brings the body’s qi and blood to the area, invigorates the blood, and helps to expel exterior pathogens – such as the common cold or the flu.
shiatsu - $50
Add 20 minutes of Shiatsu to any acupuncture treatment.
tuina - $50
Add 20 minutes of Tuina to any acupuncture treatment.
