Services

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world, for treating pain and dysfunction in the body. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, it became popular in the United States in the early 1970's.

Acupuncture is based on Chinese traditional medicine. It is the procedure of inserting and manipulating needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes.

Some of the advantages of acupuncture are:

• acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins
• acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain
• acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system
• acupuncture stimulates circulation
• acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body

At Li's Acupuncture, we provide a variety of traditional Chinese medicine modalities such as acupuncture, acupressure, moxabustion, cupping, reflexology and massage.

Electrical Stimulators
Some of the new Western ideas about acupuncture are quite radical and may represent the beginnings of a completely new approach. Acupuncture points are now being stimulated by a variety of techniques. Both Chinese and European firms have produced small electrical stimulators that allow small amplitude pulsed electrical currents to pass between sets of paired acupuncture needles. In China these electrical machines are used to replace prolonged manual stimulation of acupuncture needle in activities such as acupuncture anaesthesia. In the West, electrical stimulation is often used as part of standard acupuncture therapy. The voltage used is small and painless and passed between acupuncture needles that have already been inserted into the skin.

Acupuncture needles
Acupuncture needles are very thin, ranging from 0.16 mm to 0.38 mm in thickness. The tip of an acupuncture needle has the shape of a cone, which allows it to penetrate the tissues separating the fibres of the muscle as it enters, without causing damage. Similarly on removing the needle the separated fibres close smoothly around the needle, preventing bleeding.

The insertion of acupuncture needles is painless.

In our acupuncture practice, we use disponsable needles.

Acupressure
Acupressure uses the fingertips and thumb in massage and manipulation, and is similar to shiatsu massage.

Moxabustion
Moxabustion is a type of heat therapy offered at Li's Acupuncture in which an herb is burned on a needle or above the body to warm a meridian at an acupoint and increase the flow of blood and qi. The herb may be placed directly on the skin, held close to the skin for several minutes, or placed on the tip of an acupuncture needle.

Cupping
Cupping is a procedure in which a rounded glass cup is warmed and placed upside down over an area of the body, making a vacuum that holds the cup to the skin. Cupping is used to increase the flow of blood and qi. It is believed to open up the skin's pores and allow toxins to leave the body.

Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternative medicine which involves applying pressure to the feet with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on what reflexologists claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas that they say reflect an image of the body on the feet, with the premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.

Massage
Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function and promote relaxation and well-being.

Herbal Medicine
An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that people take to improve their health. Many herbs have been used for a long time for claimed health benefits. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants.

The herbs provided at Li's Acupuncture are FDA approved and high quality.

We prepare our herbal prescriptions according to each patient's needs.