Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of small, thin needles (or “pins'“) into the skin on various points on the body. The goal of acupuncture is to stimulate and balance the flow of qi, or "vital energy," throughout the acupuncture meridians. This in turns stimulates blood flow, induces a healing response to tissues, eases blockages in the body, and more.
There are many different styles of acupuncture; at AcuCascadia we tend to practice Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) style treatment: a blend of Japanese Meridian Therapy, moxibustion therapy, traditional Chinese style and Five Element Acupuncture.
The result is a much more comfortable, precise, and effective method of treatment that combines many styles in one session.
Shonishin- Pediatric Acupuncture
Shonishin is a form of non-insertive acupuncture used primarily to treat children, but can also be used for adults who are sensitive to more traditional acupuncture. Brenda Loew, MAc, EAMP/ LAc, a leading instructor and practitioner on the west coast, defines Shonishin as “painless, non-invasive needle therapy involving gentle stimulation of infant’s and children’s skin surface with specialized tools, used to strengthen and harmonize vital energy, promote wellness and treat childhood illnesses and imbalances.”
AcuCascadia is one of the only acupuncture clinics in Bend that has an advanced Shonishin practitioner, David Gaines, who specializes in Shonishin and pediatric medicine; painless and very effective treatment for many pediatric issues.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is commonly used in Chinese medicine as a form of heat and light therapy. Small amounts of a spongy, dried herb called moxa, or mugwort, is burned on or over the skin. It feels warming and comfortable and the goal is to invigorate and support the flow of qi in the body and the meridians. We use this therapy often at AcuCascadia, especially for pain and digestive issues. It is classically the most powerful method to treat acupuncture points.
Sports Medicine
Bend is an exceptionally active community, with residents engaged in vigorous activities from the mountains and lakes, to the trails, to the gyms. Treating injuries, improving workout recovery, moving past chronic patterns, restoring function after surgeries, optimising performance and health all require specialized training and understanding of the body in both anatomy and function.
We have decades of experience in this field both as athletes and healers. Extensive training in bodywork methods, sports and injury specific acupuncture, advanced cupping methods, modern “technical” acu-therapeutics like electro-stim, infrared therapy, and polarity therapy have equipped us to maximize treatments for active individuals and professional athletes. We work to find the root causes and unlock chronic patterns that inhibit healing and optimal function of tissues to help individuals recover, heal, and move in ways they didn’t know was possible.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient Asian therapy that has recently become more popular in the West. It involves using heat to create a vacuum in a glass cup which is then applied to the body. The cups are sometimes left in one place and other times they are slid across the skin in a form of massage. The gentle suction from the cups helps to open up circulation of blood, fluids and qi in the muscles and soft tissue making it especially helpful for painful conditions.
Bodywork
David has trained extensively in Asian and Western bodywork techniques such as Shiatsu, Sotai, Qi Gong Tuina, cranial sacral therapy, visceral manipulation, myofascial release and more. All of these styles of massage focus on opening up circulation and qi flow, blood flow, detoxification pathways, and help aid in relaxation and pain management. We find that hands-on bodywork complements acupuncture well and can improve outcomes so we often incorporate some amount of bodywork into our regular treatments.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is frequently used in conjunction with acupuncture. While acupuncture can help move qi and reduce pain and other symptoms, herbal formulas can be pivotal to changing underlying patterns of imbalance and helping you reach a more sustained state of wellness. We strive to use the highest quality Chinese and Western herbs and supplements and will often create custom herbal formulas to fit your exact needs. To find out more about the herbs and products we use, please feel free to check out our most commonly used suppliers: Golden Cabinet Herbal Pharmacy, Classical Pearls, Metagenics, Blue Poppy and Kan Herbs.
Nutritional Counseling
Food is often used as medicine in Asian cultures and can be an influential factor for your health and healing. As seasons change, or as our bodies fight illness or other factors, we need different foods and cooking techniques to improve digestion and maximize wellbeing. Because of this, nutrition recommendations are often a part of your treatment plan.