Jan Bull
A Loving Light for hope and healing
Jan Bull, Acupuncturist, MA, L.Ac
Member, National Qigong Association




Treatments
Qigong
Qigong is breath and movement. It is actually the precursor to acupuncture because ancient healers were able to feel the flow of energy and pathways first. Because breath transforms our chemistry, it not only has the capacity to enhance our physicality and our resistance to pathogens, but also can transform difficult emotions. The magic is in the regular practice, see what happens if you can commit even 10 minutes a day! Qigong should not hurt. Do what you can and no more.
As always, follow advice of your physician and if you are pregnant, do not do inverse bending over things.
Acupressure and Tuina
Acupressure is simply using the fingers to stimulate acupuncture points instead of needles. And, Tuina is a special form of Chinese massage that focuses along the meridian pathways.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the use of very fine needles, not much thicker than a strand of hair, to send signals to the body and brain to restore the balance in the body and mind that leads to pain, or dis-ease. The needles are not at all like the large needles used for flu shots or drawing blood. The sensation is often described as a dull ache or slight tingling sensation. Many people can feel the flow of warmth or slight sensation emanating from the needled point. Although most people, even those not liking "needles" tolerate acupuncture very well, it is possible to use acupressure, or other modalities to achieve some movement.
Gua Sha
GuaSha is a tool used to move stagnant blood and qi esecially in cases of catching a cold. You know that achy feeling you get when you first get sick? Using GuaSha to gently move the fluids down the neck and upper back can be super useful for moving the common cold along and out of the body
Cupping
You have probably seen cupping during the Olympics as many athletes now receive this modality to reduce pain from cold and damp conditions.