Compass Acupuncture Tacoma

Japanese, Shonishin and Manaka style acupuncture are simultaneously gentle and powerful. Japanese style acupuncture has its roots in the 10th century, and it is out of here that Shonishin, or pediatric acupuncture developed in the 1700s, and Manaka was developed by Dr. Yoshio Manaka using the eight extraordinary vessels and ion pumping cords in the 1950s. One to the primary philosophies of each of these styles is to use the least amount of stimulation to effect greatest amount of change. All of these styles and techniques rely heavily on palpation, point location, and feedback while using thinner and fewer needles. These techniques and styles are ideal for people who are afraid of needles, are extra sensitive, and for children as a painless insertion is practiced, and often the needles are not even inserted into the skin in order to have a profound effect!.

Acupuncture can be highly effective in the treatment of injuries due to an active lifestyle. At Compass Acupuncture Tacoma, we have learned a variety of sports and orthopedic techniques to help get you back to doing the sport that you love. Whether it is a Traditional Chinese Medicine style of treatment, addressing trigger points, using Tuina (a Chinese style, medically based form of body work), or the M-Test we are able to meet you where you are and help move you towards recovery.

Additionally, we have conducted an initial pilot study that shows promise that acupuncture can actually improve performance as well as treat injury and improve recovery rates.

This Chinese style, medically based form of body work can be used to treat a variety of conditions from low back pain to tennis elbow, to knee pain. Tuina is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance and facilitate the healing process.

Many women face a wide array of gender specific health concerns, including PMS, menstrual cycle irregularities, fertility, childbirth issues, and menopause. Whatever your concerns, acupuncture and East Asian medicine offer a natural, safe, and effective way to support and address your physical and emotional health.

Moxa is an herb derived from mugwort that has been shown to reduce pain, strengthen the immune system to protect reduce the occurrence of colds and flus, and to improve digestion. It works by warming the channels, improving the circulation and stimulating the immune system.

This is a technique where a vacuum is created in either a glass or plastic cup in order to pull the skin and fascia away from the muscle to improve blood flow and propagate healing. There are a number of different of techniques that incorporate cupping, including stationary cupping, running cupping, flash cupping, electro/stim cupping, and bleeding cupping. Each of these techniques have specific and different effects including decreasing the effects of colds and flu, improving muscle recovery, relaxes the nervous system, soothes respiratory conditions, relieves aches and pains, relaxes stiff and tight muscles, and lowers blood pressure.

This is a technique uses a tool such as an animal horn, ceramic spoon, or carved jade tool that breaks up blood stagnation through repeated pressured strokes over a lubricated area of skin. The “sha” is denoted by petechiae, or small red or purple dots. The sha occurs when blood, fluids, or qi become stagnant due to injury or cold. Stagnation, according to East Asian medicine creates pain. Breaking up the stagnation allows for the debris of old blood to be removed so that healing can increase and flow improves. Gua Sha is extremely effective as an adjunctive treatment for orthopedic soft tissue pain, muscle strain, tightness, and stiffness, reducing fever, suppressing cough, and in treating the common cold.

Shiatsu has its origins in Japan. It is a type of bodywork, and translates to finger pressure. Shiatsu therapy uses touch, comfortable pressure, and gentle techniques to support and strengthen the body’s natural ability to find balance. It is through balance that healing can occur. Shiatsu, while involving touching the body, affects the psychological and emotional aspects of a person, not only the physical. It is a deeply relaxing and gentle form of therapy that can powerfully impact the health and well being of a person.