Cathy Cao's Acupuncture

Langley: 220-20780 Willoughby Town Centre Dr. Langley, BC (in Peak Valley Active Health)

778-552-5268, 604-371-0715 / or Book Online

Treatment Methods

Acupuncture

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.

Acupressure massage - Tuina

Tuina works by applying pressure to acupoints, meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to remove blockages that prevent the free flow of qi. Removing these blockages restores the balance of qi in the body, leading to improved health and vitality. 

Cupping

Cups are placed at various points on the back and suction is applied, which raises the skin into the surrounding cup. Drawing up the skin is believed to open up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. Cupping is used to treat respiratory, digestive and gynecological disorders, headaches and dizziness, lymphatic blockages, as well as common colds and insomnia. Although it can cause circular bruise marks, these typically heal within several days.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort that is also known as artemesia vulgaris or ai ye in Chinese, has a long history of use in folk medicine. Research has shown that it acts as an emmenagogue ­ that is, an agent that increases blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus and stimulates menstruation.