Eastern Medicine Wellness Practices at Stella Luna

The phrase “Eastern Medicine,” which might also be called traditional or alternative, represents a broad range of medical practices and philosophies that began in various Asian countries – predominantly China, Japan, India, and Korea. Eastern Medicine encompasses a holistic approach to healing, meaning that it works to bring balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit. It differs from Western medicine in terms of its theoretical framework, diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, and understanding of health and illness as well as Eastern Medicine’s focus on prevention and working through to the root cause of an issue instead of just a fix for a presenting problem.

Acupuncture

The insertion of thin needles into specific points along energy channels called meridians to stimulate the flow of energy and restore balance.

Herbal Medicine

Utilization of various herbs, plants, roots, and minerals to create formulas or prescriptions tailored to an individual’s specific condition.

Cupping

Traditionally, fire cupping is done by using a flame to burn the oxygen out of a glass cup creating a vacuum and placing the cup onto the skin. This allows the negative pressure (vacuum) to help to decompress the tissue and bring pressure relief to the nerves. Cupping also stimulates spinal nerves leading to relaxation and can also break up chest congestion and relax the cough reflex.

Gua Sha (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)

Using handheld instruments to scrape areas of tension and pain by breaking up adhesions and fascia, Gua Sha reduces trigger points in muscles – increasing circulation to speed up the removal of stagnant blood, metabolic waste, and toxins from the tissue. Gua Sha can also help with lymphatic flow, much like cupping.