Winnie Au Acupuncture Center - Services and Procedures

The Chinese believe that every living being possesses a universal life energy called "Qi" or "Chi." This energy circulates throughout the human body along pathways called "meridians", which surface on the body at certain hundred of points, called "acu-points". Each meridian is connected to a specific internal organ. When Qi in the body is full and moving properly, health is promoted. When Chi is blocked, the system is disrupted, then pain or illness occurs.

Scientific research has discovered that the acupuncture points show a variety of unique bioelectrical properties. Stimulation of these points causes definite physiological reactions affecting brain activity, blood pressure, heart rate and the immune system.

Dr. Au (pronounced "O") inserts very fine, disposable, sterilized needles at specific acu-points on the meridians, to enhance and activate the body’s ability to heal itself by opening the energy meridians and stimulating the flow of Qi.

Electro-acupuncture is a therapy which combines needling and electric stimulation by sending a small amount of electric current to a needle after insertion and arrival of Chi to treat diseases. It is based on the modern belief that acupuncture points are in fact areas of low electrical resistance. Studies have also shown that there is a correlation between the electro-magnetic field in the body and the channels or meridians.

The theory is that our health affected by illness or injury, affects the electrical resistance of the corresponding points at the body. By stimulating the acu-points with a small electrical current through needles, a pen-like conductor or a set of special pads, the balance and health can be restored. The frequency of the electrical current can be varied according to the treatment and the required effects.

Electro-acupuncture can be used to adjust body function, increase the analgesic and sedative effects, relieve the muscular tension, and promote blood circulation, etc. Dr. Au often uses this type of modern acupuncture treatment method for pain relief and many other health conditions.

Moxibustion is a therapeutic method, which uses moxa wool as the main material, directly or indirectly on or over the acupoints or certain regions to produce heat stimulation to the patients. Sometimes, fragrant herbal power may be mixed with the moxa wool to enhance the effect. Moxibustion functions to warm the meridians and expel cold, enhance blood circulation and Qi (energy) flow, revive yang for resuscitation, prevent disease and strengthen the body.

In modern times, moxibustion techniques such as moxa cone, moxa roll, moxa essence, electric-heat moxibustion with herbal medicine as a partition are being employed in treatment. It can be used to relieve traumatic pain, prevent muscle spasms or debilitating conditions such as weakness and fatigue.

Far-Infrared Mineral Energizer features a unique, oversized black round plate clay-coated with a mineral formation of 33 essential elements. It is intended to use to emit energy in the infrared spectrum to provide topical heating for the purpose of temporarily elevating local tissue temperature; and intended to use for the relief of minor muscle strain spasm, increase in local blood circulation where applied, and relaxation of muscle.

It's used as one of the modalities along with acupuncture for treating of musculoskeletal disorders (such as muscle pain, weakness, joint problems or stiffness of the neck, shoulders, etc.) or some other illness.

With Cupping, Dr. Au applies a specially designed suction cup to acupuncture points or along the meridians and affected areas of the body. The vacuum suction created by heat stimulates blood circulation and improves the flow of Qi (Chi, Energy). This technique stimulates circulation, relieves swelling, and greatly enhances an acupuncture or Electro-acupuncture treatment. Cupping is used for many conditions including; neck and shoulder pain, back pain, muscle injury, common colds and influenza.

Acupressure / Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage)

Tuina (Tui Na, pronounced “twee-nah”) is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that has been used in China for thousands years (dates back to the Shang Dynasty of China, 1700 B.C.E. in history) which uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians as its basic therapeutic orientation. Tuina is a form of the rich traditional Chinese techniques that uses many different manipulations applying to acupoints, channels and muscle groups for treating specific musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems, as well as children's diseases and many other conditions. It often uses as one of the modalities along with acupuncture treatments.

With over 18 years of practice experience, Dr. Au (pronounced "O") has found that the comprehensive treatment of acupuncture helps her patients in better pain relief and faster recovery. She often apply more then one of the above modalities in treating disorders.

Acupressure / Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage)