Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of sterile needles into specific points on the body. This form of medicine is believed to have originated in China around 6000 BCE. Points are mapped on the body in pathways called Meridians, which generally flow through muscles or joints. Points are found over the entire body, from the head to the toes, front and back. Nearly any condition may be treated with acupuncture: pain syndromes, sleep trouble, mood disorders, hormonal changes and even infertility.
Dr. Provorse selects points based on a number of considerations: your complaint, your history, your symptoms and physical examination (which may include tongue and pulse examination). The number of points selected during a treatment can be as little as one and as many as a dozen. Acupuncture treatments may be received lying down on a massage table or sitting in a chair.
Cupping, GuaSha, & Moxabustion
During your acupuncture (or as a standalone treatment), you may elect to receive fire cupping, guasha or moxabustion.
Cupping is the application of cups to the body to relieve tension or pain. The use of fire inside the cup (before the application) creates a vacuum that makes the cup adhere to the skin.
GuaSha is a technique sometimes referred to as "skin scraping" which uses a tool and some oil on the skin to break up adhesions and increase blood flow to the soft tissues. It is used for pain syndromes and more.
Moxabustion is the burning of mugwort (moxa) over specific points on the body. This therapeutic practice is used to warm specific points or meridians for moving energy and increasing circulation.
Botanical Medicine
Most pharmaceutical medications originate from plants. White willow bark contains salicylic acid (aspirin) and the drug valium was originally extracted from valerian. While pharmaceuticals are pure forms of single constituents, using more of the plant provides a greater spectrum of ingredients. Herbalists believe that this "whole plant medicine" is generally a safer and more holistic way of treating illness.
Dr. Provorse has trained in the pharmaceutical use of plants and making of herbal medicine. In her practice she may prescribe "capsules" of dried plants or customize "tinctures" of multiple herbs. A "tincture" is an alcohol extract that has a long shelf life and is generally easy to take.