At My Acupuncturist in Laguna, I, Dr. Amir Nabet, offer a variety of acupuncture techniques and complementary therapies that have been practiced for centuries and are recognized for their safety and effectiveness. Below is an overview of the different treatments I provide:
Acupuncture Therapies
1. Traditional Acupuncture (Body Acupuncture)
What It Is: The most well-known form of acupuncture, based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which involves placing thin needles at specific points along the body’s meridians to restore balance and promote healing.
How Old: Over 3,000 years old, originating in ancient China.
Safety: Extremely safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist. Sterile, single-use needles are used to prevent infection.
2. Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture
What It Is: A specialized technique that targets acupuncture points on the ear, which correspond to different organs and systems in the body. Often used for pain management, stress relief, addiction recovery, and weight loss.
How Old: Over 2,000 years old, though modern auriculotherapy was refined in the 1950s by Dr. Paul Nogier.
Safety: Safe and effective, often used in battlefield acupuncture for rapid pain relief.
3. Scalp Acupuncture
What It Is: A modern acupuncture method that stimulates specific areas on the scalp to treat neurological conditions like stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, and migraines.
How Old: Developed in the 20th century, based on TCM and modern neurology.
Safety: Safe and effective, especially for nerve-related conditions.
4. Dry Needling (Trigger Point Therapy)
What It Is: A technique that uses acupuncture needles to release muscle knots (trigger points), relieving pain and tension in specific areas.
How Old: A modern adaptation based on Western medicine, developed in the 1940s.
Safety: Safe when performed by a trained professional; minor soreness may occur.
5. Fascia Acupuncture (Myofascial Release Acupuncture)
What It Is: A technique that focuses on stimulating the fascia (connective tissue) to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing. Often used for chronic pain, sports injuries, and fibromyalgia.
How Old: A modern adaptation of TCM acupuncture combined with fascial research.
Safety: Safe and beneficial for chronic pain sufferers.
Electroacupuncture
Uses mild electrical stimulation attached to acupuncture needles for enhanced effects in pain relief and healing.
Cupping Therapy (Different Types)
1. Stationary Cupping
What It Is: Cups are placed on the skin and left in one spot to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and remove toxins.
How Old: Over 3,000 years old, used in China, Egypt, and the Middle East.
Safety: Safe but may leave temporary marks that fade in a few days.
2. Moving Cupping (Gliding Cupping)
What It Is: The therapist applies oil to the skin and moves the cups along the muscles, providing a deep tissue massage effect. Great for muscle relaxation and detoxification.
How Old: Ancient practice, refined in TCM and sports medicine.
Safety: Safe and deeply relaxing.
3. Fire Cupping
What It Is: A traditional technique where a flame is briefly inserted into a glass cup to create suction, then placed on the skin.
How Old: Over 3,000 years old, a classic TCM practice.
Safety: Safe when performed by a trained practitioner; warmth is felt but not burning.
4. Flying Cupping
What It Is: Cups are quickly placed and removed in a rhythmic motion to stimulate blood flow without leaving deep marks.
How Old: A variation of fire cupping, used in China for centuries.
Safety: Safe and gentle.
Gua Sha (Scraping Therapy)
What It Is: A tool (jade, stone, or metal) is used to gently scrape the skin, increasing circulation and releasing muscle tension.
How Old: Over 2,000 years old, originating in China.
Safety: Safe, but mild redness can occur and fades within a few days.
Herbal Medicine
What It Is: The use of Chinese herbal formulas, often in the form of teas, pills, or powders, to support the body’s healing process. Herbs are used for digestion, immunity, stress, hormone balance, and pain relief.
How Old: Over 5,000 years old, one of the oldest medical practices.
Safety: Extremely safe when prescribed by a trained professional; herbs are carefully selected to match each patient’s needs.
Moxibustion-Assisted Acupuncture
Uses burning mugwort (moxa) near acupuncture points to enhance healing and warm the meridians.
Final Thoughts: A Safe and Effective Healing Approach
Every treatment I provide is based on centuries of practice, scientific research, and modern medic