Are you a bit queasy about acupuncture needles? Unfortunately, even the word needles deters people from getting acupuncture sessions. Let me share that you can experience a gentle acupuncture session without needles.

No matter how much I reassure people that it doesn’t hurt, there is resistance. I had total needle phobia until I started getting regular acupuncture sessions. So no judgement, I get it. And not all acupuncturists are the same with their needle technique and healing approach.

However, I am a gentle needler. Since I also abhor pain, and inflicting it on others.

My words are not enough for most. Since we all have a bit of  “I’ll believe it when I see it” understandable attitude and in this case it would be “feel it”.

But have no fear. I have some solutions for you. There are other amazing ways to get the benefits of acupuncture WITHOUT the use of any needles.

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5 GENTLE WAYS 

1. CUPPING

Cupping is one of the oldest aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Cups are placed on the skin, usually along the back, sacrum and hip area (though you could cup most places in the body). A vacuum is created with either a pump used with plastic cups, or with fire and glass cups. The heat from the flame, removes the oxygen in the glass cup causing the skin to be sucked into it.

When the skin is drawn into the cup, it opens up the skin’s pores. This is important for stimulating blood flow, balancing and moving qi (energy), breaking up nodules and obstructions, pulling cold out of the body and allowing toxins to leave.

Cups could also be be place on oiled skin and moved. Moving cups along meridian lines have all the benefits listed above and feels great.

Cupping can be used for sore and painful muscles, respiratory and immunity imbalances, as well as overall wellness. It reduces pain and promotes relaxation.

The use of moxa will move stuck energy and increase circulation. It reduces pain and  provides more comfort. Especially important in your pelvic cavity. Often stagnation of energy in the pelvic area can refer pain to the neck, shoulders or down your legs.

Cold- moxa brings heat into your body. Cold contracts, holds, and limits circulation causing pain and discomfort. Moxa smoothes the cold with its penetrating heat and herbal oils.

Moxa is a powerful ally on various acupuncture points and meridians for physical pain, urinary dysfunctions (incontinence), digestive imbalances (bloating/gas), gynecological issues (moxa works miracles on menstrual cramps) and is great for pregnancy. Moxa is a wonderful option for pregnant moms who are suffering from back pain. It also good for babies, bringing more blood and circulation to the placenta.

There are multiple health benefits from moxa, and much like cupping it is also reduces pain and promotes a warm cozy sense of relaxation.

3. GUA SHA 

Gua Sha is other aspect as of TCM. Gua Sha means “scaping sha-bruises”. The skin is scaped to produce light bruising. Blood is being brought to the surface of the skin. This allows for movement of stagnant blood or blockages. Gua Sha also promotes more healing by allowing more oxygen to circulate in the area.

Gua sha boosts your immune system and reduces inflammation. A great option when you feel like you are getting sick. Gua sha can help your body release the toxins faster.

Used for physical pain (neck, shoulders, back, etc), migraines /headaches, or cold/flus/fever, and allergies.

Gua Sha is yet another way to get blood and energy flowing in your body.

4. MASSAGE 

Massage has many forms, manually applying pressure to various parts of the body to relieve pain and ease tension. In TCM Tui Na is the manipulative therapy used to promote movement in the body. It has always been a part of the medicine.

I use massage to help move the lymphatic system and promote movement of blood and qi. Acupressure along with various manual manipulations will get blood and energy moving.

Of course essential oils are used in a variety of ways, and have an array of therapeutic values.  Aroma Acupoint Therapy sessions are different as the oils applied have similar properties as the acupuncture points. And it is using the acupuncture meridian energy system to promote the movement of energy.

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Acupuncture is an energy medicine, it is about creating balance in the body and moving qi (energy) to promote more flow. The beauty of all these gentle methods is they utilize the acupuncture meridians, and can all be combined or used separately. All can also be mixed with acupuncture needles. Sessions are a mixture of what is best needed for the client.

There is also nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine and more. Acupuncture is one part of TCM, a holistic medicine that incorporates different approaches to healing a person’s mind, body and spirit.

If you have doubts about needles, you can still benefit from acupuncture sessions. And you should. Get that energy moving. It is important to keep your body healthy and thriving!

Email me with any questions or concerns: info@carinecamara.com.

Book your needle free appointment today.

Collectively the holiday season creates a lot of havoc, especially for those of us that live in cities. For many the holidays are anxiety producing. Between work, family obligations, financial stress, gift giving, traveling, and busy schedules this time of the year feels intense and crazy.

For those of you who are sensitive to energies and the people around you. Like myself. The holiday season can be exhausting, and filled with anguish.

I used to dread the holiday season, I’m a recovering scrooge. Mostly because it is so anxiety producing, and the pop Christmas music that starts playing in every store right after Halloween. I’m still peeved about the latter. However, I have learned how to keep my center, by self care, eating healthy and being grateful for all the gifts I have in my life. Now I can appreciate the joy of the holidays which are also a beautiful time to spend with people you love, share food and laugh.

1. Self Care– this is the season of giving. And give to yourself. Take the time to gift yourself a massage, an acupuncture session, energy work, spa treatment or any other healing modality. Move the stress and anxiety out of your body. I personally make sure I keep on top of this with regular acupuncture and bodywork sessions, because this is also the season for illness. Due to stress and diet, people get sick during the holiday season. It is so important to keep your immune system strong, and your stress levels down. Acupuncture sessions also help you stay balanced and focus during this time.

2. Meditate- breathe and stay grounded in your body. If you a person that meditates great. Do more. If you are someone that has a hard time meditating- find a guided one. Youtube has thousands of guided meditations.

Here is a simple 5 or so minute meditation you can use: Breathing is key to to building a strong relationship with your body. Close your eyes. Take 5 deep breaths. Inhale for 5 counts into your belly, exhale for 5 counts.

Now notice any place in your body where you are having any sensations. It could be tension, tightness, pain, dull ache or tingling. Breathe into that space. Have the intention of calming and relaxing the area. You can continue relaxing various parts of your body. And just breathe and be.

In a situation that is stressful- remove yourself and breathe. Like at your family gathering.  Bathrooms are really good places to find some privacy to get centered.

I just started meditating this year. I had a hard time for many years. Since my mind is always on hyper mode. Guided meditations with visualizations helped me begin the process. As an empath, I used to have a hard time differentiating what I was feeling. Since I started meditating on a regular basis over the last year, it’s so much easier monitoring my thoughts and emotions. So when I am in situations where I am triggered, I can always go within. I like to think of meditation as cultivating a relationship with yourself.

3. Food– Enjoy the food of the holidays. There are dinner and work parties, so much celebration happening. Just monitor you sugar intake. Sugar lowers your immune system, adversing affects your digestion and cognitive functions. Read more on my post on sugar and the flu season. Eat as much whole, natural organic foods as possible. And drink lots of water.

4. Alcohol – is a depressant. And for those who are inclined towards depression and or anxiety. Drinking copious amounts of alcohol will intensify your emotional state. Limit your consumption of alcohol, and drink moderately.

5. Give back– being of service to others is always a beautiful way to shift your emotional state. Volunteer and share your time with others. It will help you see a different perspective of your life.

6. Gratitude– We all have so much to be grateful for. Give thanks for all the gifts and the love you have in your life. It is helpful to write it all out. Set 5  minutes on a timer and write all the things you grateful for. You’ll have quite a lot.

I am grateful to have a great apartment in Los Angles. Beautiful friends. I’m forever and always grateful that I love what I do.

During this month of frenzy remember do take some time for yourself. Give to yourself. Love Yourself.

If you are looking to book an acupuncture session to get you balanced during this holiday season. You can book ONLINE, or email me at hello@pelviswellnessmethod.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

With Love,
Carine

Since glass is easier to make and maintain, they became the standard for cupping during the 20th Century. Flash-fire cupping technique is used with alcohol and fire to depressurize the cups to create the suction of the skin.

Modern day cupping also includes plastic cups with valves to allow a pump to be used to create the suction.

2.  How does cupping work?

Where there is stagnation, there is a breeding ground for disease and pain.

Cupping much like acupuncture helps to remove the blockages and opens your channels. The suction breaks the congestion, and allows more circulation of energy, blood and lymphatic fluids into the area.  It also allows toxins and inflammation to come up to the surface of the skin to be released.

3. Cupping treats more than muscle pain 

Though cupping is great for releasing tension and soreness in muscles.

Cupping can also be used for:

• Respiratory Disorders
• Headaches
• Arthritic Pain
• Hypertension
• Common Cold
• Painful Menstrual Cycle
• Poisonous snake/insert bites
• Indigestion
• Asthma
• Coughing

The benefits of cupping are vast but the majors ones are relaxation, pain relief and calming your nervous system.

Wonder how you can benefit from cupping?

Call 925 310 5317 or email me at info@carinecamara.com.

Wanna learn more TCM techniques to alleviate pain?

Sign up & and get a Free PDF. 

Are you in Chronic Pain? Do you find yourself surviving on pain medications? Have you tried various therapies? Have you tried acupuncture? If you haven’t, you should strongly consider it, and here are 5 reasons why:

1. Acupuncture promotes the movement of blood.

   Our blood is our life force, it contains everything that our body needs to heal- oxygen, nutrients we absorb from food, immune substances, hormones, pain-killers and anti-inflammatories. Our blood flow decreases with age, and can be negativity affected by injuries, diseases or trauma. Ensuring proper blood flow is vital to promoting and maintaining health. Acupuncture has shown to increase circulation and vasodilation in certain areas.

2. Acupuncture releases your body’s natural pain-killers.

   When acupuncture needles are placed in the body, a signal is sent through the nervous system to the brain to release pain-killing chemicals-endorphins.

3. Acupuncture stimulates our body’s natural healing mechanisms.

   When a needle is inserted in the body, it creates a “micro-trauma”. This creates a systemic immune response. Your body starts to heal by activating your nervous, endocrine and immune systems. After the needles are removed, the “micro- lesions” continue to stimulate the body until it heals. The healing process can last anywhere from 1-3 days after your session.

4. Acupuncture relaxes shorten muscles.

   The insertion of acupuncture needles releases pressure in the muscles, and joint structures promoting more blood flow.

5. Acupuncture reduces stress and relaxes your body.

   Acupuncture stimulates the release of oxytocin- a hormone that regulates the parasympathetic nervous system.

When you receive acupuncture for chronic pain here are some of the side effects of treatments:

• deeper sleep
• more energy
• a fortified immune system
• a stronger digestive system

Looking for a reprieve from your pain, consider acupuncture.

Have questions about your specific health concerns, please email me at info@carinecamara.com.

I have just discovered the joys of boxing. I’m a relatively non-violent person, expect in times of self-defense. Leading me to stray away from most aggressive type of exercises. But, I decided to give it a try. And I’ll tell you why. I’m looking for ways to move anger, frustration, stress and other negative emotions out of my body without talking and processing them. Most of these emotions are not acute or directed at anyone, but more of an underlying feeling. And I want to swift it!

Hence, boxing. I am a HUGE component of exercise for the physical health benefits. More importantly, for the emotion release that movement can provide for the mind and spirit. I have been taking dance classes and performing since I was 4 years old. And yes, I wore cute little tutus for dance recitals. For me, dancing is one of my biggest joys. It can take me from a dark place to instant happiness. All I need is a good beat and place to move. Though I love getting my groove on, I haven’t found it to be a place were my deep-seated anger can vent.

I’m encouraging you to find a form of exercise that you can use to release negative emotions. With intention and focus on letting go, you can apply it to any form of exercise. I find boxing and other aggressive forms of movement to more effective, because anger and frustration are on the same energetic level. In other words anger and similar emotions breed aggression. Hitting a bag with all the words I would like to say with a neck roll and side eye to boot, is a freeing experience. I leave my boxing class smiling.

So go out there and release those negative emotions that are stored in your body! Giving you more energy to live your life with more joy and less pain. Acupuncture sessions also move your energy, and by exercising, deep breathing and stretching it heightens your resolve to strengthen your wellbeing and health.

With love and appreciation,

Carine