Norah McIntire, L.Ac.
8950 Villa La Jolla Drive
Suite B-129
La Jolla, CA 92037

While acupuncture is often the most familiar technique in the system of Chinese medicine, other healing methods are often used in conjunction with it (and sometimes instead of it) to provide the most comprehensive and dynamic treatment possible. Information about acupuncture and other techniques commonly used in my office follow.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is performed with thin, single-use, disposable needles inserted into various points in the body to regulate physiological activity and/or relieve pain.  The points chosen arise from an understanding of the flow of bodily energy (called qi) through meridians or channels.  Physiological dysfunction and/or pain occur when the flow of the body’s qi is disrupted. Potential causes of disruption include physical trauma, lifestyle indiscretions, environment, and mental or emotional upset. The needles are inserted strategically into points along relevant meridians to restore functional flow of energy and thereby relieve pathology and discomfort.   

Moxibustion:

Older than acupuncture, moxibustion is the gentle warming of certain points on the body to regulate physiological activity. The most common substance used to do this is the herb mugwort, a member of the chrysanthemum family. Moxibustion may be done by holding a cigar shaped package of herbs over the points on the body, attaching the herb to acupuncture needles, or burning the herb with a medium between the herbs and the skin. Moxibustion is used to warm and strengthen the body, and its uses include treatment for arthritic conditions, physical trauma, fatigue, digestive disorders and chronic pain.

Cupping:

Glass cups with smooth edges are used to create a partial vacuum over the skin to pull blood toward the surface of the body to promote circulation and release toxins. Indications for cupping may include cold or flu, pain, muscle tension or injury.

Chinese Herbal Medicine:

Chinese herbal medicine is a distinct tradition of herbalism based on the strategic combination of medicinal substances. These specific formulations are designed taking into account numerous variables, including the patient’s symptoms and the duration of the illness, his/her constitution, the time of the year and the climate in which the person lives. Very rarely, if ever, is a single herb used alone.  The use of multiple herbs allows the creation of a balanced formula, limiting possible side effects. Multiple methods of application can be utilized to ensure the most thorough digestion of the herbs. These methods include topical application, pills, tablets, tinctures, powders and teas/soups.

Nutritional Therapy:

Training as a licensed acupuncturist includes study of the fundamentals of both Western and Eastern nutritional principles. The use of traditional East Asian nutritional theory maximizes treatment results.  Dietary guidelines capitalize on the energetic nature of various foods and their therapeutic potentials. Certain foods and types of preparation are recommended to address each patient’s complaint, individual constitution and lifestyle. When used with this understanding, the traditional healing implications of various foods can enhance each patient’s treatment plan.