Acupuncture Center of Salem

Acupuncture is the technique of inserting thin, metal needles into specific points on the body for therapeutic effect. It has a long lineage of use in China, with references to its practice dating back over 2500 years. These points are arranged in lines and patterns on the surface of the body, following energetic pathways of Qi (also rendered as Chi or Ki) . These pathways are called Meridians or Channels (Mai in Chinese) . Acupuncture points, though located on the surface of the body, connect to deep patterns of Qi within the body. Through insertion and manipulation of acupuncture needles, an art form in itself, disharmonies in the flow of Qi may be influenced and changed. We only use disposable needles in our practice, so that you can be assured of getting brand new, prepackaged and sterile needles each time.

Cupping is the technique of using brief heat to create a vacuum in a glass cup and placing the cup over acupuncture points. The suction created by the cooling air within the cup creates a "pulling" effect, said in Chinese medicine to extract Wind and Dampness. Cups are also used to break up stagnation of energy, and to treat sports and accident related soft tissue injuries. Patients have told us that cupping is a like "getting a massage backwards. "

Tui Na is a Chinese system of massage and physical therapy. Using many of the basic principles of acupuncture, combined with modern knowledge of body mechanics, Tui Na is used extensively in China for the treatment of injuries. It is also used frequently with athletes for injury recovery. Martial artists, gymnasts, dancers and others engage in activities requiring extreme flexibility especially benefit from acupuncture and Tui Na.