**we do not accept medical insurance**

Specializing acupuncture for back pain and acupuncture for sciatica with electro-acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine 

Acupuncture can be used to treat an enormous variety of conditions from sporting injuries to digestive upsets or even the common cold.  Anyone from newborns to the elderly can benefit from a course of treatment. Acupuncture is a very safe and effective form of medicine with a history of many thousands of years. It can be used not only for the treatment of conditions or illnesses but also to help keep you well and prevent illness taking hold.

OPEN DAYS, EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS
​walk-ins welcome

FACE COVERING PREFERRED

Services 

Note: If you have a variety of complaints, please address which I most critical in the moment, as we can only treat one body part at a time. 

CHINESE acupuncture
AND
electrocupuncture

Electroacupuncture refers to the application of a pulsating micro or milli electrical current to acupuncture needles once inserted into the skin.  A small electrode is attached to the needles and provides a gentle vibration that stimulates the energy running through the Meridian points. This helps speed up the recovery process and provides more intense stimulation.  It stimulates cellular healing and regeneration.

laser acupuncture

If you have reservations about needles, we can also perform acupuncture with laser light.

cupping THERAPY

Cupping Therapy is an ancient form of alternative treatment where cups are used to create local pressure in the form of a vacuum. 

Cupping is used for:
  • Bronchitis
  • Asthma
  • Respiratory congestion
  • Arthritis
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Pain management
  • Depression
  • Swelling reduction
  • Rheumatic disorders like muscle and joint pain.
  • Improve blood circulation
  • Anemia
  • Gynecological disorders
  • Skin disease
  • and more . . .
 


dry needling vs acupuncture

Facilitators such as physical therapists and chiropractors who offer needling treatments are not acupuncturist. A practitioner can be qualified to practice needling with as little as 23 hours of training, whereas an acupuncturist is educated in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory that takes no less than four years to complete and are qualified to diagnose and create a treatment plan that may include herbal medicine when appropriate,  and with a main focus of eliminating the root cause of pain or injury without drugs or surgery. 

skin scraping therapy
(quasha)

Guasha, or scraping therapy,  is an ancient healing technique. In this procedure, a lubricating medium, such as massage oil, is applied to the skin of the area to be treated. A smooth-edged instrument is used by the acupuncturist to apply short or long strokes on the skin, typically in the area of pain or on the back parallel to the spine. This stroking motion creates raised redness (petechiae) or bruising (ecchymosis).

Pain, both acute and chronic, is the most common indication for scraping therapy. In the TCM tradition, pain is oftentimes caused by the stagnation of blood in the local area of discomfort. The guiding principle behind scraping therapy is that this technique has the ability to break up stagnation, to promote the smooth flow of blood in the area, thereby relieving pain.
While scraping therapy is most commonly used to treat pain, it can also be utilized  to address conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, fever, heatstroke, fibromyalgia, strains, sprains, and muscle spasms.

Process:  By using tools such as jade, ox horn or cupping jars with liniment on, scraping and rubbing repeatedly the relevant parts of the skin, to dredge the channel, and activate blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis. Regular Skin Scraping is helpful to adjust the qi, relieve fatigue, and improve one's immune system.

The patient above is had both cupping and scraping treatments to alleviate symptoms of flu.

moxibustion

Used in traditional Chinese medicine, Moxibustion uses heat application over the Acupuncture points in the meridian system in the body.  A lighted Moxa stick or cones made of a small spongy herb called mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) is held over the meridian points producing warmth in the area.
Moxibustion Used to Treat:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Digestive disorders
  • Bone disorders
  • Muscle and joint problems
  • Reduce stress and releasing endorphins
  • Menstrual cramps
 
Benefits of Moxibustion are:
  • Reduce body pain
  • Strengthen blood cells and blood circulation
  • Relax muscles
  • Alleviate Pain during labor
  • Stress reduction
  • Release of endorphins
  • Stimulate flow of energy ‘qi’ in the body

Chinese herbal therapy

The Chinese have been using both medicinal herbs and acupuncture for thousands of years.  Chinese herbs are all natural and have minimal side effects. Formulas consist of roots, leaves and stems of different plants.  Chinese herbs can be taken alongside conventional medications and therapies.  All formulas are customer made to your individual ailments to address both the symptoms and the root cause of them.

free spine exams for
children

The best way to avoid spinal problems with your children is to get them managed when they are young while they are still growing and developing.  The process is simple and painless,  and we will be able to tell you immediately if there are any abnormalities in your child's spine.


RED LIGHT THERAPY/COLD LASER THERAPY

The painless application of laser light with no side effects.  Cold lasers do not produce heat and are effective in helping the body repair itself as well as reduce pain and inflammation. 

ear magnets/ear seeds

Weight loss, pain, stress relief, quit smoking and general addiction.

AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE/
EAR ACUPUNCTURE

The ear is a microsystem for the entire body and treatments are great for many conditions including Smoking Cessation, PTSD, Emotional Issues and Weight Management. Auricular Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine filiform needles into specific points on the ear.

HERBALIFE DISTRIBUTOR

​WE ALSO OFFER
RED LIGHT laser THERAPY
​

ZHEN GAO, ACUPUNCTURIST AND HERBALIST
ORIENTAL HEALING ART INSTITUTE LLC
100 PINE ST (RT. 72)
BRISTOL, CT  06010
TEXT: (860) 985-3552
TEL:    (860) 582-2389
Hours:  Open 7 days per week,  including early mornings and evenings