About Karin

Moxibustion, or Moxa for short, is the use of Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) to stimulate the acupuncture points and meridians with heat. Mugwort emits a quality of heat that is deeply penetrating and healing, and a comforting smell when burned. According to the principles of Chinese Medicine, heat is used to expel cold, and invigorate Qi and Blood. As pain is considered to be due to a blockage, Moxa is an excellent way to open pathways, soothe, tonify and relieve pain.

There are many forms of Moxibustion. My favorites are Warming Needle, Direct and Tiger Warmer. To perform Warming Needle, I apply a ball of Moxa to the head of a needle that is inserted in the body. It is lighted with the tip of an incense stick and slowly begins to smolder, warming the needle and the surrounding skin and muscle. This may sound dangerous, but the ash becomes sticky and adheres to the needle, and I am at the ready to remove it if it becomes uncomfortable. This kind of heat can be deeply relaxing to the muscles and great for the treatment of chronic pain.

With Direct Moxa, I prepare small pieces of very refined mugwort the size of about a half grain of rice, apply a salve to the skin, and place the rice-grain moxa atop the salve and light it with an incense stick. It smolders and burns very quickly so only a quick flash of heat is felt. As with all forms of Moxa, I am ready to remove it the instant it feels uncomfortable.

Most often in my practice I use the Tiger Warmer, because people love it so much and it brings such a deep sense of relaxation to have local heat applied. The Tiger Warmer uses a smoke-free composite that looks like a fat incense stick placed in a metal tube. When lit, the Moxa warms the tip of the tube. I lightly oil the skin and am then able to roll the Tiger Warmer along the points and meridians. It is soothing and can cause you to fall asleep on the table in minutes.

Cupping is an ancient technique that has been used across many cultures for thousands of years. The practice uses glass or silicone jars that are applied to create a suction. The cups can be left in place or the skin can be lubricated with oil and the cups can be moved around, creating a massage effect. The sensation is unique and is painful only with strong suction—generally, I use moderate suction for the comfort level of the patient. It is extremely helpful in the treatment of musculoskeletal aches and pain, such as neck, shoulder and back pain, digestive disorders, and respiratory disorders such as cough and asthma. It can warm the muscles by promoting the free flow of qi and blood, improve circulation in the lungs and strengthen the immune system.

Gua sha is a dermal friction technique used in traditional East Asian medicine. It is often called “coining or “spooning” depending upon the instrument used and is commonly used as a home remedy for coughs and colds. Modern research has demonstrated Gua Sha’s ability to produce an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single Gua sha treatment. It resolves muscle spasms and pain, increases range of motion, and promotes normal circulation to muscles, connective tissues and organs. It stimulates the immune system, heading off colds and quieting lingering coughs, and releases enzymes that reduce internal organ inflammation.

In my practice I use a moderate technique with emphasis on the patient’s comfort level. I start by oiling the skin with a soothing salve or oil and use a disposable, single-use tool. The skin is gently scraped using long strokes that can leave the skin with red to purple marks, called petechiae. This discoloration differs from a bruise and fades quickly, resolving within two to three days. In my practice I have seen remarkable reduction in stiffness and pain and immediate increase in range of motion after a treatment with Gua sha.

I use the Snow Lotus brand of essential oils, and have had training in Aroma Acupoint Therapy (AAT) with Snow Lotus’ Peter Holmes, L.Ac., M.H. Snow Lotus produces high quality, organic artisan essential oils. With AAT, I select essential oils to be applied to specific acupuncture points, carefully matching the resonance of the oil with the spirit and function of the acupuncture point. The use of essential oils can help to harmonize the acupuncture treatment, access deeper mental, emotional and spiritual levels of healing and for those sensitive to needles can be used in place of acupuncture.