WHEN you hear the word “acupuncture,” what comes to your mind? Tiny needles inserted in certain points and ‘meridians’ in the body? Well, did you know that acupuncture is more than just using needles? As this practice continues to grow, there have been updates and innovations over the years.
Acupuncture has been around long before many modern treatments existed and is the most commonly used technique of traditional healing, dating back to at least 100 B.C. It entails stimulating certain points in the body by selectively blocking the transmission of pain through the nerve fibers. It also regulates the flow of energy in the body to alleviate chronic pain and aids treating various health conditions such as nausea, migraines, digestive issues, depression, arthritis and menstrual cramping, to name a few.
Traditional acupuncture uses disposable filiform acupuncture needles—which are very thin and flexible—to target precise points in the body and is totally painless. Electroacupuncture, or known as needle-less acupuncture—for those who are afraid of needles—uses a small gadget which utilizes an electrode to pass small currents into the target points to achieve the desired effect. Acupressure, on the other hand, uses massage and pressure instead of needles or gadgets.
There is also a kind of acupuncture that focuses on your ears. Unlike the kinds mentioned above which require you to lie down for the entire session, auricular (ear) acupuncture allows you to move freely or sit during the session. This is ideal for patients who cannot stay still for long periods of time. It uses auricular press tacks, commonly known as “seeds” as they literally look like seeds.
Businesswoman turned licensed massage therapist and acupuncturist Rosalie “Dolly” Salve, founder of G&D Health and Wellness Center, has been fascinated with this healing technique after undergoing training under the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care. In fact, she’s one of the first people to learn about modern acupuncture (electroacupuncture) in the country.
A number of clients have reported feeling better, physically and emotionally, after acupuncture sessions with her since 2006.
“Acupuncture is a holistic form of treatment. Aside from easing body pains and treating illnesses, it also improves one’s well-being as it recharges the body’s bioelectricity,” Dolly emphasized.
She combines acupressure and acupuncture for a total healing technique which takes about one hour and a half. She starts with a light acupressure massage, followed by the electroacupuncture on its aura detox bed (thermal bed, which is said to restore the damaged body cells and purifies them).
“Sometimes, patients request to be inserted with needles even after electropuncture session, but this is a case-to-case basis,” Dolly shared.
How to prepare before and after the session?
“Just prepare to be healed. You should not eat or drink 30 minutes before the treatment and should not drink any alcoholic beverages 48 hours prior. Two hours after treatment, you should not shower or wash your body and should not eat or drink,” shared Dolly.
Visit G&D Health and Wellness Center on 209 V. Rama St., or contact 0929-117-3145 as it is strictly by appointment only.