ROBIN GELLMAN ACUPUNCTURIST ☎: 202-669-2680

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is holistic healthcare modality developed in China over 3,000 years ago. By inserting tiny, sterile needles into specific points located on-or-near the skin's surface, the body's natural healing processes is activated - strengthening immunity, reducing pain, improving circulation and promoting the relaxation response. As a result, acupuncture is also used by athletes for injury prevention, hastening injury recovery and for athletic performance enhancement.

Modern science has revealed that when stimulated by the needles, these specific points can signal a complex biochemical and physiological process which promotes healing. It might sound crazy, but it works!  And don't take our word for it - click on the video opposite and none other than Dr. Oz will explain it in detail for you.

The Chinese mapped-out the body's acupuncture points thousands of years ago and more recently, electro-magnetic research has corroborated many of their locations.

The foundation Chinese Medicine is the vital energy that flows through the body called Qi (pronounced:  'chee'). This energy flows along various pathways within the body (called channels or meridians), nourishing every cell, tissue and organ.  The acupuncture points connect with these channels. When there is a blockage of this vital energy flow, or if it becomes unbalanced, then physical and emotional problems can occur.  When the smooth flow of Qi is restored by the acupuncture (or acupressure), vitality will be restored. Like an irrigation system on a farm – when water and nutrients are flowing evenly and distributed abundantly, the plants will be well-nourished, healthy, resilient and grow with vitality.

In reality, the acupuncture is merely stimulating your body’s innate and wise healing ability.

Acupuncture can help with many health issues, but it is not "miracle cure" and it can take a series of treatments to pivot the pattern of ongoing illness.  Of course, good nutrition, solid sleep, regular exercise, sunshine, good relationships, fun, stress reduction practices and outlook are key contributors to optimal wellbeing.

With your energy flowing more freely, you will feel more resilient, calmer and more balanced. Robin may also suggest making shifts in your diet and life-style that will, over time, positively impact your overall health.

WHAT IS CUPPING? 

"Cupping" is another ancient form of complementary medicine, and you may have heard of it during sporting events like the Rio Olympics in 2016 (see pictures below).

Cupping is usually incorporated into an acupuncture of bodywork treatment, but can be used alone. The practitioner takes a glass cup or bamboo jar, roughly the size of a jar of baby food, and ignites a small flame inside the cup, creating a vacuum. The cup is then quickly applied to the body, drawing the skin up a few millimeters into the cup. This suction stimulates the flow of blood, lymph, and Qi to the affected area. The suction can leave red or purple marks on the skin that last a few days, but then go away.

This suction stimulates the flow of blood, lymph, and Qi to the affected area.  The suction can leave red or purple marks on the skin that are painless but last a few days before disappearing.

Each cupping session lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes and can be repeated until the condition being treated is resolved.

Cupping is used to relieve muscle pain, especially back pain caused by stiffness or injury.  It also helps clear chest congestion with can occur with common colds or influenza.  And, as you can see opposite, many athletes turn to cupping to promote their general health and well-being during competitive events.

Film star Gwyneth Paltrow advocates of acupuncture and cupping as part of her ongoing health routine.

She was photographed (below) attending a film premiere in London after a cupping session.