Zachary B. Corbett, L.Ac. Japanese Acupuncture in Eugene, OR

Manual Therapy

From the outside, manual therapy essentially looks like different types of massage.  But these techniques are to employed to fix specific pathologies in muscle, fascia, tendon, blood circulation, lymph vessels and the fluid in joints.  These techniques are used in conjunction or an alternative to acupuncture.  

Myofascial release
Myofascial refers to the muscle and connective tissue of the body.  This modality addresses problem areas that are holding local strain patterns, adhesions or scar tissue.  I may uses my hands to adjust the local tissue problem or "gua sha" tools for tool assisted soft-tissue mobilization.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
This technique works on the "stretch receptors" in muscles to painlessly encourage the nervous system to allow muscles to relax long-term.  I will teach you how this can be done at home by yourself.  

Neuromeningeal manipulation
Nerves are made of fibers that can hold strain patterns from previous injury or over use.  This technique looks for where strain is occurring and releases the physical tension in the nerve fibers.

Cranio-sacral therapy
This is a very gentle modality to help release restrictions in areas that are too sensitive to apply strong force or when the issue is resulting from a long term emotional situation.  Migraines sufferers find great relief with this technique because during an active migraine they may be too stressed or nauseous to receive much force.  This technique is also the best approach when strain and tension is being held in specific arteries or peripheral nerve fibers.  For example, have you ever experienced a pain that throbs?  This may be due to a strain in the arterial supply to pain location.

Lymphatic drainage
Another modality that uses light touch, used to help the lymphatic system flow better.  Everyone has heard of arteries and veins but we actually have a third "pipe" called lymph vessels that carry all the blood's fluid apart from red blood cells from the extremities back to the heart.  These pipes can experience a hard time keeping fluid moving for various reasons like sitting too long or after surgery. If fluid does not move, it pools and results in swelling called edema.  Many people have heard of "lymph glands" or "lymph nodes"  - these are simply where the lymph vessels meet and are an important part of your immune system.

Cupping
Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special vacuum cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping brings fresh blood and lymphatic flow to the area to reduce pain and tension.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the warming of acupuncture points using far infrared light from smoldering mugwort (known as moxa). Moxibustion is performed in many ways.  Sometimes the far infrared is use to warm an area such as in cases of period pains or digestive problems.  Some times a very tiny amount of moxa is used to stimulate specific nerves called thermo-receptors without actually trying to warm an area.