Berkeley Community Acupuncture is now offering private therapeutic body work at low, affordable rates. We offer Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Tui Na massage therapy, cupping foot reflexology, Facial Rejuvenation Therapy, and Stone Qi Massage.

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into precise points of the body where Chi can be accessed and stimulated. Chi is the energy flow of the body. In a healthy body, Chi is abundant and flows smoothly, carrying out all the body's physiological functions with ease. When disease is present, the Chi of the body can be deficient or stagnant. When the Chi of the body is disturbed, this can lead to further imbalances of the body's blood, fluids, or organs.

Acupuncture needles stimulate the Chi at strategic areas of the body in order to move stagnations, release heat, or tonify deficiencies. Acupuncture points are located throughout the body and are found along energetic pathways known as meridians. These meridians are associated with specific organs in the body and flow together to connect all aspects of the body.

Moxibustion is the application of heat to certain areas or acupoints of the body through a warming agent created by the herb mugwort (Artemisia Argyi). Small rice grain-sized moxa cones are placed directly on the skin, burned and then snuffed off before it reaches the skin. This is referred to as direct moxibustion. Indirect moxibustion involves lighting a mugwort stick about the size of a cigar, and allowing the heat to emanate from the stick onto the acupoints or areas. No part of the skin is in direct contact with the moxibustion. The indirect method can be done without acupuncture needles so the area itself is stimulated by heat or performed with acupuncture needles, where the needles are warmed and the heat conducted through the needles into the meridians.

Moxibustion has a warming, soothing, relaxing effect on the body. The warmth of the moxibustion travels deep into the body and the meridians and stimulates chi and blood, improving circulation and dispelling cold and pain from the body. Moxibustion also has a very tonifying effect on the body and strengthens the body to counteract chronic illnesses, exhaustion and a weak digestion. In addition, moxibustion is extremely effective in preventing diseases and keeping the body healthy.

Moxibustion is commonly used to help remedy arthritis, back pain, cramping during the period, weak digestion, fatigue, cold sensitivity, poor circulation and diarrhea.

Tui Na is a Traditional Chinese style massage that works with meridian theory and acupoints to balance and rejuvenate the body. Tui Na incorporates different hand techniques and stretches to increase circulation, free stagnant energy, enhance mobility, reduce pain and other discomforts arising from excessive, deficient or blocked qi flow.

Tui Na can address: musculoskeletal injuries, pain, circulatory issues, depression, fatigue, digestive problems, discomfort related to pregnancy, athletic injury, low immune system, neuralgia / neuropathy, stress, and much more.

Cupping is a therapy whereby suction is created with glass cups and attached on to the body, usually the area of the back. The cups can be attached to specific acupoints and left in place or they can be dragged across a skin surface that has been oiled. The suction creates a local congestion that stimulates the acupoints and pulls toxins to the service to be eliminated by the body. Dragging the cups across an oiled surface releases the muscle layer and relieves muscular tightness and pain. It can have a releasing and relaxing effect similar to a deep tissue massage. Cupping warms and promotes the free flow of chi and blood in the meridians, expels toxins and diminishes swelling and pain. It is most often used for back pain. It can also help in general detoxification, gastrointestinal disorders and lung problems, such as cough and asthma.

Foot Reflexology is a type of acupressure massage that uses the foot as a map to the internal organs of the body. By stimulating different areas of the feet, the corresponding areas of the body can be balanced and rejuvenated.

Our Cupping, Reflexology and Tui Na treatments are available for the low sliding scale of $20-$40 per private half hour session.

Our Facial Rejuvenation Package includes a Chinese herbal facial soak, acupuncture and a Chinese herbal mask. Each treatment is tailored to the individual. We offer these luxurious treatments at an amazing sliding scale of $40-$75 per treatment. These treatments can moisturize the skin by increasing circulation, improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin, stimulate collagen production, reduce bags around the eyes, increase circulation to the face, creating a radiant appearance, tighten pores, release stress, and slow the aging process from within.

Our Stone Qi Massage includes relaxing massage and acupressure with hot stones and personalized attention to your individual needs. We offer these amazing sessions at $45-$65 per half hour session. This treatment can relax muscle tension, destress, warm and strengthen the body from within, rebalance the organ system, improve digestion, and restore balance to the body.

Please call 510-704-0593 to schedule an appointment or you can schedule on-line.