Acupuncture and Accessory Techniques

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Bruna Polonia, MSOM, LAc

Dr. Bruna has been in the health area since 2006 when she started medical school back in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she is originally from. After moving to the US to pursue her master's, she worked at an acupuncture clinic specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and women’s health.

She did her internship at the school clinic and still sees patients back in Brazil. Dr. She focuses on female health, chemotherapy support, and mental health support but treats general medicine and pain as well. Being Brazilian, she is also fluent in Portuguese.

Certifications:

• Attended Fundação Técnico-Educacional Souza Marques in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been an active Medical Doctor there since 2012
• Trained in China at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2018
• Obtained a Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine from Wongu University of Oriental Medicine in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has been an Oriental Medical Doctor since 2020
• Nationally certified by NCCAOM in all four board exams - Biomedicine, Chinese Herbology, Foundations of Oriental Medicine, and Acupuncture with Point Location
• Certified in Clean Needle Technique

The Accessory Techniques:

Moxibustion (Moxa)

What is moxa?

It is a simple technique that entails the burning of dried mugwort leaves.

How is it done?

There are different forms of moxibustion, the most common being burning the herb close to certain acupuncture points or areas for therapeutic reasons. It can be done anywhere in the body, and sometimes along with other substances, such as salt.

What does it treat?

It’s warming characteristics are used for a variety of ailments, at the practitioner’s discretion. Helping fertility, correcting breech presentation, treating kidney conditions and boosting the immune system are a few common examples.

What should I expect?

The herb itself has a potent and distinctive smell. The treated area should feel warm. No pain should be felt in any part of the procedure.

Gua Sha

What is gua sha?

Gua sha is a natural therapy that involves scraping the skin with a special tool to improve circulation, bringing new blood flow to repair and heal the affected area.

How is it done?

The skin may be scraped with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue using a smooth edged tool. Gua sha is generally performed on the back, chest, neck, arms, and legs. Most times the skin will be prepared with oil, but not always. The level of pressure is catered to each patient's tolerance and comfort.

What does it treat?

This ancient healing technique offers a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain, migraines, perimenopausal symptoms, and even Tourette’s syndrome.

What should I expect?

The technique itself can be sensational, but never beyond the comfort level of the patient. The next day may bring some soreness in the area. There is usually discoloration of the skin in the form of small, rash-like dots in the skin (petechiae).

Tuina

What is tuina?

Tuina is believed to be the oldest form of bodywork. It’s similar to acupuncture in the way it targets specific points, stimulated with fingers instead of needles. Tuina massage is often used in combination with acupuncture.

How is it done?

Tuina massage can be done as a stronger deep-tissue massage or very gentle, sometimes energetic treatment depending on patients needs. It uses no special tools, but sometimes the skin can be prepared with oil.

What does it treat?

Tuina is one of the most popular treatment modalities and is frequently used in the treatment of superficial trauma and injury and a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems. It has a good impact on circulation.

What should I expect?

There should be no abnormal or negative lingering sensations different than those patients'experienced with any other form of massage or bodywork.

Cupping

What is cupping?

Cupping is an ancient healing therapy in which cups are placed on the back, stomach, arms, legs, or other parts of the body. Inside the cup, a vacuum or suction force pulls the skin upward. They can be made of metal, bamboo, or, more typically nowadays, glass.

How is it done?

There are different ways to perform cupping. Sometimes the cups will stay in place for several minutes. Some treatments involve briefly moving the cups to stretch and massage the area.

Cupping methods include:

Dry: the inside of each cup is heated — typically with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball that is set aflame. Once placed on your skin, the vacuum force pulls the skin up into the cup.

Wet: A needle or lancet is used to lightly puncture the area before, and sometimes after, cupping. Mild bleeding is expected and properly addressed.

What does it treat?

The technique can be used for a variety of conditions but is best known for pain and muscular problems, muscle spasms, and improving immune function.

What should I expect?

Sometimes there will be discoloration on the areas treated, usually in the form of dark circles. If sliding cups, a passing sore sensation might be experienced the next day.