Acupuncture Clinical Snapshot ...
Last night I was in the acupuncture clinic treating an individual who is particularly needle shy. Meaning, that acupuncture needles are not an option to treat her with just yet as even the thought freaks her out a bit. However I did use a combination of magnet therapy with the addition of an ingenious little contraption called a “tiger warmer”. Basically a tiger warmer is a small stainless steel cylinder that you insert a special herbal incense stick into, thus the cylinder warms up at one end and you can use it directly on the skin to warm the acupuncture points and meridians.
The tiger warmer has many applications and techniques depending on the style of acupuncture you practice, however in essence it is used to warm cold acupuncture points and is a gentler option than direct moxa. I have been using the tiger warmer for a few years now in my acupuncture practice and have found it to be extremely beneficial as an adjunctive form of treatment, as well as a viable primary form of treatment.
According to the general consensus, provided by those I have treated with this miraculous little warmer, it provides a pleasant warmth that penetrates deep into the tissue. The reason for this is the combination of “directed” heat with the comforting addition of pressure as exerted by the hand holding it. It is due to this warmth with pressure and its application to specific acupuncture points/meridians that creates a very pleasant yet deep form of therapy and ultimate relief.
As I mentioned earlier, using the tiger warmer in the acupuncture treatment last night provided a beautiful ‘tool’ to treat an individual who is just not ready for acupuncture needles yet. This also goes for children who may be needle shy, or too fidgety for the application of direct Moxabustion.
Now, for those of you who are thinking that this “tiger warmer” sounds great to release tight bands of muscles and trigger points, you are absolutely right! It works a real treat for releasing contracted muscle fibres and penetrates the layers of tissue beautifully. However in my acupuncture practice I have found that you can use it on distal acupuncture points in order to release proximal reflective areas/meridians just as you would use an acupuncture needle. Furthermore I use it as a substitute for direct moxabustion (okyu) when the situation doesn’t allow for direct moxa. I find the tiger warmer to be a great ‘tool’ to use in the treatment of colds/flus as well as a great form of preventative self-treatment for general immune building.
I know this blog post may be sounding like an advertisement for tiger warmers, but I can assure you I have no shares in the Japanese or Korean companies that manufacture them. Wish I did though…
I really feel it is a great acupuncture tool and primary form of therapy that is easily & effectively administered either by an acupuncturist or on a self-treatment level once you have been shown how to correctly use it. In the past I have given tiger warmers to those I treat with instruction on how to use it daily on the acupuncture points I have selected for them, and have found that it has been enjoyable for them to do and at the same time it has further assisted in the overall treatment process & beneficial therapeutic effect.
As always feel free to contact me with any questions.
Warm Regards,
Giancarlo Nerini – Licensed Acupuncturist
The tiger warmer has many applications and techniques depending on the style of acupuncture you practice, however in essence it is used to warm cold acupuncture points and is a gentler option than direct moxa. I have been using the tiger warmer for a few years now in my acupuncture practice and have found it to be extremely beneficial as an adjunctive form of treatment, as well as a viable primary form of treatment.
According to the general consensus, provided by those I have treated with this miraculous little warmer, it provides a pleasant warmth that penetrates deep into the tissue. The reason for this is the combination of “directed” heat with the comforting addition of pressure as exerted by the hand holding it. It is due to this warmth with pressure and its application to specific acupuncture points/meridians that creates a very pleasant yet deep form of therapy and ultimate relief.
As I mentioned earlier, using the tiger warmer in the acupuncture treatment last night provided a beautiful ‘tool’ to treat an individual who is just not ready for acupuncture needles yet. This also goes for children who may be needle shy, or too fidgety for the application of direct Moxabustion.
Now, for those of you who are thinking that this “tiger warmer” sounds great to release tight bands of muscles and trigger points, you are absolutely right! It works a real treat for releasing contracted muscle fibres and penetrates the layers of tissue beautifully. However in my acupuncture practice I have found that you can use it on distal acupuncture points in order to release proximal reflective areas/meridians just as you would use an acupuncture needle. Furthermore I use it as a substitute for direct moxabustion (okyu) when the situation doesn’t allow for direct moxa. I find the tiger warmer to be a great ‘tool’ to use in the treatment of colds/flus as well as a great form of preventative self-treatment for general immune building.
I know this blog post may be sounding like an advertisement for tiger warmers, but I can assure you I have no shares in the Japanese or Korean companies that manufacture them. Wish I did though…
I really feel it is a great acupuncture tool and primary form of therapy that is easily & effectively administered either by an acupuncturist or on a self-treatment level once you have been shown how to correctly use it. In the past I have given tiger warmers to those I treat with instruction on how to use it daily on the acupuncture points I have selected for them, and have found that it has been enjoyable for them to do and at the same time it has further assisted in the overall treatment process & beneficial therapeutic effect.
As always feel free to contact me with any questions.
Warm Regards,
Giancarlo Nerini – Licensed Acupuncturist
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