Welcome to Manhattan Wellness Group. We are a team of medical and healthcare professionals that specialize in Joint and Spine Health, and general wellness. What makes our wellness group unique, is the comprehensive approach we take when treating our patients and clients. The answer isn’t always “an epidural for back pain”. Pain management for back can include Chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage therapy and more. Our leading experts in Pain Management, Chiropractic Care, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy and wellness are dedicated to serving patients in the greater Manhattan area. “We Got Your Back“
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located on the surface of the skin. The stimulation alters various biochemical and physiological conditions and helps release endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. It promotes circulation and hormonal balance as well as reduces pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture treats the underlying cause and improves the patient’s quality of life. No two acupuncture treatments are alike; certified professionals design an individualized treatment plan for your unique needs.
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating select points on the skin, called acupoints. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other stimulation techniques include manual massage, heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines.
What are the Common Uses of Acupuncture?
Many patients seek acupuncture to ease stress and reduce stress related conditions. Acupuncture can help ease emotional discomfort as well as the physical symptoms of:
- Back, shoulder and neck pain
- Sciatica and headaches
- Knee and hip pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow, arthritis
- Depression and stress
- Sleep related issues
- Fatigue and weight gain
Fertility, Pregnancy and Acupuncture
If you are struggling to conceive, acupuncture can be of great benefit. It can restore balance to your reproductive and endocrine system by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, improving egg quality, and regulating menstruation and ovulation.
As well as provide relief from morning sickness and fatigue, acupuncture can treat high blood pressure, edema, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and back pain in the second and third trimester.
What is Cupping Therapy?
You have probably been hearing about and seeing several famous athletes and celebrities with the notorious marks from cupping therapy, and perhaps wondered what it is and why it is sought out by so many? Cupping therapy can be used to treat many muscle related injuries but above all, cupping therapy relieves pain and speeds healing of injuries. By creating negative pressure, cupping improves circulation, relieves tired and tight muscles {especially neck, shoulder and back pain}, moves stagnated energy and increases overall vitality. Pain and injury not only slow down your daily routine and ability to function, they also have a negative impact on your energy, your attitude and your stamina–and who has time for that? A simple cupping treatment can put you right back in the game with less pain, more ease and increased vitality.
What can I Expect During Cupping Therapy Treatment?
The therapist will take a number of glass cups to apply to your body. For each cup used, a vacuum is created using a flame. The cup is then applied to the skin. In order to allow easy movement of the glass, oil is applied. The suction anchors the cup to the body and the area of skin covered is drawn up a few millimeters into the cup. The cups are then left on the body while the area beneath is being treated and the energy is moved. Generally, the cups are left in place for approximately 3 to 5 minutes as the skin begins to redden due to the congestion of blood flow.
Cupping is comfortable and relaxing for some, while others may find it uncomfortable or even painful. The sensation is often characterized as deep warmth and tingling long after the treatment has ended. Cupping draws the inflammation out of the problem area yet does not add to it and is excellent when used as a contrast therapy with oils or liniments. The skin will redden with strong cupping, indication that circulation has been brought to the surface. The increased local blood supply to the area will nourish the muscles and skin, and allow the toxins to be carried away.
Cupping Therapy, an Ancient Technique
Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. The cups can be made of a variety of materials, including:
- Glass
- Bamboo
- Earthenware
The suction of the cups mobilizes blood flow to promote the healing of a broad range of medical ailments.
Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians were using cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.
How does Cupping Therapy work?
There are various types of cupping therapy, including:
- Dry cupping (suction only)
- Wet cupping (combination of suction and controlled medicinal bleeding)
During both types of cupping, a flammable substance such as alcohol, herbs, or paper is placed in a cup and set on fire. As the fire goes out, the cup is placed upside down on the patient’s skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes the skin to rise and redden as blood vessels expand. The cup is generally left in place for five to 10 minutes. A more modern version of cupping uses a rubber pump to create the vacuum inside the cup. Sometimes practitioners use medical-grade silicone cups. These are pliable enough to be moved from place to place on the skin and produce a massage-like effect.
How does Cupping Therapy help you?
Cupping is believed to stimulate the flow of blood and lymph to the affected area. Massage cupping is often used on broad areas on the back to break up stagnated waste and stubborn adhesions. Cupping is not only beneficial for muscular pain; it can also be used for the following conditions: general muscular tension, common colds and flu, sporting injuries and menstrual pain. These are just a few conditions that cupping can prove to be extremely beneficial. Consult your therapist for further information. A 2012 study published in the journal PLoS ONE concluded that cupping therapy may be effective when combined with other treatments like acupuncture or medications in treating various diseases and conditions.
About The Massage Therapy Package:
Manhattan Wellness Group’s our Massage Therapists are trained specialists who deliver the highest quality of care. Patients first receive an examination to discuss areas of concern before getting an individualized treatment plan. Our Board Certified Massage Therapists specialize in medical massage techniques and target each patient’s specific pain point. These techniques improve healing and recovery time. After the evaluation, the patient receives a 30- minute outcome-based massage.
About Massage Therapy:
Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts 4,000 years old. Today massage therapy refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the muscular, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy influences the overall health and well-being of patients. Some studies show the positive effect of massage therapy on psychological health.
Physical and Mental Benefits of Massage Theraphy
- relieves aching and tired muscles
- loosens tight muscles
- relaxes the whole body
- increases flexibility and range of motion
- diminishes chronic pain
- help relieving the inflamed nerves and calms the nervous system
- lowers blood pressure
- lowers heart rate
- enhances skin tone
- assists in recovery from injuries and illness
- strengthens the immune system
- reduces tension headaches
- reduces mental stress
- improves concentration
- promotes restful sleep
- aids in mental relaxation
About Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is part of an integrated primary health care system, known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has an uninterrupted history of development, dating back thousands of years in China, where herbs are considered fundamental therapy for many acute and chronic conditions.
What Conditions are Best Treated with Chinese Herbal Therapy?
In addition to providing effective treatment for a wide range of health disorders, Chinese herbal medicine may also be used to assist with general health maintenance and disease prevention. Like acupuncture, Chinese herbs can address unhealthy body patterns that manifest in various symptoms and complaints. Chinese herbal therapy aims to help you regain homeostasis, or balance, in your body and strengthen your body’s resistance to disease.
Chinese herbs can be used for:
- sleep-related issues and fatigue
- loss of appetite and common digestive disorders
- constipation and diarrhea
- irritable bowel syndrome
- common cold and influenza
- chronic headaches
- skin disorders
- fluid retention
- depression and stress
- allergies
- premenstrual syndrome and painful menstruation
- excessive menstruation
- infertility
- impotence and prostate disorders
- disorders associated with menopause
Treatment Plan
Chinese herbal medicines are prescribed either singly or made into formulae. It takes into account each therapeutic herb action and the effects when combined. A well-constructed formula maximizes the effectiveness of treating a particular condition. No two treatment plans are alike, and each patient should expect a program tailored to his/her specific symptoms.
What Substances Used in Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Today Chinese Herbal Medicine contains more than 450 substances – most are of plant origin though some animal and mineral substances may also be present. You may find some in your kitchen, such as ginger, garlic, and cinnamon, while others such as chrysanthemum and peony flowers are more likely to be found in your garden! Most of our treatment methods utilize synergistic healing, where a combination of spices or herbs is used to treat some conditions.
Chinese herbal medicine takes a holistic approach to understand the normal function and disease processes and focuses on preventing illness.
Most diseases or illnesses present with a core set of recognizable signs and symptoms, but the actual presentation of a particular disease or illness will vary from person to person. For this reason, people with similar health conditions may be treated with quite different Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions.
A qualified practitioner can prescribe a Chinese herbal formula that precisely matches and treats your health problem. As your condition changes and improves with treatment, Chinese herbal medicine is also adjusted and modified until the desired health outcome is achieved.