In accordance with regulations pertaining to the practice of acupuncture in the state of Pennsylvania, a medical exam by a physician is required prior to acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is one modality of Oriental Medicine along with herbalism, diet, massage, and the exercise therapies of Tai Chi and Qi Gong . Formulas are often very complex, consisting of 5-15 or more individual herbs, chosen to address specific imbalances in a comprehensive manner. Because the formulas are strong and may have side-effects if improperly used, it is important to see a person experienced in the use of Chinese herbal medicine who can assess the energetic imbalance underlying the problem and suggest the best combination of herbs to address that imbalance. America is the only country in the world where the word, massage , has been used as a euphemism and front for illicit sexual activity.
Massage therapy has no connection with such activity.
As more and more Americans learn about and experience therapeutic massage, we see that unfortunate and negative association being replaced with a high positive regard. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative. From one session to the next, you are able to relax more and more as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are released. Cost depends upon the type of treatment, the experience of the practitioner, where you live and the length of the massage. Most practitioners make gift certificates available.