An honest, whole-body approach to your health

Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine using filiform (threadlike) needles to treat various diseases. The technique was originally conducted based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, and it has since been thoroughly studied and supported by modern research and science.

At LightHill Acupuncture, we practice a hybrid of traditional value in Chinese medicine and authoritative evidence in Western medicine, with the intention of bringing the best outcomes to our patients.

We use disposable, sterile needles that come in individual packages and are used only once before being discarded.

Cupping is another technique of traditional Chinese medicine used to treat various types of conditions. Its efficacy for pain disorders — and its visibility among professional athletes, such as Michael Phelps at the 2016 Rio Olympics — fueled a sharp rise in its popularity.

We practice two types of cupping: retaining and sliding. The retaining technique is effective for stubborn pain in a fixed location. It works by breaking up stasis and lifting debris and waste from injured tissue so it can be metabolized by the body's circulatory system.

The sliding technique moves blood at the superficial level. We use slide cupping for relaxation, stress relief and general health improvement. Cupping is primarily performed on the back.

Gua sha is a long-standing practice of Chinese medicine. The technique involves using a tool to scrape areas of the body. Depending on the severity of the condition, results range from slight redness of the skin to petechiae (microbleeding beneath the skin), which indicates significant accumulation of heat or blood stagnation.

Gua sha has been practiced for thousands of years and studied thoroughly in recent decades. Research has shown significant efficacy in relieving neck pain compared with other common clinical modalities, as well as protection of tissue from oxidative stress — meaning gua sha supports tissue repair at the molecular level.

「通則不痛、不通則痛」— "pain when obstructed, no pain when unobstructed." Obstruction can be understood as poor circulation, stagnation of blood flow, or muscle tightness and restriction.

We practice trigger point and deep tissue therapeutic massage. With his expertise in pain management, Dr. Liu focuses treatment on the vulnerable locations where obstruction commonly accumulates, promoting better circulation and releasing tight muscle.

Pain relief is not the only benefit. Patients have reported improvements in stress, sleep quality, menstrual irregularity, digestive dysfunction, allergies and more. Bodywork can also be combined with gua sha and cupping for synergistic results.

Herbal medicine makes up the largest portion of traditional Chinese medicine — acupuncture is only one branch of it. As Dr. Zheng, professor of herbal formula at Texas Health and Science University, has taught: "you are not a Chinese medicine doctor if you do not use herbs in your practice."

At LightHill Acupuncture, raw Chinese individual herbs are available for purchase. Consultation with Dr. Liu is required to ensure the quality and safety of the prescription based on your presenting condition. Please contact us for more information.