When I trained as an East Asian Medicine practitioner, I didn’t just learn acupuncture—I spent four years studying an entire system of medicine. I trained in multiple modalities, each designed to treat the body in a unique way.
That’s why, when you book a session with me, you’re getting all of it.
Some practitioners offer acupuncture as a standalone service with additional modalities as “add-ons.” While that model makes sense for certain practices, I take a different approach. I don’t want to feel like my hands are tied when I know what would be most effective for you. Every treatment is comprehensive, tailored to what your body needs that day.
And what does that actually include? Let’s break it down.
The Full Scope of Your Treatment
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the foundation of East Asian Medicine. It involves the insertion of ultra-thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, regulate circulation, and restore balance.
💡 What it’s great for:
✔️ Pain relief (musculoskeletal issues, headaches, chronic conditions)
✔️ Nervous system regulation (stress, anxiety, burnout, insomnia)
✔️ Digestive support (IBS, bloating, sluggish digestion)
✔️ Hormonal balance (fertility, menstrual regulation, perimenopause)
Acupuncture does a lot, but it’s not the only tool in my kit.
Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage)
Tui Na is a hands-on bodywork technique that uses kneading, pressing, rolling, and stretching to move Qi and blood through the body. Think of it as acupuncture without needles—it follows the same meridian system to promote circulation and ease tension.
💡 What it’s great for:
✔️ Muscular tension and pain
✔️ Stress and nervous system regulation
✔️ Stiffness and limited range of motion
✔️ Supporting digestion and circulation
Unlike Western massage, Tui Na isn’t necessarily about deep tissue pressure (though it can be intense!). It’s about restoring the body's natural flow of movement and energy. People often say they feel like melted butter after their treatment!
Cupping Therapy
Cupping involves placing glass or silicone cups on the skin to create suction, which draws blood flow to the surface and releases muscle tension. It’s often recognizable by the round marks it can leave behind—marks that aren’t bruises but indications of improved circulation.
💡 What it’s great for:
✔️ Chronic muscle tension (especially back, shoulders, and neck)
✔️ Stagnant injuries that need better blood flow to heal
✔️ Lung health (coughs, colds, asthma)
✔️ Athletic recovery and performance
People often describe cupping as “the opposite of massage”—instead of pressing into the muscles, it lifts them, allowing tight tissues to decompress.
Electroacupuncture (E-Stim)
Electroacupuncture involves attaching a gentle electrical current to acupuncture needles, creating a mild pulsation that enhances stimulation. This can help increase blood circulation, activate muscles, and regulate the nervous system.
💡 What it’s great for:
✔️ Chronic and acute pain (especially nerve pain)
✔️ Muscular injuries and recovery
✔️ Neuropathy and nerve regeneration
✔️ Stress and anxiety regulation
For some, e-stim can feel like a subtle tapping sensation at the needle site. I always adjust the intensity to your comfort level.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha involves using a smooth-edged tool (traditionally jade or stone) to scrape along the skin in areas of tension, promoting circulation and lymphatic movement. It helps break up adhesions in the fascia and releases stagnant energy.
💡 What it’s great for:
✔️ Neck, shoulder, and jaw tension
✔️ TMJ dysfunction and headaches
✔️ Stagnant injuries and inflammation
✔️ Facial rejuvenation (when done with gentle techniques)
Gua Sha can leave temporary redness, known as sha, which fades within a few days as circulation improves.
Moxa (Moxibustion)
Moxibustion, or “moxa,” is the burning of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near acupuncture points to introduce gentle, penetrating heat to the body. Moxa is used to warm and stimulate circulation, support digestion, and build Yang energy, which is crucial for warmth and vitality.
💡 What it’s great for:
✔️ Cold hands, feet, or deep internal cold
✔️ Chronic fatigue and burnout
✔️ Menstrual cramps and fertility support
✔️ Strengthening the immune system
Moxa has a distinct herbal scent, often compared to burning sage. I typically use smokeless moxa in my clinic, but traditional moxa can be a great home therapy.
Herbal Medicine
East Asian Herbal Medicine is a powerful complement to acupuncture. It allows me to treat patterns of imbalance internally—especially when acupuncture alone isn’t enough.
💡 What it’s great for:
✔️ Digestive health (bloating, IBS, constipation)
✔️ Sleep support and stress management
✔️ Hormonal regulation (menstrual cycles, menopause, fertility)
✔️ Immune support and chronic illness recovery
Herbal formulas are customized to each person, making them a targeted way to enhance your healing.
Why I Don’t Offer “Add-Ons”
With all of these modalities available, you might be wondering why I don’t offer them as separate “add-ons” like some practitioners do. Here’s why:
🔸 Every treatment is a full treatment. You’re not just getting acupuncture—you’re getting what your body needs that day. If I think cupping, Tui Na, or e-stim will benefit you, I’ll use it.
🔸 I want to treat you as a whole person. My job isn’t to convince you to add on extra services. My job is to create the most effective treatment for your body.
🔸 But I also believe in collaboration. If you know that a particular modality has worked really well for you before—“I’d love to get cupping today” or “E-stim made a huge difference for me last time”—I’ll absolutely take that into account.
At the end of the day, when you book with me, you’re getting a thoughtfully designed, comprehensive treatment that draws from everything I’ve learned—not just one modality.
Thinking About Trying Acupuncture?
If you’ve never had acupuncture before, you might not know which of these modalities would benefit you the most—and that’s okay! My role is to assess what your body needs and create a treatment plan that supports your healing.
So whether you’re coming in for stress, pain, pregnancy support, or general wellness, you can trust that I’ll bring all of my training and experience to your care.
Have questions or want to book a session? Feel free to reach out—I’d love to help.
📍 Location: 445 Bellevue Ave Ste 304A, Oakland, CA
📧 Email: info@briannadarcey.com
📱 Call/Text: (510) 629-0085
💬 Follow me on Instagram: @brianna_darcey_acupuncture
Let’s get you feeling your best
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