Clinical Therapy - Shaman.gr

Within shaman modern clinical practice, our emphasis is being placed on integrative holistic healthcare approaches—your treatments  blend traditional wisdom with advanced technologies. Shaman recognise the value of combining ancient practices such as acupuncture and glide cupping with technologically advanced methods like electrical muscle stimulation, deep tissue ultrasound, and shockwave therapy. These modalities, either used separately or in complement, form a comprehensive toolkit for the management of musculoskeletal pain, injury rehabilitation, and optimising patient well-being.

Our main therapies:

Acupuncture is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. According to TCM theory, these points lie along meridians through which vital energy, or "Qi," flows. Blockages in this flow are thought to contribute to illness and dysfunction. Acupuncture aims to restore balance by stimulating these points, thereby promoting natural healing processes.

Modern research has expanded our understanding of acupuncture’s physiological effects, linking it to modulation of the nervous system, release of endorphins, and improved local circulation. In the clinical environment, acupuncture is used to treat:

A typical acupuncture session begins with an assessment of the patient's condition, followed by careful needle placement. The needles remain inserted for 15-30 minutes, with minimal discomfort. Side effects are rare but may include minor bruising or slight bleeding at the needle site. Proper sterilization and technique are paramount to ensure safety.

Electroacupuncture, or acupuncture electrical muscle stimulation, builds upon standard acupuncture by introducing a controlled electrical current to the needles. This technique leverages both the principles of TCM and the physiological benefits of electrical stimulation.

The electrical current can vary in frequency and intensity, tailored to the patient's therapeutic goals. Electroacupuncture is particularly effective for:

• Neuromuscular pain and dysfunction

• Muscle spasms and tension

• Nerve injuries and neuropathic pain

• Post-stroke rehabilitation

Procedure and Safety

After acupuncture needles are placed at selected acupoints along the meridians, electrodes are attached to pairs of needles. During therapy we may gradually increases the current until the patient feels a mild tingling or pulsation—never painful. Treatments typically last 15-20 minutes maximum is 25 minutes depending on issue at hand. Contraindications include patients with pacemakers, epilepsy, or certain heart conditions.

Ultrasound therapy utilises high-frequency sound waves to penetrate tissues beneath the skin. These waves generate deep heat, which can enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote the repair of soft tissues. We use a number of ultrasound tools depending if working on muscle, nerve or cysts (synovial etc)

Deep tissue ultrasound is commonly used for:

A coupling gel is applied to the skin to facilitate the transmission of ultrasound waves. A handheld transducer is moved over the affected area for 5-10 minutes, delivering targeted therapy. The patient may feel mild warmth. This modality is safe, though it is not recommended over areas with metal implants, pregnancy, or malignancy or varicose veins.

Ultrasound is very beneficial in treating/removing Synovial Cysts, Ganglia and other issues.

Cupping therapy, another component of TCM, involves creating suction on the skin using glass, bamboo, or silicone cups. Glide cupping refers to the technique where cups are moved along muscles or meridians, rather than remaining stationary. Suction is typically created using a  negative pressure.

Glide cupping is valued for its ability to:

The practitioner applies oil, wax or lotion to the treatment area, then glides the cup smoothly along the skin, following muscle fibres or meridian pathways. Patients often experience a relaxing sensation, with some temporary redness or slight bruising at the treatment site. Cupping should be avoided on areas with open wounds, active infection, or over fragile skin, age appropriate.

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), employs high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in musculoskeletal tissues. It originated in the treatment of kidney stones, ED, and has since been adapted for orthopaedic and rehabilitation purposes.

Shockwave therapy is particularly effective in chronic, treatment-resistant conditions, including:

A shockwave device targets the affected area with controlled bursts of acoustic energy. Treatment settings depend on the depth and nature of the injury. Sessions typically last 5-10 minutes and may require 3-5 treatments for optimal results. Side effects are generally mild, such as local discomfort or temporary swelling. Shockwave therapy is not recommended for patients with certain bleeding disorders or in the presence of tumours.

Modern rehabilitation and pain clinics often incorporate these therapies within a multidisciplinary framework. For example, a patient recovering from a sports injury might benefit from acupuncture to manage pain, deep tissue ultrasound to promote healing, and glide cupping to enhance flexibility. Electroacupuncture and shockwave therapy are valuable tools when conventional approaches offer limited relief.

While individual response to these therapies may vary, a growing body of research supports their efficacy in various clinical scenarios. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated benefits of acupuncture for chronic pain, while ultrasound and shockwave therapies are established for soft tissue injuries. Cupping’s mechanism and outcomes are still under investigation, but anecdotal and preliminary clinical data are promising.  At Shaman we have all promising results using one or more therapies.

Patient education and informed consent are critical, as is ongoing practitioner training. Each therapy carries specific indications and contraindications, reinforcing the importance of personalized care.

Conclusion

At Shaman Faliraki, the integration of acupuncture, electroacupuncture, deep tissue ultrasound, glide cupping, and shockwave therapy, with Massotherapy represents a dynamic approach to modern clinical care. By harnessing both time-honoured traditions and contemporary technology, clinicians are empowered to offer individualized, holistic treatment plans that address both the symptoms and root causes of musculoskeletal complaints. As research advances and public interest in integrative health grows, these therapies are poised to play an ever more prominent role in the future of healthcare.