Acupuncture demystified

Just as blood flows through our vessels, energy also flows through the body in channels or meridians. That energy is vital to life. When it gets blocked or the body is deficient, placing very fine needles on specific points along the channels, can work to balance and nourish this energy. When you have a treatment, there is an increase in Seratonin and Endorphins. This is the reason that most people experience deep relaxation and emotional well being after a treatment.

Chinese Herbs

I use the purest Chinese Herbal formulas to support your treatment plan.  They come in many different forms such as powders, tinctures and pills. I will discuss which is the best option for you.

Chinese Diet

The role of food and medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine overlap.  In TCM, food is divided into five natures: cold, cool, neutral, warm and hot. The nature of foods is not determined by their actual temperature, but rather by what effects they have on a person’s body after consumption. When a person continually eats one type of food, it creates an imbalance in their body, and affects their immune system. One of the goals in Chinese medicine is to move the body towards “neutral.” This is accomplished through my treatments, herbs, and specific foods.

Aroma Acu-point Therapy

I use Aroma Acu-point Therapy which is an ancient Chinese practice using essential oils on Acupuncture points. They provide information to the points and suggests a specific action. This enhances the treatment and the patient experiences a very deep and pleasurable relaxation. For children and extremely sensitive patients, I can use less needles or none at all.

Cupping

An ancient practice in many cultures. Glass suction cups are used to gently pull up on the tissues to increase circulation, release tension and draw out toxins. Mostly I use cups to treat neck and back pain and lung conditions. There are circles left on the skin which can appear for up to two weeks. I always discuss this with my patients to determine if it’s the right treatment at that time.

Moxabustion

Moxa (for short) is a warming therapy for certain conditions. There are many forms.  The kind I mostly use is the safest. It is a smokeless moxa stick which is made from the herb Mugwort and is held over the point. I will use direct Moxa if needed.

Auricular therapy

Our whole body is represented in the ear. Fine needles or tiny seeds placed in the area that corresponds to where your pain or disharmony is, can treat that condition quickly. Auricular acupuncture can also be used diagnostically to determine where the problem is.