ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine available anywhere. There are a variety of techniques, including placing very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the brain to release our body's natural painkillers, reduce stress and improve circulation and blood flow.
HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS
Most recently, neuroimaging studies have shown that acupuncture affects a network of systems in the brain, including decreasing activity in the limbic system (the emotional part of the brain). Acupuncture needles are able to:
- Stimulate Endorphin Release with Analgesic Affect to Reduce Pain
- Stimulate Blood Flow and Tissue Repair
- Signal the parasympathetic ('rest and digest') nervous system to reduce stress levels and regulate breathing, digestion, and heart rate
Acupuncture has been recognized by the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization to effectively treat the conditions below. This is by no means a complete list of everything that can be treated by acupuncture. Please contact me if you would like to discuss how acupuncture may be able to benefit you.
Musculoskeletal:
Low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, periarthritis of the shoulder, knee pain, sprains, facial pain, TMJ, dental pain, arthritis
Women's Health:
Primary dymenorreah (painful periods), induction of labor, morning sickness, correction of malposition fetus (breech presentation), infertility
Digestive Issues:
Acute and chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, acute epigastralgia, biliary colic, acute bacillary dysentery, nausea and vomiting, IBS
Immune System:
Hay fever, allergic rhinitis, common cold and flu
Cardiac:
Primary and essential hypertension
Surgery & Oncology:
Post surgical pain, adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy
Neurological:
Stroke, headache, facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders), Bells Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis
Emotional:
Depression, anxiety
HERBAL MEDICINE
Chinese herbal medicine is a 2,000 year old tradition using naturally occurring substances — including herbs — to enhance one's health and vitality. The foundation of this approach is to support the body's natural self-healing mechanisms and abilities.
Since each patient has different needs, I carefully select and combine a variety of herbs that will synergistically blend together to achieve optimal results for your unique situation. I prescribe high-quality, professional-grade herbal medicines that are available only to qualified licensed professionals.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion involves the burning of mugwort over specific areas of the body to facilitate healing. The purpose of moxibustion is to strengthen the blood, stimulate circulation, and enhance your overall vitality and health.
CUPPING
Cupping has been a part of Chinese Medicine for over 2,500 years. It relieves aches and pains, improves circulation, helps with respiratory and digestive issues as well as stimulates the immune system. I simply place a specialized glass cup onto specific points on your body, and then use suction to draw your skin up into the cups. It doesn't hurt — it simply draws fresh blood and oxygen to that area of your body.
GUA SHA
Although Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique used by Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years, it is relatively unknown in the West. It is recognized throughout Asia as a highly effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, the common cold and a host of other ailments. A Gua Sha tool -such as a specialized jade tool - and oil are applied to the affected area and short brisk strokes are used to detoxify your blood and restore healthy flow to the area.
TUI NA
Tui Na is an ancient form of bodywork that is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A variety of pressures and strokes along specific areas of your body to both relax your muscles and also stimulate blood and circulation.