Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine

Acupuncture

Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating hair-thin needles at specific points, I am able to return the body to its natural balance and promote the body's ability to heal itself.

Acupuncture returns the body to its natural state of balance and harmony.

Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture

Facial acupuncture works both locally and systemically to improve the texture and skin tone of the face.   It treats both the superficial and underlying causes of the imperfections of the skin. The fine needles are placed in the dermis layer of the skin about 3mm deep.  This creates a microtrauma which the causes the body to heal itself bringing blood and  collagen and elastin to be produced in that area.  Facial acupuncture treats fine lines, sunspots, redness/rosacea, dark circles, elasticity, texture, and puffiness.

For best results, facial acupuncture treatments are done on a bi-weekly basis for five weeks, ten treatments in total. 

Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture is the stimulation of acupuncture points on the external ear surface for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions in other areas of the body.  it has been proven to be an efficient method of treating a wide variety of conditions from headaches and allergies, to fevers, pain disorders, mental disorders and addiction. 

NADA:  National Acupuncture Detoxification Association - This is a specific auricular acupuncture protocol used around the world to help people deal with and recover from substance abuse.    The NADA protocol has been shown in a variety of clinical settings to be beneficial in the process of detoxification from substance abuse as well as to help with the emotional, physical and psychological attributes involved in addiction.  Five needles are placed in specific areas of the ear and are left in for about 20 to 45 minutes.  

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbs are often used in conjunction with acupuncture and other holistic modalities for added therapeutic effect. While many cultures have herbal medicine traditions, the sophistication of Chinese herbal medicine is unsurpassed. Chinese herbal medicine has a long history reaching back several thousand years, and the resulting system is now used to treat everything from the common cold to symptoms associated with cancer.

Together we can tailor a course of treatment to meet your unique health needs.

There are thousands of herbs in the Chinese materia medica, of which about 300 are commonly used. You will generally receive a mixture of several different herbs in a formula that has been tailored to your condition. Chinese herbs are extremely effective to help resolve many imbalances in the body.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping brings fresh blood to the area and helps improve circulation.  It is beneficial in patients with bronchitis, asthma, congestion, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, muscular pain, inflammation, blood flow and helps speed the recovery of sports injuries.   The cups are placed on the patient for between five to ten minutes depending upon the ailment.   Bruising from the cups will last on average from three to seven days.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb (known as moxa). Moxibustion stimulates circulation, counteracts cold and dampness in the body, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi.   It is commonly used for arthritis, digestive problems and irregular elimination, gynecological disorders and protection against the cold and flu strains.  Moxibustion is used together with acupuncture.

Electro-acupuncture

In electro-acupuncture small electrodes are attached to the needles inserted into the skin and muscles.  This causes a stronger treatment and has garnered great results in the treatment of neurological diseases, chronic pain, spasms, sports medicine, injuries and neuropathies.  Treatments are usually shorter because the stimulus is stronger.