Acupuncture

A holistic understanding of the universe, based on observation of patterns and movements in nature, has produced this elegant system of diagnosis and treatment. Acupuncture is the most commonly implemented modality, in which the practitioner will insert very fine gauge needles into specific points on the body to effect physiological functions.

Acupuncture Detoxification

The basic premise of acupuncture detoxification is total body cleansing, without the need for further pharmaceuticals in the reduction of cravings, anxiety and sleep disturbance along the road to overall improvement of quality of life while battling drug addiction.

Chinese Nutritional Therapy

There are no “one size fits all” herbal regiments or diets in TCM. Everything is tailored to the individual’s needs, and it’s recognized that individual needs can differ widely. I will work closely with you in balancing your diet to see if this has any affect on health issues that you are seeing me for. As your acupuncturist, I am concerned about your whole self , and in order to combat your problem, we will look at your diet along with your activities.

Cupping

Cupping is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine. The earliest recorded use of cupping dates to the early fourth century, when the noted herbalist Ge Hong wrote about a form of cupping in A Handbook of Prescriptions. Drawing up the skin is believed to open up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. Cupping is used primarily to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and congestion; arthritis; gastrointestinal disorders; and certain types of pain.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a therapeutic technique used to resolve musculoskeletal pain and stiffness by increasing the movement of blood and lymph. “Gua” is translated as “to scrape” and “Sha” refers to redness. This technique involves moving a round edged tool across the surface of the skin with fast, firm pressure. After this procedure is performed, an area of raised, red petechiae will appear on the skin’s surface. The redness should fade after 2-3 days. Gua Sha has also traditionally been used as a treatment to reduce fever, treat fatigue caused by exposure to heat, treat muscle and tendon injuries, improve circulation, treat headaches, stiffness, pain and immobility, as well as digestive disorders due to stagnation.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is a major aspect of traditional Chinese medicine, which focuses on restoring a balance of energy, body, and spirit to maintain health rather than treating a particular disease or medical condition. Chinese Herbal Medicine can greatly enhance the effects of Acupuncture, especially in the treatment of chronic disease where daily therapy is crucial to achieving significant and lasting relief.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means "acupuncture-moxibustion." The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.