Treatment Modalities

Treatments will generally be based in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Other modalities will be used when appropriate such as Moxabustion, Cupping, Tui Na (therapeutic massage), Somatic Release, and Lifestyle Coaching.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles (most are thinner than a human hair!) into specific points on the body to promote healing and improve bodily functioning. Needles are most often inserted into points on "meridians" or "channels," which have a direct relationship with areas of the body as well as internal organ systems.

Stimulation of acupuncture points with needles, massage, or heat, has the effect of moving energy in the channels, immediately affecting related areas of the body.

From a modern point of view, this stimulation activates your body's nervous system, which in turn, activates the production of chemicals and hormones to regulate your body's internal functioning.

The result is a change in regulation and metabolism in the body's ecosystem. Better regulation leads to greater energy conservation and production - you feel more vibrantly alive.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is the dynamic combination of herbs into formulas in order to produce powerful physiologic changes in the body. There are hundreds of classic formulas that can be modified to create custom prescriptions for each patient depending on their diagnosis.

The combination of herbs is essential to maximize one herb's potential therapeutic effects, while minimizing its impact or potential for side-effects. In this way, we can achieve change in the body without causing harm.

Herbs are given to a patient in different ways:

Raw Herb Decoction - This is the generally considered the strongest and most therapeutic method of taking herbs. Prepared chinese herbs will be packaged together and the patient will cook them together to make a decoction. The herbs are strained from the decoction and the liquid is taken as a kind of tea.

Powders - These are often given for therapeutic value and ease of use. The herbs have already been decocted and dried into powder. The patient simply adds hot water to get a similar tea as the decoction.

Pills/Tablets - The most convenient option is the pill. They are more moderate in effect and can be valuable for those who need to take herbs over a longer term.

For convenience and patient compliance, we most often utilize powders and pills in my practice. Though raw herbs are used from time to time. I encourage you to request, and delight in your desire, to cook raw herbs when necessary.

Tui Na - Chinese Medical Massage

Tui Na is a wonderful and clinically effective method of therapeutic massage.

Physical blockages can get pretty dense and compact after healing from an injury. Over time, the scar tissue that develops may cause structural problems in the body. Tui Na is utilized to open the meridians and mobilize joints in a deeper, more directly physical way than acupuncture or herbs.

Scar tissue or entanglements in the fascia (connecting tissue) are broken up and released. This type of work can free the body to regain its structural integrity so that you can move through the world with greater ease.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion (Moxa) is the burning of the herb mugwort to facilitate healing.

The Chinese character for acupuncture, actually translates as "acupuncture-moxibustion." Moxibustion has a nourishing character and is able to penetrate deeply into the meridian system. It is able to build blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and promote a sense of wellbeing.

Moxa has been found to be useful in turning breech babies in-utero when necessary in the month before delivery. It is remarkably effective in building strength in the body over time.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice that promotes the flow of blood and stimulates the nervous system and is used for a variety of disorders. A cup is applied to the skin with heat or suction so that the skin and muscle tissue are drawn into it. The cup is either held in place over an acupuncture point or moved along a meridian.

Somatic Release Therapy

We are energetic beings. Our minds and our bodies are one system. Oftentimes what causes stagnation and blockage in the body is not an external injury or acquired illness, but an internal emotional state that is "stored" in an area of the body.

Have you ever been told that you "hold tension" in your shoulders? Or maybe you "carry your stress" in your abdomen. What this means is that we have trained our bodies to hold information that is uncomfortable to our minds.

With Somatic Release Therapy, we investigate this relationship. When you discover what emotions you are are holding in a particular area of your body, you gain the ability to release it. You begin a process of retraining your mind and body.

This is a powerful and subtle therapeutic technique that is not appropriate for everyone. It asks for you to take a look deep inside and discover what has been holding you back from being as healthy and alive as you want to be.

Lifestyle Coaching

Treatments are helpful and effective on their own. That is the true power of this medicine.

But what will provide continued, lasting relief will be the changes you make in your life. Together, we will look at your diet, lifestyle, beliefs, and approach to stressful situations. We will find areas that you can modify to bring you greater ease, joy, and vibrant health in your life.