Methods
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion and manipulation of hair-thin, sterile and disposable needles into specific acupoints on the body, face, ear or scalp. The acupoint prescription is chosen by taking into account information acquired from the interview, tongue and pulse diagnosis, observation, palpation and inquiry.
Trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or excessive activity can create erratic movement in energy or Qi. Acupuncture uses needles to unblock, encourage or slow the flow of Qi where it is specifically needed.
Acupuncture is one modality in the medical specialty of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is a holistic medical system that approaches treatment by addressing the underlying causes of disease as well as the current symptoms.
Facial Acupuncture
Face and body acupuncture points are used to correct energetic imbalances by increasing the circulation, reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production. This evens out skin tone and texture, firms fine lines and releases tension in the underlying muscles.
This whole body treatment benefits overall health (digestive, immune and circulatory) supporting your natural glow from within. Each treatment ends with a Gua Sha facial massage.
Treatments are performed weekly for 10 weeks.
This is not suitable for those with current migraines, high blood pressure or those who are currently pregnant.
CranioSacral Therapy
CST uses a gentle touch to promote ease of movement and balance within the connective tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord.
The fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord pulsates with a rhythm. By gently feeling this pulsation at various points on the body for irregularities, a light resistance can be used to correct the imbalances. Many conditions can be treated by creating a restriction free range of motion in these tissues.
CST can be quite effective for :
concussions
stress/tension
migraines and headaches
TMJ pain and clenching
neck/back soft tissue dysfunction or pain
Cupping Therapy
Flexible silicon cups are placed on the skin creating a suction when the cup is pressed. This suction draws stagnant blood and lymph from the underlying tissues to the surface, sometimes creating the red marks that can be characteristic of cupping. These marks are not bruises; no vasculature has been compressed or damaged.
Circulation can slow in tissues from injuries, environmental toxins, overuse or from being sedentary, creating a buildup of cellular waste products. The suction from cupping pulls these waste products to the surface of the skin where they can be more easily flushed from the system. The marks themselves are not painful, though there may be some tenderness in the muscles after treatment, and they can take from 3-10 days to fade completely. Cupping increases circulation, loosens adhesions, sedates the nervous system and strengthens the immune system. Cupping can be helpful for :
some types of nerve pain
arthritis
musculo-skeletal pain
muscular tightness and numbness
common colds
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the burning of the herb Artemesia vulgaris (Ai ye in mandarin) over specific acupuncture points on the body. This therapy warms and strengthens the body without burning the skin. In the clinic, I generally use a smokeless moxa stick and manually pass it over the indicated points or place a single pellet of smokeless moxa in a specialized bowl around certain acupuncture needles.