ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is one treatment modality under the umbrella of East Asian Medicine. East Asian Medicine is one of the oldest medical practices on record – over 5,000 years old and originally documented in 200 BCE. The Ancient Chinese developed this unique medical system through years of diligent study of the body, mind, emotions, spirit, and the natural world around them. At its core, this medicine believes that the body has the ability to heal itself. All the therapies are used to support the body’s natural balancing process.

East Asian Medicine is a holistic system that treats the WHOLE person. All of the body’s systems are connected, which means diagnosis and treatment takes into account how all of these systems work together, rather than treating only one area of the body at a time. Also, treatments are not only to resolve the symptoms, this medicine also treats the root cause of the symptoms. Imbalances are seen as a constellation of symptoms that point to a specific pattern. Each person consists of their own unique blend of constitution, health history, family influences, environment, diet, emotions, thought patterns, etc. As such, assessments and treatments are tailored to each unique individual’s presentation. As the person comes into balance, they will notice changes occur in their body, mind and spirit.

This methodology is based on the idea that pathways of energy, or ‘Qi’, flow in systemized patterns throughout the body. These pathways or ‘meridians’ circulate energy/Qi, blood, & fluids to nourish the tissues and support proper bodily function. Potential imbalances can arise from too much, too little or obstructed movement of qi/energy, blood and fluids. Over time, if left untreated, it can lead to disease and pain conditions.

Conditions Treated

  • Menstrual irregularities: painful periods, PMS, short/long/irregular cycles, amenorrhea, heavy or long periods, breast tenderness/pain

  • Pre-Conception, infertility

  • Pregnancy support: nausea, body aches/pain, heartburn, digestive complaints, pubic symphysis pain, baby in breech presentation, partial placenta previa, swelling, encourage labor, early threatened miscarriage

  • Postpartum support: postpartum recovery, low energy, milk supply, mastitis, depression, anxiety

  • Peri-Menopausal symptoms: night sweats, dryness, libido changes, mood changes

  • Pain with intercourse

  • Pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), interstitial cystitis

  • PCOS, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts & polyps

  • Cesarean scar and adhesions

Women’s Health

  • Acute injuries & pain from falls, accidents, repetitive stress

  • Pain/Tension in: neck, shoulders, upper back, low back, hip, knee, ankle, feet, heel, toe, tailbone

  • Sciatica

  • Piriformis syndrome

  • Headaches (stress & tension) & migraines

  • Sprains

  • Rotator cuff, frozen shoulder

  • Carpal tunnel, tennis elbow

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Postoperative pain

  • TMJ

  • Herniated disk

  • Lumbar spinal stenosis

  • Fibromyalgia

Acute & Chronic Pain

  • Depression

  • Stress, anxiety, worry

  • Grief, loss, sadness

  • Fear, panic

  • Anger, irritation

  • Mood swings

  • PTSD, trauma

  • Lack of focus, cloudy or foggy headed

  • Shame patterns

Emotional health

  • Sleep: insomnia, difficulty falling and/or staying asleep, restless, early waking

  • Digestive Issues

  • Fatigue, low energy

  • Bowel &/or urinary: incontinence, constipation, difficulty, pain

  • Joint health

  • Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods

  • Scar therapy

General health

The Tools

Below is a list of tools that may be used during your acupuncture session.
Acupuncture is just one effective modality within East Asian medicine. All of these
tools are customized for each person’s unique needs.

Acupuncture

Hair thin sterile needles are inserted along meridians on the body. Each point has a function and stimulating the point signals the body's innate ability to heal itself.

Moxibustion/Moxa

Burning the herb mugwort on or near the body adds energy and warmth to the body. This regulates the body’s systems, improves circulation, nourishes the body, relieves pain, and increases immunity.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal remedies may be prescribed to bring balance to the body. Herbs come from sustainable reputable sources and are prepared in powders, tinctures and capsules.

Cupping

Cups are placed on the body with suction and may be left in place or moved across the surface of the body. Like a reverse massage, this technique draws things to the surface of the skin. This helps the body release toxins, activates the lymphatic system & clears blockages.

Gua Sha

This technique uses a smooth tool, could even be a soup spoon, to apply repetitive pressured strokes across the skin. This provides immediate relief from pain, stiffness, tension, fever, chills, cough, nausea, and breaks up scar tissue & adhesions in the fascia.

Contact Needle

A blunt tool placed on the surface of the skin to provide energy healing on specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. An effective tool for people afraid of needles and children (this is a non-insertion needle treatment).

Medical Qigong

This technique involves moving, channeling, clearing and filling qi (pronounced chee)/energy where it’s needed in the body. Treatment are administered with hands on or over the body. A series of breathing, sounds and/or movements can be prescribed for your unique condition to effect the qi (energy) in your body and qi field.

Nutrition & Lifestyle

Food is medicine. When your body is fully nourished with the nutrients it needs, it will naturally function at a high level, and you will feel your best. Calming your nervous system allows for a more focused mind, a more resilient immune system, less inflammation, better circulation, and optimal nutrient absorption. Recommendations will be made to optimize your body and mind.

Soft Tissue Massage

A variety of massage and movement techniques are applied to the body to break up tension, tightness, adhesions and scar tissue. This brings more circulation and relief from pain. Massage allows blood, fluids and resources to reach areas of the body that were blocked from these vital sources.