Services
When addressing any condition, a one-size-fits-all solution simply doesn't apply. Your therapeutic combination is unique to you, tailored to your current symptoms and overall health. Throughout each treatment, various modalities can be utilized to accelerate your wellness journey.
Acupuncture
Centered around Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, tailored to address your specific health concerns or for preventive and stabilizing care.
Acupuncture offers a different perspective on health compared to conventional medicine, which often focuses solely on treating illness. Rather than merely alleviating symptoms, it looks at whole body, mind, and spirit function, to address overall patterns, and encourages patients to listen to their bodies and embrace a proactive approach to wellness. Acupuncture intersects with modern biomedical science, addressing motor and trigger points to relieve tension, improve range of motion, and modulate neurotransmitter activity. With over ten million acupuncture treatments administered annually in the United States, its increasing popularity is fueled by both anecdotal experiences and evidence-based studies showcasing its effectiveness, particularly in pain management. In recent years, there has been a growing interest among Western medical practitioners in acupuncture. Many traditional physicians now refer patients to acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside their standard care.
Cupping
Booked separately or included at no extra cost in an acupuncture treatment. Cupping, uses cups to create suction, promoting increased blood flow, pain relief, and relaxation. It's commonly used to alleviate muscle pain, improve circulation, and aid in recovery from various health issues.
Cupping therapy derives from EAM/TCM and involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which can be achieved through heat or mechanical devices. It's believed to work by increasing blood flow, releasing tight fascia, and stimulating nerves. Enhancing Blood Flow: Cupping improves blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing waste products, aiding in healing. Releasing Fascia: Cupping helps release tight fascia, the connective tissue around muscles and organs, reducing pain and enhancing flexibility. Stimulating Nerves: Cupping's suction and skin-pulling sensation stimulate nerves, potentially triggering the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relievers. This therapy has gained traction among physical therapists, who also employ a related method called myofascial decompression. Notably, cupping gained widespread attention in sports medicine following Michael Phelps' display of purple welts during the 2016 Olympics, leading many endurance and high-impact athletes to praise its benefits, including accelerated recovery times.
Gua Sha
Booked separately or included at no extra cost in an acupuncture treatment. Gua sha involves scraping the skin with a tool to boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and stimulate the immune system. It's known for its ability to release toxins and stagnant energy, often leaving temporary redness or bruising.
Gua sha is a EAM/TCM technique that involves scraping the skin with a tool to promote blood circulation, release tension, and reduce inflammation. The tool used in gua sha is typically made of jade, horn, ceramic, or metal, and it's gently scraped along the skin in specific areas of the body. This scraping action creates redness (petechiae) on the skin, which is believed to help remove toxins and promote healing. Research indicates that the mechanical stress induced by gua sha stimulates the body's response mechanisms, including the activation of heat shock proteins and the upregulation of various protective enzymes like HO-1 which enhance the body's antioxidant properties and anti-imflammatory response. Gua sha is often used to address various health issues, including muscle pain, stiffness, headaches, and respiratory conditions. Additionally, it's also utilized for facial aesthetics, as it can improve blood circulation to the face, promote lymphatic drainage, and reduce puffiness, resulting in a brighter and more youthful appearance.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves burning dried mugwort (moxa) near the surface of the skin to stimulate specific acupuncture points. This therapy aims to improve blood circulation, alleviate pain, and promote healing. Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance its therapeutic effects.
Moxibustion is a EAM/TCM therapy that involves burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) on or near specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. The burning of moxa produces heat and releases therapeutic properties believed to stimulate circulation, warm the body, and promote healing. There are two main types of moxibustion: Direct Moxibustion: In direct moxibustion, a small cone or ball of moxa is placed directly on the skin at an acupuncture point and ignited. The moxa is removed once it burns down to the skin or before it causes discomfort. This method delivers a strong heat stimulus to the acupuncture point. Indirect Moxibustion: Indirect moxibustion involves burning moxa on top of an acupuncture needle or held above the skin without directly touching it. This method provides a gentler heat stimulus and is often preferred for individuals with sensitive skin or those who are more sensitive to heat. Moxibustion is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to address various health issues, including pain, digestive disorders, menstrual irregularities, and breech presentation during pregnancy. It is believed to work by warming and invigorating the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood in the body's meridian channels, thereby restoring balance and promoting healing. While moxibustion is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially individuals with certain skin conditions, respiratory disorders, or sensitivity to smoke. As with any alternative therapy, it's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing moxibustion treatment.
Tui Na
Used during acupuncture treatments to add therapeutic benefit. Tuina is a traditional Chinese therapeutic massage technique that involves various hand techniques to stimulate specific points on the body. It aims to promote balance and harmony within the body by addressing imbalances in the flow of Qi (energy). Tuina is often used to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote overall wellness.
Microneedling
For facial rejuvenation. Can be booked separately or in combination with an acupuncture session for a comprehensive wellness experience.
Note: Microneedling services will be available in Fall 2024.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy or percutaneous collagen induction, is a cosmetic procedure that involves the use of a device containing fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body's natural wound healing process, leading to increased collagen and elastin production. During the procedure, the microneedling device is passed over the skin, creating tiny punctures or channels. These micro-injuries trigger the skin's healing response, which includes the production of new collagen and elastin fibers. As the skin heals, it becomes firmer, smoother, and more even in texture. Microneedling can help improve the appearance of various skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. It can be performed on the face, neck, décolletage, and other areas of the body. Depending on the depth of the needles used and the specific skin concerns being addressed, microneedling can be performed at different levels of intensity, ranging from superficial to deep. Superficial microneedling may require minimal downtime, while deeper treatments may involve more downtime and potential side effects such as redness, swelling, and temporary skin irritation. Overall, microneedling is considered a safe and effective procedure when performed by a trained and experienced professional. It's important to follow post-procedure care instructions provided by your healthcare provider to optimize results and minimize the risk of complications.
How Often Do I Need To Go?
It all depends on the severity of symptoms. In the beginning of your acupuncture treatment, you’ll typically go once a week for the first 4-6 weeks. Then it tapers off into every other week sessions for the next month or so, and then patients come as needed.
Each session builds upon the last and treating one condition often has ancillary health benefits as your body recalibrates.