What We Do
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Herbal Remedies*
*based on Chinese Medicine as well as Western Herbal Principles
Therapeutic Massage Therapy
Cupping*
*included in most acupunture & massage treatments
ACUPUNCTURE & CLASSICAL CHINESE MEDICINE
ACUPUNCTURE & CLASSICAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Th​e Theory of Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine is based on understanding flow of energy in the body, how we receive energy and where and how blockage happens.
Blockages cause pain and dysfunction in both body and mind. Acupuncture is one method of treatment in this system of medicine. It uses fine needles inserted at various key points in the body. These points relate to specific organs and functions. They can be used to release blocked energy, encourage the proper functioning of digestion, immune system, endocrine system, etc.
The blockages can occur due to injury, stress, overwork, diet, strong emotions and a host of other circumstances.
The combination of points used is based on your individual needs and the combination of points works in synergy and not in isolation.
The method of insertion is based on the location on the body. The training of an acupuncturist is extensive and includes knowing all the relevant cautions in each area of the body.
Diagnosis is done using information gained in conversation with you, looking at your tongue, which is like a little map of your body, taking your pulse and palpating different areas of the body, depending on where your concern lies.
Chronic shoulder pain in a person who is sedentary, tends to be overworked, angry and stressed has a different root than the same pain in an athlete who has a injury to the shoulder muscles from overuse. The root is different, the result , pain is the same.
The treatment will be based on your unique circumstances.
In consultation we are trying to clearly see the root of the problem and the differences in its manifestation, to create the most effective treatment for you.
Other modalities that can also be included in a treatment are:
Moxabustion
Cupping
Gua sha,
Acupressure,
Tui na
HOW WILL YOUR TREATMENT BE DIFFERENT WITH CHINESE MEDICINE?
When you are treated with Chinese Medicine and acupuncture it differs from other kinds of treatment in a few ways. Healing is a process that takes time. When you go to your western medical doctor, they would generally give you some medication, and you generally wouldn't come back until you get sick again. In Chinese Medicine, your first appointment is very comprehensive. We will spend a great deal of time discussing many details of how your body and mind are functioning. You may feel some of the questions are irrelevant, however to us the smallest details create a clear picture of you.
The problem you come to us for may take several treatments to fully address. We generally like to see a patient with long term chronic issues a couple of times a week for the first month and then as you make progress the time between appointments lengthens, until you are just coming in to maintain your health every four to six weeks. In China a physician's job is to prevent their patients from getting sick. Seeing you every so often to maintain your health is part of a treatment plan. Each problem is a little different and you will be advised based on your unique situation.
WHY DOES NUTRITION MATTER?
WHY DOES NUTRITION MATTER?
Many chronic health problems respond very well to changes in diet. Healing cannot happen if diet is contributing to your disease. There is no one diet that is best for everyone. The ideal diet is based on your individual innate needs. These may change based on your time of life, stress or emotions. Your body type, genetics, ancestry, the environment you live in as well as an inherited predispositions also influence your body’s ability to digest and assimilate food. What is most important is not what you take in but what you assimilate.
Tierra, M. and Tierra, L. (2017). The east west herb course. Santa Cruz, CA: M. Tierra,
HOW DOES MASSAGE THERAPY BENEFIT YOUR WELLNESS
HOW DOES MASSAGE THERAPY BENEFIT YOUR WELLNESS
Massage is perhaps one of the oldest healing traditions. Many ancient peoples – including the Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese and East Indians – were convinced of the therapeutic properties of massage and used it to treat a variety of ailments.
Massage therapy is the practice of kneading or manipulating a person’s muscles and other soft-tissue in order to improve their wellbeing or health. It is a form of manual therapy that includes holding, moving, and applying pressure to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.
The term ‘massage therapy’ is used to describe a wide variety of techniques that vary in the manner in which touch, pressure and the intensity of the treatment is applied.
One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins – the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of wellbeing.
Levels of stress hormones, such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine, are also reduced. Studies indicate that high levels of stress hormones impair the immune system.
Some of the physical benefits of massage include:
reduced muscle tension
improved circulation
stimulation of the lymphatic system
reduction of stress hormones
relaxation
increased joint mobility and flexibility
improved skin tone
improved recovery of soft tissue injuries
heightened mental alertness
reduced anxiety and depression.