Acupuncture +
Adjunctive Therapies
Bringing together the best of Eastern and Western approaches to natural healing
Acupuncture
The body has an inherent capacity for self-regulation. In East Asian medicine we aim to enhance the free and uninhibited flow of Qi, the body’s vital life-force energy. The aim of treatment is to help facilitate the inherent self-regulating capacities of the body in order to help correct disharmonies and support optimal health. Through the use of sterile, single-use needles the width of a human hair, we start to have a conversation with the body in order to facilitate natural healing and improved bodily functioning.
Through a biomedical lens, acupuncture:
- increases microcirculation and blood flow to organs, muscles, and other body tissues
- stimulates the release of endorphins and endogenous opioids, the body’s “feel good” chemicals that help to reduce the symptoms of pain, improve mood and relax you
- balances physiological processes that can be inhibited by stress, such as lactation, labor, sleep, and immunity, amongst others
Non-insertive acupuncture/Japanese style acupuncture
Developed in Japan, gentle non-insertive acupuncture techniques are well-suited for sensitive patients and those who do not like or are afraid of needles. Non-insertive acupuncture techniques can be used to evoke the same therapeutic, healing response that we are looking to obtain with standard acupuncture treatments.
Craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that addresses connective tissue and membraneous impairments or restrictions to healthy physiological motion in the head, spine, and sacrum. It supports restoration of flexibility within the nervous system by helping to release tension and pressure within the tissues.
Craniosacral therapy creates the conditions for the body to become reacquainted and resynchronized with the deeper, subtler rhythms that are an expression of the self-regulating, self-healing intelligence of the human body.
Tui Na Massage
Tui Na (pronounced “twee nah”) is a form of therapeutic bodywork originating in China based on Taoist principles that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves a variety of techniques – stretching, rolling, pressing, kneading, one-finger pressing – in order to help relieve blockages that lead to pain and illness, remove deficiencies, and balance a person’s energy. Used in combination with acupuncture and moxa therapy, it can help with a variety of health conditions, including premenstrual syndrome, constipation, chronic fatigue, insomnia, neck and back pain, depression, and promoting lactation.
Trigger Point Needling/Dry Needling
Trigger point needling/dry needling releases tight muscular junctions and treats myofascial pain. It involves inserting a needle into a targeted tight location (called a “trigger point”) causing the taut muscle tissue to unwind and release.
Moxa therapy
Moxa is the use of a specially prepared and refined form of the herb mugwort. Used to lightly warm and stimulate acupuncture points or larger areas of the body, this deeply soothing therapy has highly beneficial physiological effects and is almost always used in conjunction with acupuncture.
Moxa can be highly beneficial for:
- Recovering from longstanding fatigue in the case of autoimmune conditions, chemotherapy/radiation treatment, and post-viral syndrome including long COVID
- Improving red and white blood cell production in cases of cancer and chemotherapy/radiation treatment
- Improving ovarian function and supporting reproductive/hormonal health in cases of infertility
- Reducing dermatological flare ups, healing chronic diarrhea, soothing painful swollen joints, and more
Cupping
Cupping involves the use of gentle, controlled suction in order to improve local circulation of blood and fluids, loosen local muscle and connective tissue tension, regulate and boost the immune system, and promote a deep sense of relaxation.
Cupping can be highly beneficial for:
- Tight iliotibial bands, sciatica, glute and hamstring tightness
- Helping the lungs to descend and disperse with acute or lingering, chronic coughing
- Neck, trap, and upper back tension
- Digestive distress such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a technique that involves scraping the skin with a massage tool in order to improve circulation, break up scar tissue, lessen pain and muscular tension, resolve acute and chronic coughs, and ease stress.
E-Stim
E-stim involves sending a tiny electrical current felt as a slight pulsating sensation at various areas throughout the body where the acupuncture needles are inserted. E-stim is a common adjunctive therapy used in the treatment of pain and musculoskeletal issues.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture involves the insertion of very small needles into specific areas of the ear in order to effectively treat pain, stress-related symptoms, and promote a deep sense of relaxation.
Nutrition recommendations and lifestyle guidance
To reduce the number of treatments needed, increase efficacy and get you on the road to feeling a whole lot better, I may suggest herbal formulas, dietary recommendations, meditation/relaxation techniques, targeted supplementation, and exercises.