Treatment Modalities

• Acupuncture
• Electro-Acupuncture
• Herbal Medicine
• Cupping
• Moxibustion
• Gua Sha
• Tui Na / Massage
• Integrative Medicine
• Qi Gong / Exercise
• Meditation
• Nutrition

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the primary treatment therapy in Traditional Asian Medicine. Very thin, flexible, sterilized needles are inserted into specific points on the body. The acupuncture points to be used in a treatment are based on a combination of reported symptoms, physical signs found on examination, and a diagnosis of the underlying pattern of disharmony. In traditional theory, stimulating these acupuncture points helps to adjust and regulate the flow of qi to restore balance and harmony.

Electro-Acupuncture

During Electro-Acupuncture, a mild electrical current is added to the acupuncture treatment. The frequency and intensity of the current are adjusted according to the patient's condition and tolerance. A slight pulsation is felt at the acupuncture points used. Electrical current is most commonly used for pain, neuralgia, various types of paralysis, and to promote healing after injury.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine employs the use of natural plant and mineral substances to restore proper nutrition, function, and health. Traditional Asian Medicine typically uses combinations of herbs within a formula to provide a balanced therapy that may address multiple symptoms while stimulating the body's natural healing process. Herbal formulas may be dispensed as raw herbs, or in pills, capsules, granules or tinctures. While herbal therapy is generally safe, it is important to let me know if you have any allergies, are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, or if you take other supplements and herbal products.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient technique in which local suction is used to stimulate blood flow in an area. The cups may be left in one place or moved across a broad area. By promoting the flow of qi and blood, cupping benefits circulation to help alleviate pain and speed healing. It is mostly commonly used on the back, shoulders, and legs for acute musculoskeletal sprains, back, shoulder and neck pain, and arthritis. Cupping may also be used in the treatment of acute colds, cough, and asthma.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the use of heat in a localized area by burning the herb moxa, or mugwort herb (Artemisia vulgaris). Moxa may be used on the needles themselves, as sticks held close to the acupuncture points, or it may be used with other products such as ginger or salt to create additional effects. Moxibustion opens the flow of qi and blood and warms the channels. Effective for treating pain and arthritis that is aggravated by cold and dampness, burning moxa is also used to regulate menstruation, promote fertility, and improve digestion.

Gua Sha

In Gua Sha, a tool with a smooth edge is used on the body to make repeated pressure strokes. This technique promotes normal circulation and enhanced metabolic processes. Gua Sha is used to relieve muscle tension and to alleviate pain due to new or old injuries. It may also used for the pain, stiffness, cough, fever and chills associated with acute upper respiratory infections.

Tui Na / Massage

Tui Na (pronounced twee-nah) is a form of Chinese medical manipulation and massage developed over thousands of years. Various manual techniques are used, such as brushing, kneading, rolling, and pressing, in addition to forms of passive range-of-motion techniques and traction. Tui Na relieves acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and helps to restore movement and function. It is particularly helpful in orthopedic cases, physical rehabilitation, and sports medicine.

Integrative Medicine

Combining traditional, natural health care treatments with Western medicine is increasingly common. I will ask for copies of any lab reports or diagnostic testing that may provide information relevant to your personal treatment plan. It is important that I (and your other health care providers) be fully informed about any diagnosed medical conditions you may have, and any medications, herbs, and nutritional supplements you may be taking.

Qi Gong / Exercise

Qigong and other forms of therapeutic movement or exercise may be demonstrated and prescribed for you during the course of your treatment. Documented history of Qigong goes back 2500 years. Exercises focus on intentions, movements and breathing techniques to relax and harmonize the body. Medical Qigong includes lying, sitting, and standing forms that can be adapted to individual levels of health and fitness. Other therapeutic exercises from Eastern and Western traditions may be recommended to help alleviate muscle tension and relieve pain due to injury or repetitive physical patterns. Prescribed exercises enable you to continue and maintain the benefits of your treatments.

Meditation

Meditation is beneficial for calming the mind, which has a beneficial effect on the body. While many who try to meditate feel frustrated by constant thoughts, this is the time to recognize how busy our minds can be. Breathing is a key factor in balancing the mind and body. Meditation can provide a time to focus on proper breathing, or to use alternate breathing techniques for a specific purpose. Postures can be adapted to all levels of fitness, and even a few minutes a day can be helpful to most people.

Nutrition

Food and water are essential to life. Chinese medicine has incorporated dietary therapy for thousands of years. Foods are categorized according to taste, thermal properties, and their effects on various organ systems and patterns of disharmony. Food can be a significant factor in preventing and treating disease. A famous historical Chinese physician, Sun Si Miao advised: "…treat with food, then change to herbal medicine treatment if the diet therapy can't completely help." In my practice, I combine Chinese medical theory with modern nutritional science for a comprehensive, holistic approach to improving health through food choices.