Services Provided
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a complete health care system developed over 3000 years ago in China. Both preventative and curative in nature, acupuncture regulates the body's Qi (pronounced "chee") which flows along meridians or pathways in the body and accessed at specific acupuncture points. The points are activated by the shallow insertion of very fine, pre-sterilized, single-use disposable needles. A blockage in the flow of qi can create an imbalance in health, and when the points are adjusted for the Qi to flow smoothly, the body's balance and health is restored.
Modern science now concludes that this system works by stimulating the brain to release certain biochemicals, which reduce stress and influence the body's internal regulatory systems.
Traditional Herbal Medicine
An important component to the holistic system of Chinese Medicine is the use of plant substances in the treatment of various health conditions. Herbal medicine can be used in conjunction with an acupuncture protocol or by itself. Leaves, flowers, seeds or roots are prepared in traditional formulas to effectively treat and prevent disease. Common herbs include cinnamon bark, ginger root, ginseng and mandarin orange peels.
Dietary and Lifestyle Therapy
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Dietary therapy is an integral facet of Chinese Medicine. Proper nutrition is considered one of the most important foundations to health and disease prevention. Patients are given guidance on dietary therapy to optimize their treatment protocol. Acupuncture can also be used to help improve lifestyle habits, including protocols for smoking cessation, reduced caffeine and refined sugar consumption and improved quality of sleep.
Japanese and Pediatric Acupuncture
Equally as effective as Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, a gentler style of acupuncture treatments was developed in Japan. This style of acupuncture evolved using thinner needles and milder insertion techniques, along with painless non-needling techniques for the needle sensitive. Consequently, patients find the treatments gentle and relaxing, with minimal, if any, discomfort. In reality, most patients do not notice the insertion of needles, allowing those with a fear of needles to be treated by this effective healing system. Additionally, efficacious non-needling techniques are used for both the very sensitive and for the use in pediatric care. The Shonishin Kit features a group of blunt and rounded metal tools used to rub, tap or roll over children’s acupuncture points, with the parents present. Children respond especially quickly to Shonishin treatments and most find the experience relaxing and enjoyable.
For the Needle Sensitive
Although most people find the idea of acupuncture needles more worrisome than the actual needles themselves, there are cases in which patients may opt for conjunctive therapies that do not involve the use of needles. In reality, most patients do not notice the insertion of needles, allowing those with a fear of needles to be treated. In addition to gentle acupuncture techniques, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers numerous modalities that do not include the use of needles. For the needle sensitive (and for children), there are non-needling techniques that are used with productive results. Moxabustion is a therapy in which the herb Artemesia Vulgaris is warmed over the body to improve qi flow at specific areas. Traditional meridian massage and cupping techniques are also particularly efficacious while mild and soothing. If you have concerns about any treatment, you can request gentle, non-needle techniques or ask for a demonstration of the modality before treatment.
