Treatments Offered & Symptoms Addressed

Japanese style acupuncture

Japanese acupuncture is one of the gentlest forms of acupuncture because it uses the thinnest gauge needles with subtle manipulation. The Japanese style I perform is based on the work of Kiiko Matsumoto. Kiiko’s palpation based diagnosis evolved from the blind school of acupuncture in Japan, lending itself to a strong sense of kinesthetics, or diagnosing through hands-on methods.

Palpating the abdomen (or 'Hara' diagnosis) is the main form of diagnosis in Japanese Acupuncture. This works especially well for digestive disorders and fertility issues. This form of acupuncture clears areas of stagnation, builds areas that are weak, gives an overall sense of well-being, and most importantly, empowers you by bringing a “felt sense” of awareness to your own body-mind-spirit.

Moxibustion

Often used in conjunction with Japanese style acupuncture, moxibustion is the application of burning artemesia, a medicinal plant also known as chrysanthemum weed, on or above the selected acu-points. This produces warmth along the skin, muscle and channel, inducing the smooth flow of Qi (chi) and blood to prevent further disharmony or disease. Moxibustion is useful for adding stimulation to a point or to use instead of a needle. Clients love the fragrance and usually find it to be a great addition to their acupuncture treatments.

Auricular acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture, also known as “ear acupuncture,” is an ancient practice. The ear is seen as a microcosm of the body. The shape of the ear is likened to a curled up human image, and the acu-points align accordingly. Much like the feet in reflexology, different parts of the ear relate to different parts of the body. Auricular acupuncture is most commonly known for treatment of addictions and weight loss, but recently has been widely used to treat PTSD. Using auricular acu-points, pain can be treated in various parts of the body to relieve symptoms of many illnesses, and to calm anxiety and stress.

Sports Medicine Acupuncture®

Having undergone post graduate training in Sports Medicine Acupuncture®,  I'm now able to assess and treat sports, work, and orthopedic injuries. As a Sports Medicine Acupuncturist, I combine principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Sports Medicine to view your injury from a truly integrative perspective.

SMA  as developed by Matt Callison, works directly on the motor points, and incorporates a stronger needling style but is not painful. I incorporate assessment and treatment of orthopedic injuries, manual therapies such as shiatsu and myofascial release. Not only for athletes, but anyone suffering from chronic pain, especially those who sit at a computer all day.

Sports Medicine Acupuncture ® works directly on the motor points, where the nerves interact with your muscles, improving mobility and range.  I begin with a full postural assessment to get an idea of where your postural deviations lie. The pain you feel in your neck, for example, may be originating from your hips.

Sports Medicine Acupuncture reduces strain on the overworked muscles and helps build strength in muscles that are deficient, allowing your musculo-skeletal system to move through your day more fluidly.

Cupping

Cupping is the term applied to a technique that uses small glass cups or bamboo jars as suction devices that are placed on the skin.  The suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping is much like the inverse of massage - rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward. For most patients, this is a particularly relaxing and relieving sensation. Once suctioned, the cups are generally left in place for about ten minutes while the patient relaxes.

Generally, cupping is combined with acupuncture in one treatment, but it can also be used alone. The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system . Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines and rheumatism and is an excellent modality for lung congestion – especially bronchitis and asthma.

Gua sha

Gua Sha is a healing technique that involves rubbing the skin with a dull edge to eliminate toxic residue from the underlying tissue that has built up through repetitive chronic inflammation. This cutaneous palpation creates an amazing sensation and is great for chronic chest congestion and for breaking up old scar tissue caused by injury or general wear and tear.

Shiatsu

“Shiatsu” literally means finger pressure. Before going back to school for my degree in acupuncture, I maintained a Shiatsu practice for over 20 years. Today I incorporate this wonderful form of bodywork into my acupuncture treatment sessions. I find that Shiatsu is an effective alternative when working with children, or with clients who may be apprehensive about needles.

 

What symptoms can be treated with acupuncture?

The World Health Organization recognizes over 43 common conditions that Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has success in treating:

Pain

  • Headaches / Migraines
  • Facial Pain (TMJ. / Bell’s Palsy)
  • Tooth Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Lower Back Pain (Sciatica / Piriformis syndrome)
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Lower Extremity Pain
  • Repetitive Strain Injury
  • Tennis Elbow / Carpal Tunnel
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Constipation / Diarrhea
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Reflux Esophagitis

Gynecological

  • Amenorrhea (lack of menses) Dysmenorrhea (painful menses)
  • Infertility Postpartum Depression Irregular Menses Menopausal Symptoms

Respiratory

  • Allergies Sinusitis / Rhinitis
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Common Cold


Miscellaneous

  • Anxiety / Stress / Depression
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • General Wellbeing
  • Weight Loss High / Low Blood Pressure
  • Post Stroke
  • Substance Abuse
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Tinnitus
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