Explore the options available for a more personalized treatment
Treatment Options
In Chinese medicine it is often said: one disease, infinite patterns; one pattern, infinite diseases. This refers to the fact that Chinese medicine uses a different form of diagnosis than that of Western medicine. We view patterns. We see the story of the body and the mind and look for the patterns that have developed and resulted in disease. No two people are alike and this fact is very important in successfully treating each unique individual. No matter what you are coming in for, my goal is to treat the whole person. Every person deserves to be seen as the individual that they are and receive the best care possible.
“A vision of oneness brings about universal love. Universal love supports the great truth of nature.”
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a holistic medicine that aims at creating a more harmonious state of being. This comprehensive approach to the body helps address often a multitude of different symptoms while working to address the root issue. While Acupuncture is known for its ability to reduce musculoskeletal pain (YES!!), it is also an internal medicine and can be applied for a wide range of symptoms. The list is truly endless!
Acupuncture uses very thin, hair-like needles and there are a variety of techniques available, from the traditional needling approach to a much more gentle approach. If a fear of needles is keeping you away from the treatment room, know that I am always open to adjusting my style to your needs. We can even treat without inserting the needle. I took a specialty training in Japanese style acupuncture that can utilize needle techniques on the skin surface that are gentle and non-insertive. This is a collaboration for what serves you!
After a comprehensive intake, we will decide together the appropriate treatment plan for you to obtain optimal results in healing. Each treatment plan will be individualized. This can range from weekly treatments for a period of time to only needing maintenance care on a less frequent basis. Deciding what is best will be a collaborative experience with you.
Herbal Therapuetics
Herbal therapy is something I am extremely passionate about. It is also a part of Chinese medicine that has had thousands of years of research, investigation and refinement. We live in an era of substantial knowledge around the traditional uses of Chinese herbs as well as their biological constituents. This knowledge helps expand its scope as well as its safety, especially when combining with western pharmaceuticals.
Often the therapeutic intervention needs to extend beyond the treatment room and acupuncture. Taking herbs can be a huge addition to your healing as they are taken daily and are adding to your body what you might need to further balance your internal systems. Herbs are wonderful for addressing digestive issues, sleep disturbances, hormonal imbalances, emotional and mental health struggles, autoimmune diseases and my personal favorite, dermatological issues. This is a true passion of mine. I am a member of the International Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology Association and have advanced training in treating dermatology through the lens of Chinese medicine. This can be exceptionally important for people suffering from skin ailments that have historically been only offered steroids. Please reach out to me with any questions! I look forward to collaborating with you!
Cupping
Cupping is a widely used therapeutic method of creating suction between the skin and a glass or silicone cup. The suction itself can help increase blood flow, circulation, metabolic activity and enhance immune and lymphatic activity in the area and has a wide range of therapeutic effects. Some of the benefits of cupping include treatment of musculoskeletal, arthritic and myofascial pain, migraine and tension headaches, respiratory issues, dermatological conditions and inflammatory-related pain conditions. Cups are typically left on between 5-15 minutes. The marks left behind from cupping often look like you got into a wrestling match with an octopus, with round red to purple marks remaining where you were treated. Do not mistake these for bruises. There is not destruction to the blood vessels and the marks will clear typically within 3-7 days.
For anyone interested in a more in-depth clinical review on cupping
Guasha
Guasha is another very traditional form of treatment used within the scope of Chinese medicine. A smooth-edged instrument is used to “scrape” the skin in a unilateral direction. This type of treatment is used similarly to cupping to address musculoskeletal and myofascial pain, respiratory issues, colds and flus, organ issues, strains, sprains and injuries. In Chinese, Gua means to “scrape”, and Sha is what appears on the skin during the treatment. Sha often manifests as a red or purple ecchymosis or petechiae. This expression of Sha is deemed a positive result in Chinese medicine and it is not a bruise. Similar to cupping, the Sha should fade within 3-7 days.
An excellent, very in-depth article about the history and scope of Guasha is available here.
Moxibustion
Moxa too has a long, rich history in Chinese medicine as well as the Japanese adaptation of Chinese medicine that happened after its introduction in the 6th century. Moxibustion is the burning of Mugwort, a specialized herb from the Chinese herbal medicinary, directly or indirectly on the skin of a patient. Moxa creates a deep, penetrating warmth in the body. It can be included in many treatments such as arthritis and other body pains, digestive support, urinary issues, edema, dermatological disorders and recently has had some very exciting research around immune support. Studies have shown direct moxa use can increase white blood cell counts for up to 5 days. MOXAFRICA is a research charity that has ongoing research on the adjunctive use of moxa with Tuberculosis treatment, particularly for drug-resistant TB strains. There has also been ongoing research for Long-Covid sufferers and moxa use as a means of helping in recovery. The use of moxa is one of great value in the scope of Chinese medicine!
… and so much more
There are always ways to adjust a treatment to fit someone’s needs. Body work will be integrated when necessary. Tuning Forks can be used on points for pediatric patients or people unsure about needles. I have also studied with Bob Quinn, who is a well-known practitioner of spirit tools, traditional pediatric tools that can be used gently on the body to create change without the use of needles.
Always remember you have the choice of the type of treatment you receive. I value a patient’s autonomy, and want to always works within the confines of one’s comforts.