Services
There are traditionally eight branches of treatment in Chinese medicine – meditation, exercise, diet, astrology, feng shui, bodywork, acupuncture and moxibustion, and herbal medicine. I have studied all of these to some extent and offer the following treatments that I have reached proficiency in.
Each treatment begins with a diagnosis reached through a combination questioning, observing the tongue and pulse, and/or palpation. I will then treat both the specific condition we are addressing (called the “branch” in Chinese medicine) and any underlying constitutional imbalances I see (called the “root”).
Acupuncture
I use single use, sterile, surgical stainless steel needles to stimulate acupuncture points around the body. Point selection is based on theories of Chinese medicine that are thousands of years old and designed to balance the flow of qi (pronounced “chee” and roughly translated as energy) throughout the body.
Moxabustion
Moxabustion is the process of burning specially prepared dried mugwort over or on acupuncture points. This is a special way of stimulating the point that generally brings greater heat and tonification to the treatment. Moxibustion is particularly helpful postpartum to help bring the uterus back to normal size and prevent disease from entering the body. If preferred, I have charcoal moxa sticks that produce less smoke, as well as moxa packs – self-heating pads that include mugwort.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is considered the deepest of the eight branches of Chinese medicine and can have profound and lasting effects on the body. I can prescribe herbs in pill, powder, or raw herb form, depending on the level of convenience desired. Herbs can be shipped to your home or picked up at a local herbal pharmacy.
Bodywork
I have training in shiatsu, jin shin jyutsu, and tui na. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork in which finger pressure is rhythmically applied to pressure points and the body is passively stretched. Jin shin jyutsu is a slow treatment method that focuses on holding points one or two at a time for 1-10 minutes. Tui na is a more vigorous style of Chinese bodywork that stimulates acupressure points and channels, and stretches the tissues of the body. All of the bodywork I perform is done with clothing on.
Cupping & Gua Sha
Cupping uses vacuum pressurized air in glass or plastic cups to manipulate body tissues. Gua sha uses smooth edged stone or metal tools to scrape the skin. Both of these techniques release stagnant qi, move blood, and aid in releasing toxins from the skin. I often use these treatments in treating pain and when fighting off a cold or flu.
Lifestyle & Dietary Guidance
Lifestyle and dietary recommendations are the treatments that can last a lifetime. Because you can implement this guidance every day and it is often replacing less healthy habits you may have unknowingly developed, this is the most subtle and most powerful medicine I offer. Most treatments include something in this category and I will work with you to find changes that are easy to implement into your life.