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Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of hair-thin, stainless steel needles into specific points on the body. Chinese Medicine is based on the concept of “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), Qi is a vital energy that nourishes us and activates our bodies. Qi is comprised of two opposing forces, Yin and Yang. Acupuncture helps to restore health by unlocking Qi and correcting the balance of Yin and Yang. These opposing forces work together to promote harmony and balance within the body. Qi flows through our bodies via energy pathways called meridians. These meridians cover our entire bodies and are connected to our major internal organs. Acupuncture points run along these lines of energy known as meridians. Illness and disease occur when this flow of energy is blocked. Optimal health is experienced when our energy is abundant and flowing freely, thus invigorating and nourishing our cells, organs and tissues. Blocked or imbalanced Qi causes illness, pain, emotional imbalance or other health conditions. Acupuncture restores balance to the flow of Qi throughout the body, thus bringing the body back into alignment and promoting health and well-being.

Scientific measurements of acupuncture show an increase in circulation of blood to the area being treated and a release of hormones which include (but are not limited to) endorphins, which block pain and promote healing, a reduction of inflammatory cytokines and a lowering of cortisol levels which reduce inflammation in the body. The physiological effects of acupuncture help to balance the body in the following ways: calm the nervous system, regulate the endocrine system and strengthen the body by enhancing the immune system.

Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbal medicine is used to treat a wide range of health conditions. It is also utilized as a means of health prevention by improving immune system function. A qualified practitioner is able to prescribe a Chinese herbal formula that specifically corresponds to and treats your individual health issue/s. As your condition changes and improves with treatment, the Chinese herbal treatment is also adjusted and modified until the desired health outcome is obtained. Most illnesses present with a set of recognizable signs and symptoms, but the root cause of a particular disease or illness will vary from person to person. Therefore, people with similar health conditions or symptoms may be given different Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions.

Chinese herbal medicines are prescribed either in single herb form or made into a formula which is comprised of several herbs.

Traditionally, formulas were decocted in water and then taken as a tea. Today, however formulas are available in capsule, powder and tincture form to allow for ease of use given our busy lifestyles.

Cupping

Cupping dates as far back as 300 AD in China. This ancient treatment modality stimulates the flow of qi where it has become blocked within the tissues. Cups of varying sizes are attached to the body via suction. The suction draws stagnant blood to the surface of the skin, dispelling toxins and improving blood flow through the tissues of the skin.

Cupping loosens fascia and connective tissue and helps to relieve local muscle pain (neck,shoulder,back) and promote relaxation. Cupping has gained a wider public awareness since Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps donned several purple circles on his back during the 2016 games in Rio.

Gua Sha

Gua sha is an ancient healing technique sometimes referred to as 'spooning or scraping’. Gua sha utilizes an instrument such as a spoon or piece of bone which is pressed against the skin in a unidirectional manner. The purpose is to intentionally create superficial petechiae (red spots) called ‘sha’ within the cutaneous/skin levels of the body.
Bringing 'sha' to the surface of the skin removes blood stagnation considered pathogenic in Chinese Medicine. Research illustrates that by creating petechiae/sha it produces an anti inflammatory and immune protective effect lasting for days following a single Gua sha treatment. Patients often report immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, wheeze, nausea, etc. This is why Gua sha is effective in both acute and chronic illnesses.

Moxabustion

Moxabustion involves the burning of dried mugwort/artemisia. There are two types of moxabustion: direct and indirect. In the case of direct a small cone shaped size of moxa is burned on top of an acupuncture point. Beforehand, a salve can be applied to the skin to protect from burns. The patient will experience a gentle heating sensation and the cone is removed before it becomes too hot. The Indirect application is used more widely as there is less risk for pain or burning. Needle top moxa is one form of indirect moxa where a practitioner will insert a needle into an acupoint and retain it. A cone of moxa is then placed onto the tip of the needle, lit with an incense stick and burned down until it is extinguished.

Moxa is well known for its ability to turn breech babies when applied to an acupuncture point on the bladder meridian.

The purpose of moxibustion is to directly warm the points, strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health and immunity.

N.A.E.T.

N.A.E.T stands for Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique. It was developed by Devi S. Nambudripad an MD, Acupuncturist and Chiropractor. It is a non-invasive treatment used to eliminate food, chemical and environmental allergies. N.A.E.T. utilizes a combination of muscle testing, acupuncture/acupressure, and nutritional management to accomplish allergy elimination.

An "allergy" is the body's hyper sensitivity of the immune system to certain substances.

According to Naet theory, which is partly based in Oriental medicine , when the body has an allergic reaction, a blockage occurs in the meridians. The treatment process involves stimulating specific acupuncture points on the back while the person holds an allergen vial. During treatment the electromagnetic energy is altered in the patient’s body resulting in chemical, enzymatic, and physiological changes which override the immune response thereby interrupting the antigen-antibody reaction. The NAET treatment clears the energetic blockage and informs the brain that the allergen has been desensitized.