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Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one therapy used within the umbrella term Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Oriental Medicine (OM). Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) available anywhere. Acupuncture consists of inserting very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body and retaining them for a given amount of time.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health status can be determined by evaluating the functions of key systems of the body. The ancient Chinese gave these systems organ names such as Spleen, Liver, Stomach, etc., and referred to their functions as Qi ("chee"). They discovered that by stimulating points along pathways in the body (meridians), these functions improved, pain subsided and other symptoms were relieved. Although the exact mechanism behind acupuncture has not been acertained by the modern medical community, fMRIs have revealed that the stimulation of certain points on the body with acupuncture activates various regions of the brain, thereby causing positive chemical changes within the body to relieve discomfort and improve health.
The many benefits of acupuncture may include:
- Pain reduction
- Stress and tension relief
- Increased energy levels
- Stronger digestion
- Relief from bad habits and addictions
- Greater sense of overall health and well-being
Your practitioner will discuss with you a course of treatment (length and type) as deemed appropriate for your individual condition. Our practice is committed to providing a variety of service options to meet the needs and budgets of all its patients. Regular acupuncture treatments improve the rate of effectiveness, and it is our ultimate goal for you to feel better!
Chinese Herbology
Chinese herbal medicine is the hallmark of TCM, with the majority of the Chinese population resorting to herbal formulas for anything from colds and flus to chronic and more serious degenerative diseases. Chinese herbal medicine has benefitted from modern science, broadening its application as a result. It is not uncommon for Chinese herbs to be used in conjunction with western pharmaceuticals in China.
Chinese herbal medicine is different from western herbalism in that, with the exception of just a few herbs, TCM herbs are always prescribed in formulas to enhance desired properties and reduce side-effects. TCM herbal formulas are tailored to the individual's presentation of a disease. TCM aims to treat the underlying source of imbalance in the body, which may differ from person to person with the particular disease.
Only high-quality, professional-grade herbal medicines that are available exclusively to qualified licensed professionals are used in our practice. Options will be discussed for suitable herbal forms (pills, powders, decoctions).
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture consists of attaching the acupuncture needles to a device that delivers gentle electrical pulses between two acupuncture points. This extra stimulation generates a stronger effect to the standard acupuncture protocol and may be most beneficial in treating pain and other recalcitrant conditions.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultations
Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of the Indian subcontinent whose roots date back millennia. The strengths of this wholitistic health system are found in its emphasis on disease prevention, disease treatment, increasing vitality and developing awareness.
In a Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultation, you will learn how your individual constitution plays a central role in your emotional and physical well-being, disease tendencies, and how best to create an environment that is balancing for your unique physiological and psychological make-up. This includes choices in diet, exercise, physical environment and other significant areas of life that may affect one's health.
Cupping
Cupping has been a part of Chinese Medicine for over 2,500 years and has been practiced in other traditions around the world. It is particularly effective in relieving muscular aches and pains, improving circulation, but may also help with respiratory and digestive issues. Specially designed cups are placed onto specific points or areas of the body, and then suction is used to draw your skin up into the cups. This technique increases circulation to that area of the body, relaxes muscles and initiates regeneration of the affected tissue.
Gua Sha
Although Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique used by Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years, it is relatively unknown in the West. It is considered throughout Asia as an effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, and a host of other ailments.
First, Gua Sha oil is applied to a specific meridian (energy pathway) on your body. A smooth round-edged object (such as a flat jade stone) to apply short brisk strokes to that area. This brings circulation to the area and relaxes muscles as well as activates the points and meridians of the area.
Yoga Sessions
Yoga is an excellent modality to understand better your body-mind complex, to learn techniques to keep you body in tune and to strengthen and calm the mind. Private or group lessons for yoga therapy, modern postural yoga (exercise) as well as traditional yogic meditation practices may be arranged.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a practice where an individual, known as the directee, meets with a trained spiritual director to explore and deepen their relationship with God. In this process, the spiritual director provides a space for prayerful reflection, attentive listening, and compassionate guidance, helping the directee discern God's presence and action in their life. The goal is to support the directee in growing closer in divine relationship, understanding their spiritual journey, and integrating their faith into their daily living. Spiritual direction is ideal when discerning a life decision, discovering new spiritual practices, navigating through spiritual dryness, or seeking healing. Spiritual direction sessions are generally one hour once a month.