Treating your symptoms
Each acupuncture point works in a unique way to interact with your body’s physiology. See below for the different ways acupuncture can work for you.
Decreases pain by increasing the release of natural pain-relieving endorphins.
Promotes healing through a local response to jump start tissues.
Reduces inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory markers
Improves circulation by increasing blood flow to local tissue
Balances the endocrine system for more regular hormone function
Reduces blockages by moving stuck qi to improve organ function and overall well-being
Getting to the root
Receiving an acupuncture treatment can be a unique and powerful healing experience. During the initial session we will discuss your health and personal histories in detail, followed by a physical examination and treatment. We will also speak at length about your health concerns and address any questions you may have about acupuncture and the healing process.
The objective of your first session is to assess the underlying conditions that have led to your current concerns and to plan a treatment strategy. If appropriate, herbal medicine may be prescribed. Following the initial treatment, typically you will be seen weekly for 6-8 sessions. During this time, significant signs of progress will likely appear. As you experience improvement in your condition and enjoy a greater sense of ease in life, less frequent treatments will be required. Thereafter we encourage seasonal visits to maintain health.
Modalities in treatment
Moxibustion is a therapy that predates even acupuncture. Leaves from the mugwort plant, Artemisia Vulgaris, are burned at or above specific acupuncture points. Moxa therapy is effective at raising white blood cell counts in debilitated patients and is sometimes used to reposition breech babies.
Cupping The vacuum action of cupping rapidly facilitates the release of rigid soft tissues,and loosens connective tissues to break up and drain stagnation. Cupping draws stagnant blood and other fluids up to skin level and away from the injury so that healthy free circulation can be restored to the affected area.
Gua Sha This is another method of releasing rigid tissues using gentle stroking of skin of the affected area with a blunt-edged tool to free circulation and promote healing. Facial gua sha, like the tool to the left, can relax tension to improve the contour of the face and jaw.
