A variety of treatment paths to support healing.

Under the umbrella of the Classical acupuncture style I practice there are a staggering 68 treatment channels to choose from. To put that in perspective, most US acupuncturists are trained to focus on about 14 channels. The precision that becomes possible when you combine this broader group of channels with the Classical style of pulse-taking is truly humbling.

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Each channel system has its own domain and resonates with different aspects of the body’s terrain. Working with the full complement of acupuncture channels allows for a deepening of understanding as to how pathology or dis-ease gets stuck in the body and how best to either support latency or attempt to clear it completely.

Various forms of cupping therapy are found throughout traditional medicine systems. A cup is placed on an area of the body using suction to hold it in place. The cups are sometimes left in one spot or can be slid around an area while maintaining suction.

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I primarily use fire cupping which employs glass or stone cups and the use of fire to create the vacuum necessary for suction to take place. 

Cupping has many applications, some of the most common include helping alleviate colds, musculoskeletal tension/pain, gynecological conditions, and chronic respiratory issues.

Chinese herbal medicine is extremely sophisticated and has the ability to create big shifts in health. Herbs are rarely used singly, but rather combined in a way that allows for internal harmony to be restored.

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I do offer stand alone herbal consultations and treatments if you prefer not to receive acupuncture. I work with whole dried herbs which are then prepared by you at home according to customized instructions which I provide.

This modality utilizes the dried and aged form of the herb Artemisia (also called Ai Ye in Mandarin) which is burned to allow the radiant heat to treat either sections of an energetic channel or specific acupuncture points. It comes in a dizzying array of forms for use.

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The forms I use most often are stick moxa, which looks a bit like a cigar and is held 1–2 inches from the skin, and needle top moxa which is placed on an acupuncture needle to deliver warmth down the needle to the point. Periodically, I also employ Japanese styles of direct moxa which allow for a highly targeted treatement.

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In essence, the warmth generated by moxa stimulates localized blood flow and Qi. As it penetrates to the energetic channels of our body it delivers infrared heat which is able to stimulate and improve function on a cellular level.

The translation of gua sha is essentially scraping leading to redness. Many different types of tools can be used for gua sha; from a coin all the way to carved precious stones.

It is very effective at moving out blockages and stagnation. It also promotes fresh perfusion of blood, fluids, and nutrients to the area treated.

Many of the complement channels I use involve adding some gua sha to the treatment.

Tuina is a style of meridian based body-work that utilizes Chinese Medicine theory. Essentially, it is a channel and point system of massage which employs the same channels used in acupuncture. During tuina many types of gentle or invigorating hand techniques are employed to clear energetic blockages, open up joints, and restore the movement of chi and blood.

Diet has a profound impact on health as it is a message you send your body (ideally) three times a day. If you are experiencing chronic health issues an individualized eating prescription can be extremely beneficial.

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Similar to how herbs are used in Chinese medicine, dietary therapy is based on the five flavors, energetic temperature, and qualities of the foods. How they are prepared, the timing of meals, and the combination of certain foods also come into play.

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Dietary treatments require a high level of patient engagement but can really become a nourishing and supportive lifelong practice.