East-Asian Medicine is a complete and complex system that uses a holistic approach to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. This is a medicine that dates back thousands of years and treats a wide variety of ailments and illnesses. Modalities of treatment include acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, massage, herbal medicine, essential oils and dietary therapy.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Please wear loose comfortable clothing for easy access to arms, legs, hands, and feet. Feel free to bring shorts or loose pants to change into. Make sure you have eaten something at least a few hours before your appointment; this ensures your body will be able to maximize the effects of treatment. If my door is closed when you arrive, have a seat in the foyer and I will be with you shortly. There is a restroom in the foyer for your convenience.

We will begin by going through your entire health history so I can gather a full picture of your experience. Then I will feel your pulse and examine your tongue to gain further insight. Next, I will insert tiny needles at specific acupuncture points to address your concerns and imbalances. Within about five minutes your parasympathetic nervous system will take over. You will drop into alpha for sure, and maybe even theta or delta brainwave states. When you settle into these deeper states of consciousness, acupuncture is even more beneficial at allowing the body, mind, and spirit to quickly find its proper balance. Many people fall asleep or “drift off to another place” during their treatment. You will rest in this relaxed state with needles in for 20-30 minutes. Adjunct techniques (cupping, gua sha, massage) will be incorporated as needed. 

It is most beneficial to remain in this relaxed state for as long as possible once your treatment is over. Ideally, you are able to go home, rest, eat a nourishing meal, and enjoy yourself. Try to refrain from vigorous exercise and stressful activities for at least a few hours after treatment. 

  • Acupuncture

    Acupuncture creates a smooth flow of Qi (“chi”) and blood along the meridians allowing the body to function properly. In East-Asian Medicine, we say “Where there is pain, there is stagnation.” This refers to pain of any kind—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific acupoints to move and resolve these stagnations. Acupuncture helps restore the body to a state of balance & flow.

    In Western Medicine terms, Acupuncture helps regulate your nervous system. During treatment, the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) deactivates and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest, digest, and restore) turns on. Your parasympathetic nervous system initiates a cascade of positive side effects including improved digestion, deeper sleep, increased calm & relaxation, and decreased pain.

  • Cupping

    Cupping is an adjunct technique that is often used either before or after the needling portion of your treatment. Traditional fire cupping involves holding a flame inside a glass cup to create a vacuum which makes the cups to suction to your skin. You will not feel any heat from the flame. Before placing the cups, I apply massage oil to the skin which enables me to glide the cups across the back and shoulders. The effects of cupping are similar to the effects of a massage—cupping invigorates the circulation of Qi and blood as well as reduces swelling, pain and tension. Old emotions are also stored in our blood, so you may feel a big sense of relief from the release of your physical and emotional pain & stress.

  • Gua Sha

    Gua Sha (“Gwa Shaw”) is a scraping technique used in conjunction with cupping. Its effects are almost identical to cupping, including the marks left behind (although they are less circular in nature). Gua Sha involves the use of a ceramic soup spoon. With this tool, I can get deeper into the muscle layers to release deep-seated back, neck, and shoulder tension. Gua Sha is the ideal technique to release neck tension and relieve headaches. Gua Sha is also effective at helping your body fight off and/or recover quickly from the common cold.