Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) today is a comprehensive system based on thousands of years of cross-cultural knowledge of the human body and mind.  It is accepted around the globe as a safe, effective and holistic complement or alternative to contemporary western medicine.

All About Balance
TCM is based primarily on a theory of balanced energy in the body. At the first visit, the Chinese Medicine practitioner will conduct a comprehensive intake to correctly diganose the patient's energy imbalance. TCM diagnosis practices include a complete health history as well as special observations of the patient's pulse and tongue. Once the patient's imbalance is determined, the practitioner can go to work immediately to restore balance with acupuncture, herbal remedies, and the various other modalities discussed herein.

Where do the meridians fit in?
TCM works on the premise of meridian theory: that there are patterns of energy flow called "Qi" (pronounced chee) throughout the body which are related to the organs and tendino-muscular system. When the body is in good health, energy flow is balanced and consistent. However, when energy flow is disrupted due to trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, or other factors, pain and illness result.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to unlbock energy flow and restore the body to a state of balanced "Qi." Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles into carefully selected points along the body which correspond directly to the energy meridians.

When the needle is correctly inserted in the proper location, your body's energy will actually "grab" the needle and the needle will stand firm. Sometimes the patient will feel very little, sometimes he/she will feel a dull sensation, and sometimes the patient will literally feel an energetic sensation flow briefly through the meridian as a blockage is relieved. In fact, your ability to "sense" the acupuncture working may astonish you the first time.

Sensitive to needles?
Acupuncture needles are not hollow like hypodermic needles. Consequently, they are much thinner than you might imagine. In many cases, you will truly not feel the needle being inserted. Nonetheless, if you are sensitive to needles, you may choose from many other options including Acupressure, Herbs, Moxabustion, Gua Sha, Cupping and Nutritional Supplements.

Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is a major component of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for over 3000 years in China and worldwide.

Before pharmaceuticals (and even the use of acupuncture needles) herbal remedies were used to heal and balance the human body.  Chinese herbs have shown their effectiveness under the scrutiny of both empirical study and modern clinical trials. These herbs can be used to augment the treatment of a particular imbalance, working together or sometimes in place of acupuncture and other medicines. Unlike most pharmaceuticals, herbal prescriptions in Chinese Medicine are tailor-made for the individual.

Reiki
Reiki is an ancient non-invasive healing technique used to maintain health by channeling energy.  Like acupuncture, Reiki releases stuck energy and promotes balance of the Qi life force within the whole body.  Unlike acupuncture, Reiki does not use needles but uses gentle touch to stimulate energy flow.  This relaxing treatment is done while the patient is fully clothed.

Cupping
Cupping is an old technique performed in both China and the West. The process traditionally uses glass jars, heated to create a vacuum, and placed on the upper back to relieve acute illnesses such as colds and fevers.  Cupping can also be done all over the body to invigorate the flow of Qi and to relieve tension and pain. It is often used for treating upper and lower back ache, chronic nausea & vomiting, sciatica, frozen shoulder and more. 

If cupping is deemed necessary for your condition, it is generally included in an acupuncture visit. A patient can also come in separately for a cupping treatment if he/she wishes.

TCM Services Offered
Acupuncture
Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation
Herbal Remedies
Nutritional Counseling
Moxibustion
Cupping
Gua Sha
Reiki

Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation
Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation, sometimes referred to as an "acupuncture face lift," is a safe and effective way of renewing the health and vitality of the face. Facial acupuncture is not cosmetic surgery and is therefore not actually a "face lift." In fact, the non-surgical nature of Facial Acupuncture is the best part!

Without going under the knife, superficial wrinkles may be completely repaired. Deeper wrinkles can be reduced significantly, and skin around the neck, eyes, mouth, and face may be firmed. Acne, sun damage, and other dermatological conditions are also treated at the same time.

Facial Acupuncture can improve muscle tone, tighten facial muscles, and may even improve collagen production. You can also expect an improvement in your overall facial color.

Facial Acupuncture is a genuine TCM treatment. The treatment is therefore tailor-made to the individual patient, and treats the whole body as well as the face. At the same time, Facial Acupuncture is a safe, affordable, and luxurious alternative to many of the medi-spa facial treatments that are popular today.

Moxibustion
The Moxa herb is used by TCM practitioners for its warming and tonifying characteristics. Moxibustion (the process of burning Moxa) either on a needle or directly on the skin helps build the Qi and rid the body of excess moisture. Patients usually enjoy this sensation of warmth and find it very relaxing. The heat never gets close enough to the skin to burn.  

I often teach my patients how to administer this treatment to themselves safely at home.  This is a good way for patients to engage in a relaxing activity that allows them to be a direct part of their own healing process. 

Where appropriate, Moxibustion is included with an acupuncture visit. Moxibustion treatments, by themselves, are also available.

Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a Chinese treatment, similar in effect to cupping. Gua stands for rubbing or friction. Sha stands for congested or stagnant blood at the surface of the body. When friction is applied in repeated, even strokes, the sha surfaces as small red petechiae. Usually a Chinese soup spoon is used to create this effect. It is wonderful at treating stiff upper necks and backs and dealing with everyday stress.  Gua Sha is included in an acupuncture visit or can be done separately.

Nutritional Counseling
Everyone knows that diet and nutrition are instrumental in maintaing good health! Dietary changes and nutrition are fully integrated into the theories of Chinese Medince and are key to maintain health and success in a Chinese Medicine treatment. 

As such, Traditional Chinese dietary recommendations are given to patients throughout treatment.   Additionally, I frequently make recommendations for western nutritional supplements as needed.  

Nutritional counseling is included in an acupuncture visit or can be done separately.