Nurturing Spirit Acupuncture Healing ~ Growth ~ Vitality

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Taking Chinese herbal medicine can be a great way to support, reinforce, and prolong the benefits of acupuncture treatments. In many cases, symptoms resolve more quickly and completely when herbs are used alongside acupuncture. Your practitioner will do a careful evaluation of your condition to determine what combination of herbs would be most supportive for you, often starting with traditional formulas and making customized modifications to fit your unique needs.

Herbology is one of the major branches of traditional Chinese medicine. Plant, animal, and mineral substances have been used for thousands of years to support health and wellbeing. The earliest known Chinese herbal text is thought to have been written in the 1st century CE. We now have almost two thousand years of writings on Chinese herbal medical ingredients, formulations, case studies, and, in modern times, clinical trials, demonstrating a long track record of safety and efficacy.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Chinese herbal products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Acupoint Stimulation Without Needles:

Acupressure, Tuning Forks, Essential Oils & Ear Beads

While most people are able to receive acupuncture treatments comfortably, some are extra-sensitive. For those who want to experience the benefits of acupuncture without the needles, I use several needle-free and completely painless treatment approaches.

Acupressure involves gentle pressure or massage at traditional acupoints, and can be learned by patients for use at home. Applying the stem end of weighted tuning forks activates acupoints by introducing a gentle, comforting vibration. Essential oils can be applied to stimulate acupoints or simply inhaled to enhance the treatment. Different essential oils are chosen according to their unique healing properties and the needs of the individual patient. Ear beads, small stainless steel spheres held in place by an adhesive sticker, can be applied to acupoints on the ears and worn between sessions to prolong the positive effects of treatments.

Please note that most insurance plans do not offer any reimbursement for treatment with non-needle modalities alone.

Chinese Medicine-Based Nutritional Therapy

Food has always been considered a form of medicine in this tradition. There are no "good" or "bad" foods, just foods with different natures. Depending on your individual constitution and the health issues you are experiencing, certain foods are more likely to help you recover faster while others may aggravate your symptoms. Chinese medicine-based nutritional therapy helps you make sense of which foods to embrace and which to avoid to support your optimal health.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb (known as moxa). Moxibustion stimulates circulation, counteracts cold and dampness in the body, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi. Moxibustion is also a critical part of the treatment for encouraging breech babies to turn. This safe, non-invasive technique may be used alone, but it is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping helps to relieve pain by bringing fresh blood to the area and improving circulation.

Qi Gong

Qi Gong means "life energy cultivation" and is traditionally seen as a method to cultivate and balance qi. The practice involves rhythmic movement, focused breathing, and concentrated awareness. Qigong is a safe and gentle meditative exercise that promotes healing of the mind and body.