Treatments and Services

Acupuncture

Chinese medicine combines both science and art; this ancient practice follows the natural changing of the seasons. Our bodies reflect what is happening in nature and are prone to imbalance as the seasons change. Utilizing Chinese and herbal medicine we can guide our bodies to find balance and optimal health by stimulating specific acupuncture points, using the practice of herbal medicine and the ultimate medicine, food.

Acupuncture points are found along channels or meridians that flow through the body and when stimulated will shift imbalance or disease states. These meridians run from the very top of your head to the tips of your fingers and toes both in front and back of your body. Each point has specific actions and indications and work together for your body’s unique needs to create harmony and well being. This is particularly why acupuncture treats such a vast array of conditions. These needles are inserted superficially into your skin to activate that point or channel and stimulate the flow of qi (similar to energy) and blood.

Both qi and blood are deeply impacted by everything we do in our daily lives and the sensitive nature of the two may easily become out of balance. The goal of your acupuncturist is to help restore that balance, nourish the body, and optimize overall health by utilizing all the tools available. This includes acupuncture needles, food, herbs, and additional modalities such as cupping, gua sha, bodywork, and moxibustion.

Some common concerns that acupuncture addresses include body pain, musculoskeletal conditions, stress management, immune support, adrenal health, autoimmune conditions and associated symptoms, sleep support, digestive concerns, mental and emotional health, headaches and migraines, and preventative care.

Women’s Health

Chinese medicine, along with herbal and dietary therapy, work in harmony to restore hormonal balance in the body regardless of the phase of life and support the overall well being of the reproductive system bringing attention to organs that need it.  We assess the state of your hormonal balance helping to restore it to its natural rhythm. We help to regulate the menstrual cycle and allow for the smooth flow of blood for a pain free period. Whether your goal is hormonal balance, relief and remission of diagnosed menstrual conditions, conception and a healthy pregnancy, or menopausal support and ease of symptoms we can help restore that balance. See below for a list of common concerns we treat.

Fertility Enhancement for Women and Men

Prior to conception acupuncture and herbal medicine help to bring the body and hormones into optimal balance.  Preconception health is linked to a healthier pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This is a time when diet and lifestyle are incredibly important and your provider will work closely with you to discern what may be playing a role in preventing conception and will make recommendations to optimize fertility and support hormonal balance.  Chinese medicine will help to regulate the menstrual cycle and work with the four phases of menstrual cycle. This includes the full and complete discharge of blood during your menses, support of follicular growth and development, building a healthy uterine lining, the stimulation of the flow of qi and blood to the uterus and ovaries, providing a strong ovulation, and maintaining a healthy luteal phase to allow for implantation to occur and creating a perfect home for your baby.  

We also love to work with those undergoing any assisted reproductive technology treatment, including medicated cycles, IUI, and IVF.  The addition of Chinese medicine to any ART treatment helps significantly in the success rate of pregnancy and a live birth. Your provider will be with you each step of the way, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety and reduce any adverse reaction to the medication, supporting follicular growth, building a healthy uterine lining and environment, and supporting implantation.  

It’s also very important to mention that women are only half of the equation when it comes to fertility.  We also work with men to optimize fertility and recommend acupuncture to support the flow of qi and blood in the male reproductive tract and treat associated conditions related to infertility.  If you’re looking for support, consider acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Pregnancy and Birth Acupuncture

Chinese medicine is a wonderful way to support the body from conception through birth.  It provides the body with gentle care and the attention it deserves and doesn’t always get from western medicine alone.  Throughout the course of a pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes that can be overwhelming, uncomfortable, and hard to navigate alone.  Your provider will support you throughout each trimester easing the changes and supporting optimal balance throughout the miraculous process of growing a human.  Benefits of incorporating acupuncture into your wellness plan can include miscarriage prevention, support for morning sickness, easier delivery, a smoother transition to postnatal motherhood, and relief from many common concerns that arise during pregnancy.  

Acupuncture for birth preparation is also a key component in the last weeks of pregnancy.  At 34 to 35 weeks until delivery your provider will help to support your body as you near the end of your pregnancy and promote a healthy and efficient labor and delivery.  Here we help to ensure baby is in the optimal right position, boost qi (energy), ripen the cervix, calm the mind, relax the muscles and tendons, and facilitate the onset of contractions.  It also helps to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety as you head into the 4th trimester. We are also able to provide acupuncture initiation to avoid medical induction once you have reached your due date.  This gentle stimulation of acupoints along the sacrum help to facilitate the onset of labor when baby is ready to make their debut into the world. See below for a more detailed list of common concerns we treat.

Postpartum Acupuncture

During this particularly vulnerable time during a woman’s life, acupuncture and herbal medicine can provide support for both emotional and mental health as well as physical support as your body heals, keeps your new baby thriving, and finds its new balance as a mama.  See below for a list of common concerns we treat.

Additional Modalities

Herbal and Dietary Therapy are the tools I utilize the most aside from acupuncture in my practice. Their impact is far reaching and is a perfect compliment to acupuncture treatments. Botanicals and micronutrient therapy work to restore balance in the body and provide healing when food isn’t enough on its own. They may be given in a formula or on their own. I also utilize a food first philosophy in my practice. The quality and type of food we choose to eat can deeply impact our health and longevity. By choosing nutrient dense and anti-inflammatory foods we can heal chronic illness and restore balance in the body.

Cupping is a technique that uses glass or ceramic cups placed on the skin using a suction to disperse stagnation or break up congestion lying under the surface. It is a deeply relaxing experience and feels similar to a deep tissue massage. It encourages blood flow, relaxes and loosens up the muscles along where the cups are applied making is great for musculoskeletal conditions. Cupping supports immune function, stimulates detoxification of tissues, breaks up congestion under the skin and inside the tissues. It benefits the lungs when placed over the back and helps to prevent upper respiratory infections and loosens phlegm and dampness lingering in the body. One of my favorite uses it to support emotional well being allowing old stuck energy to be moved to the surface and released. It is especially beneficial for stress, anxiety, and grief.

Gua sha is a technique using a small flat tool in a scraping motion on specific areas of the body to stimulate qi and blood in the area allowing healing to occur. It is often used for musculoskeletal conditions but is also used in facial acupuncture to help with fine lines and wrinkles and skin disorders or imbalance.

Moxibustion is the art of heat therapy, it is a very warming, penetrating, and healing modality. It is used often in gynecological conditions and when there is cold in the body. It is also deeply relaxing and helps to stimulate the flow of qi and blood. Moxa is made of the herb ai ye, or mugwort, it can be used directly (placed on the skin) or indirectly (away from the skin) and is burned to achieve a desired level of warmth over specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. This is especially helpful for women who experience painful menses, fibroids, cysts, menstrual cramps, infertility, low back pain, prolapse, scar healing, and even breech positioned babies. Moxa is used to strengthen the blood, treat anemia or blood deficiency, encourage the flow of qi and blood, and maintain general health.