Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine available anywhere.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (energy) flow through the natural pathways of your body (meridians). Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve your Qi flow. The many benefits of acupuncture include:
Electroacupuncture is a highly effective holistic treatment for pain, nausea, and chronic ailments. In practice, it is actually very similar to traditional acupuncture. Using the exact same system of Chinese Medicine, I insert very thin and sterile needles into specific points along the meridians of your body. I then attach the needles to a device that delivers gentle electrical pulses between two points. This helps restore the healthy flow of Qi (energy) through your body, removing any blockages and clearing out stagnant areas, thus creating a stronger and clearer experience of health and well-being.
Facial/Cosmetic acupuncture is a rejuvenating and non-surgical approach to enhancing your natural beauty and promoting overall skin health. Drawing on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, this specialized acupuncture technique focuses on the face and neck to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns.
During a facial/cosmetic acupuncture session, ultra-thin needles are delicately inserted into specific points on the face and body, stimulating the flow of energy and promoting balance within the body. This process not only improves the appearance of your skin but also enhances your overall well-being.
The benefits of facial/cosmetic acupuncture are manifold. By stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation, this technique helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. It can also improve facial muscle tone, resulting in a more lifted and toned appearance.
In addition to its cosmetic effects, facial/cosmetic acupuncture also promotes skin health. It can help to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and even out skin tone, giving you a radiant and youthful complexion. Many clients also report improved relaxation, reduced stress levels, and an overall sense of rejuvenation after a session.
Facial/cosmetic acupuncture is a safe and natural alternative to invasive procedures, offering long-lasting results without the risks or downtime associated with surgery or injectables. It is suitable for individuals of all skin types and can be customized to address your specific concerns, whether it's fine lines, acne scars, dullness, or uneven skin texture.
(Picture source: Forbes)
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the insertion of ultra-fine, short needles into the skin with the goal of rejuvenation. This innovative technique capitalizes on a simple premise – by creating controlled micro-injuries, the skin is stimulated to respond by producing collagen and generating new skin cells. The extent of the needle penetration determines the level of skin rejuvenation achieved, ranging from improved absorption of skincare products to more advanced clinical treatments targeting scars and wrinkles. Microneedling offers a versatile and effective approach to enhancing skin health and promoting a youthful appearance.
Here are some of the treatments that can be performed using microneedling:
Hair Growth: Microneedling can stimulate hair growth by promoting blood circulation and encouraging the production of growth factors in the scalp. It can be beneficial for individuals experiencing thinning hair or hair loss.
Wrinkles, Scars, Age Spots, Acne Reduction: Microneedling is effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, age spots, and other skin imperfections. The controlled micro-injuries stimulate collagen production, leading to smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
Chest, Hands, Small Areas Broken Into Sections: Microneedling can be performed on various areas of the body, including the chest, hands, and other small areas. By treating these specific regions in sections, the procedure can effectively target localized concerns and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Stretch Marks: Microneedling can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen synthesis and remodeling the affected skin. Regular treatments can lead to visible improvements in the texture and coloration of stretch marks.
Pain Treatments (without menthol): Microneedling has shown promise in pain management by facilitating the absorption and efficacy of topical analgesics or other pain-relief medications. It can be utilized as an adjunct therapy to alleviate discomfort associated with certain conditions.
(Picture source: AcuMicro.com)
Cupping has been a part of Chinese Medicine for over 2,500 years. It relieves aches and pains, improves circulation, and also helps with respiratory and digestive issues. I simply place a specialized "cup" onto specific points on your body, and then use suction to draw your skin up into the cups. It doesn't hurt — it simply draws fresh blood to that area of your body, which facilitates the cleansing and strengthening of your Qi (energy). The end result is a greater overall sense of health and well-being.
Chinese herbal medicine is a 2,000 year old tradition using naturally occurring substances — including herbs — to enhance one's health and vitality. As opposed to Western medicine, the foundation of this approach is to support the body's natural self-healing mechanisms and abilities.
Since each patient has different needs, I carefully select and combine a variety of herbs that will synergistically blend together to achieve optimal results for your unique situation. I prescribe high-quality, professional-grade herbal medicines that are available only to qualified licensed professionals.
Although Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique used by Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years, it is relatively unknown in the West. It is recognized throughout Asia as a highly effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, and a host of other ailments.
First, Gua Sha oil is applied to a specific meridian (energy pathway) on your body. I then use a smooth round-edged object (such as a spoon) to apply short brisk strokes to that area. This creates red patches of skin (called "Sha"); detoxifying your blood and restoring the healthy flow if Qi (energy) to the area. There is no pain involved, and the Sha will fade in 2 to 3 days. But the sense of health and vitality you experience from it will last much longer.
Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing and health. Moxibustion has been used for healing purposes throughout Asia for thousands of years. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi (energy); and enhance your overall vitality and health.
Among other benefits, a landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that 75.4% of women suffering from breech presentations before childbirth had fetuses that rotated to the normal position after receiving moxibustion at an acupuncture point on the bladder meridian.