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The meridians
communicate with the surface of the body at specic locations
called points. Acupuncture points are gateways which can
be influenced with such things as needling, sound vibration, pressure or
moxibustion (heat therapy) in order to re-establish balance and harmony.
This continuous and harmonious flow of vital life force energy -
of Qi - allows for the optimal functioning of all the physiological
systems, and for creating a sense of well-being, which is at the
core of good health.
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Oriental Medicine employs the use of acupuncture, moxibustion,
cupping, gua sha, tui na bodywork and herbal medicine.
Using these modalities the practitioner can influence the Qi in
order to:
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Stimulate The Immune Response
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Increase Sense of Well-Being
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Improve Circulation & Energy Level
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Improve Digestion
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Regulate Hormones / Increase Fertility
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Regulate Periods
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Release Physical & Emotional Trauma
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Relieve Menstrual Pain
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Relieve Pain, Inflammation, Tension
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Relieve Allergies
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Prevent Disease
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The system of Oriental Medicine originated some 3,000 years ago,
and due to its proven effectiveness has been embraced around the
world. Oriental and Western Medicine complement each other
and can easily be integrated to offer optimal health and
wellness.
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What Happens During A Session?
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We begin with a conversation about your main complaint, health
history, lifestyle habits, etc. I also collect valuable
information by palpating your abdomen, wrist pulses, and by
observing your tongue, facial complexion and body symmetry.
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Extremely fine, pre-sterilized, and disposable needles are inserted
very gently, yet quickly past the pain receptive first layers of the skin, making
insertions virtually painless. Upon insertion you can expect
to feel normal Qi sensations such as light tingling,
heaviness, pulling, warmth or itching - either locally or along
the energy pathways. These sensations generally last a few
moments then gradually fade away.
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Once the insertions are complete you typically feel nothing more
than a deep state of relaxation. Needles are left in place
for approximately 25-45 minutes, depending on the condition being
treated. Many patients fall asleep and upon waking from
their acupuncture nap comment on how they thought they were at
home in bed.
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Treatments last one hour (one and a half hours for the initial
visit). Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Most
of the points used in treatment are from the knees and downward to
the feet, from the shoulders and downward to the hands, and on the
abdomen and on the back. Therefore, it is best not to wear a
one-piece outfit or dress.
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In most cases I combine Acupuncture treatment with a selection of
Sound Therapy tools such as precision calibrated tuning forks,
singing bowls, Tibetan bell, symphonic gonging, drumming, etc.
And, for some cases I will include a Chinese herbal consultation.
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The most common result immediately after a treatment is a deep
state of relaxation and an overall sense of peace. Other
results often include reduction of pain, increased range of
motion, increased energy, reduction of inflammation.
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Some people feel that they would benefit from a nap following
treatment, while others feel re-vitalized. Either reaction
is common and normal. However, for your first session you
may want to make sure your schedule is open to have that time to
relax and rebalance.
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How May Sessions Will I Need?
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That depends upon the duration, severity and nature of the
condition, as well as the general constitution of the
patient. For an acute condition, just one to three
treatments may be needed, and scheduled close together. It
is generally easier to re-establish balance within the body if
treatment is sought out at the onset of disease.
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To resolve a more chronic condition, a series of five to fifteen
treatments may be necessary, with treatments occurring once or
twice (for cases of sever pain) per week.
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Although these are estimations, each person will respond to
treatment in their own way, depending on their constitution,
severity of their condition, their lifestyle/diet, etc.
Individual treatment plans will be discussed with each person
during the initial intake, and also re-evaluated after a few
session.
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Many degenerative conditions improve greatly with on-going
treatments for a longer period of time, in some cases lasting
three to six months. Beginning with weekly treatments and
gradually tapering down to treatment once per month, then as
needed for flar-ups. This is a typical treatment plan for
more severe conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid
Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, etc.
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The effects of Acupuncture are long lasting and definitely
enhanced by appropriate diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle.
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Preventative Care
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