The initial visit includes an in-dept health history intake from both an Eastern and Western Medicine perspective. Tongue and pulse diagnosis are evaluated and followed by an acupuncture treatment where you rest for 20-30 minutes while the needles do their work. Depending on your condition, other modalities such as electro-acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, or moxibustion may be used. Herbal medicine, nutrition and supplements may also be suggested. During the first visit we determine how your body needs support and then create a treatment plan based on your health goals.

This is where we discuss your progress and other relevant information that comes up between treatments. This visit includes acupuncture. Cupping, gua sha, moxa, herbal and nutritional prescriptions may be included.

In this treatment we will go over your health history and skin goals to determine a treatment plan.

This treatment includes a full body acupuncture treatment, facial acupuncture, red light therapy, and facial cupping or gua sha.

Cupping is a manual therapy that applies suction cups to areas of the body. The cups are left in place or gently moved across large muscle groups. Cupping is like an inverse massage, where rather than pushing, the cups use negative pressure to gently pull the muscle and fascia upward. Cupping is used for pain management, to increase circulation of blood and lymphatic flow to tissues, relieve muscle tension, promote the immune system and reduce inflammation. While mainly used for pain, cupping is also beneficial for conditions like the common cold, asthma, bronchitis, and fever.

Gua Sha, or “scraping” is a therapy that uses a smooth handheld tool to break up stagnation in the body. It increases blood circulation, breaks up scar tissue, and promotes the immune system to repair tissue. Though generally used to treat pain, modern research has shown it is effective for helping heal a broad range of conditions like fever, cough, asthma and migraine.

Moxibustion is a technique that involves burning an herb called mugwort over acupuncture points to gently warm them. Mugwort is known to penetrate heat into the body to open up blockages and bring nourishment and warmth to the body. Moxibustion stimulates blood flow and qi, relaxes the nervous system, and is helpful for conditions where cold is involved. Heat therapy is commonly used in times of pain, digestive distress, fatigue, and during a cold or flu.

Herbal medicine can provide an alternative way to treat certain conditions without side effects like with pharmaceuticals. “A pill for every ill” does not exist in the framework of this medicine. Single herbs or individualized formulas are tailored to fit your unique presentation. Herbal medicine is available in the form of teas, tinctures, pills and capsules.

I am a firm believer that food is medicine. Nutrients from the foods we eat communicate with our DNA and directly influence our gene expression. This can be the difference between manifesting a disease or not. I offer dietary counseling and provide resources and healing plans based on your individual needs.