History

Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine is a culmination of thousands of years of observation and study. Originating in China over 2500 years ago, it has evolved into a system of medicine that includes several styles and techniques from many nations including China, Japan, and Korea. At the root of this medicine is an extensive herbal pharmacopeia used to treat many diseases and disorders that affect our modern society.

Commonly known in the United States as Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, this medicine is based upon the theories of Yin and Yang and their complimentary yet opposing traits. Yin is seen as solid matter, it has the property of being cool and dark, and is likened to the moon (darkness) and Earth (solid matter). Yang is seen as active energy, it has the property of being warm and bright, and is likened to the sun or heavens.

It is said that our human existence and experience is based upon the combination of these two forces. That the Yang of heaven comes down and combines with the Yin or solid matter of the Earth; where these two energies meet is the perfect culmination of the human experience, half spirit and energy, half matter and form.

The meridians, or energy pathways, mirror this. With the anatomical position being with the hands raised above the head, the yang meridians begin at the top of the body and stretch down to the feet to connect to the yin of the Earth. The yin meridians begin at the bottom of the body, starting at the feet and traveling upwards, moving through the body to connect to the yang energy of the sky or heaven.

The Yin meridians are found on the whiter, softer skin of the body: the chest, belly, underarms, inner legs, and the inside and bottoms of the feet. The yang meridians travel along the darker or tanned portions of your body: the head, back, and tops of the arms, legs and feet. These pathways have associated organs or structures that are accessed through acupuncture points. The energy from the meridians surface at these points and act like routes or channels to the energy and function of both the yin/yang aspect of the body as well as the organ system they are associated with. These points can be activated through the insertion of needles that are manually or electrically stimulated, or with acupressure. Points can also be influence through “puncturing” with sound, light, color, heat, or with universal energy as practiced in Qi Gong.

Asian Medicine includes several healing modalities
other than the practice of Acupuncture. 

Electrical, Mechanical or Magnetic Stimulation of Acupuncture Points. Using very small levels of electricity to stimulate Acupuncture points and meridians, or by using mechanical or magnetic devises to stimulate Acupuncture points or meridians. These treatments are painless.

Moxibustion. A soft woolly mass prepared from ground young mugwort leaves, typically in the form of sticks or cones, which are ignited and placed on or close to the skin or used to heat Acupuncture needles. This is also painless.

Acupressure. Traditional Chinese medical massage and manual therapy.

Cupping. Glass cups are placed on the skin with suction to stimulate circulation.

Dermal-friction Technique (Gua-sha). Friction is applied topically to the skin using a smooth object to relieve symptoms.

Infrared Heat. Applying heat generated by an infrared lamp over a specific area of the body.

Sonopuncture. The use of sound to stimulate Acupuncture points or meridians.

Laserpuncture. Laser light beams are applied to the Acupuncture points to help stimulate the flow of Qi and promote healing.

Dietary Advice and Health Education Based on East Asian Medical Theory. Suggestions for nutrition and herbal food products including herbs, vitamins, minerals, and dietary and nutritional supplements.

Breathing, Relaxation, and East Asian Exercise Techniques. Guidance on meditation and relaxation techniques.

Qi Gong. An internal Chinese meditation practice that often uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of Qi within the human body, and enhance a practitioner's overall health.

East Asian Massage and Tui Na. Bodywork characterized by kneading, pressing, rolling, shaking, and stretching of the body. This does not include spinal manipulation.

Superficial Heat and Cold Therapy. Application of hot or cold therapies.

Liniments, Oils, and Plasters. Herbal formulas applied topically to the skin.

Facial Rejuvenation with Acupuncture, or the “Acupuncture Facelift”, has become extremely popular for its non-invasive techniques and youth enhancing properties. Many people are choosing to revitalize their look with a youthful glow and vibrant healthy skin with this safe and far less expensive alternative to surgery.

Facial Rejuvenation treats the underlying cause of pre-mature aging by stimulating your body and immune system to revitalize your skin and bring forth your innate beauty. It has been shown to increase blood and lymph circulation to the face, stimulate collagen production and metabolism, balance hormones, eliminate puffiness, and can even help those with severe acne.

There is an elimination of fine lines and a dramatic reduction in deep wrinkles, decreased sagging, firming of the jowls, improved muscle tone and dermal contraction, pores appear smaller, cheek bones are defined, eyes are brighter, and stress is less evident on the face. Patients say it has taken 5-15 years off their face!

Facial Rejuvenation with Acupuncture is safe and effective. During a treatment very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles are inserted into Acupuncture points on the face and body. A typical series of treatments is approximately 12 visits, each lasting 1-2 hours once or twice a week. The first treatment includes a complete intake where we will go over your past medical history, talk about what it is that you would like to achieve then follow with your first Facial Rejuvenation session. Sessions may include facial massage, dietary advice, or herbal supplement recommendations. Results may be seen after the first treatment, but they are more dramatic and lasting by the seventh session.

It is important to know that certain illnesses or conditions require that this type of treatment not be administered:

Pregnancy

High Blood Pressure

Migraines

Some Pituitary Disorders

Parkinsons Disease

Diabetes Mellitus

Serious health conditions such as Cancer, AIDS, & Coronary Heart Disease

Hepatitis