Glossary
Acupuncture
The use of thin, sterile needles to correct imbalances in the body along various meridians of Qi (energy). Applicable for all types of disorders. Safe for pediatric patients.
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Electroacupuncture
The administration of controlled microcurrents to various acupuncture points in order to stimulate the healing process. Applicable but not limited to cases such as pain management or fertility. Not for use on people with pacemakers.
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Cupping
Techniques such as flash cupping, fire cupping, stationary cupping, and sliding cups are used to improve the circulation of Qi and blood and help remove toxins from the body. May cause redness at site of application.
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Tui Na
Chinese bodywork utilizing various techniques (plucking, massaging, rubbing, patting, foulage) to help improve circulation, reduce stagnation, and alleviate pain. Also used in pediatric treatments in place of acupuncture and needling.
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Gua Sha
The use of a small instrument to scrape the surface of the skin to promote healing of soft tissue, circulate Qi and blood, and relieve stagnation. May cause redness at site of application. Also used in pediatric treatments in place of acupuncture and needling.
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Moxibustion
Utilizes an herb called mugwort, or artemis (Artemisia vulgaris). It can be applied onto acupuncture needles or directly onto the body. Indirect or pole moxa is used around or close to the body until a sensation of mild heat is felt at the desired location. Used appropriately by a licensed practitioner there is little risk of burns or injury, and is great when you want to warm the channels, increase circulation, and alleviate pain. Another common use for moxa is to turn a breech baby and I have seen it work many times. This is still my main protocol when presented with this type of patient.
Facial Rejuvenation
Incorporates facial acupuncture points, gua sha, facial massage, and the use of lotions and masks to help minimize wrinkles, lift sagging, and enhance collagen production in the face. Typical treatments last 90 minutes and include constitutional body treatments as well as facial protocols. I use only Nefeli facial products when applying masks, creams, and concentrates, a formulary developed by Dr. Ping Zhang using Chinese herbal ingredients without any sulfates, parabens, or heavy metals.
Contemplative spiritual counseling - (subcategory to Integrative Energy Medicine)
One on one therapy often accompanied by integrative energy medicine. This is not Jungian therapy or analysis, instead this type of counseling uses a gentle contemplative approach to acknowledge your patterns and beliefs, as commonly seen in Buddhist and Sufi practices. I sometimes include the use of crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, gemstones and essential oils in a treatment as well. When accompanied by energetic body work, more answers can be revealed for both patient and practitioner, enabling you to see how your beliefs about yourself keep you from evolving, growing, and getting what you truly desire in life. It is your birthright to have joy and feel fulfilled, let’s find it.
Essential Oil Aromatherapy and Synergistic Blends
Aromatherapy and the therapeutic use of essential oils has been practiced for centuries. These gentle powerhouses have a profound impact on the spirit as well as healing physical ailments of all kinds. All of the oils I use come from trusted sources and are GC/MS tested for purity and authenticity of botanical and chemical components. I can create a custom blend where the synergy of different oils complement each other or simply use one oil on a specific part of the body to aid in your healing process. Each treatment varies and is tailored to the nature of your needs in that session.
Gemstone healing and Chakra Balancing
Precious and semi-precious gemstones have been used since Roman times, they embedded amethyst in their shields of armor in order to clear the minds of the soldiers before going into battle. No coincidence then that it is used to help open the third eye chakra. There are specific stones for opening our chakras, enhancing the flow of our meridians, and balancing our spirit. There are always stones in my treatment rooms and in every room of my home.
Integrative Energy Medicine
A type of hands on bodywork I use with everyone but especially useful when someone has a true phobia of needles or with my pediatric patients. During a typical session the hands are placed either just above the body or sometimes lightly touching various chakra locations, meridians and organs. It enables me to see more information about what is going on in your body and allows us to explore in more depth some of the disharmonies. While this is the least invasive of my clinical modalities, it has yielded some of the most impactful results at times. Just like the other techniques I practice, each session is different based on how you present that day in clinic.
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Chinese Herbal Medicine
Another pillar of Chinese medicine practiced alongside acupuncture for over 4000 years. Some of the formulas I use in clinic today are the same ones developed by the master herbalists centuries ago. When prescribed by a licensed practitioner, Chinese herbs are safe and well tolerated without the side effects of many common Western drugs. Chinese herbs are plant and mineral based substances and I source my herbs only from distributors that conduct rigid mass spectrometry testing for pesticides, heavy metals, and toxins.
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