Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine includes medicines from a pharmacopeia dating over 2,000 years with time tested herbs for many conditions. Chinese herbs work with your body to restore internal balance, and just as important as your correct diet, correct herbs can improve function from the inside out. Your herbs are prescribed in either pill or powdered form. Compliance and ease of consumption are imperative with Chinese Herbs - if you don't take it, it can't help you. Your practitioner may suggest herbs that may help your condition progress faster.
GuaSha
GuaSha is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine. It is an instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae called "sha" representing removal of blood in the subcutis. This stagnant blood is pathogenic in Chinese Medicine and can be responsible for intense pain, numbness and stiffness. The removal of this blood through GuaSha provides relief from these symptoms and also causes anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that lasts for days following treatment. Cupping therapy is used to move blood in a similar way to GuaSha; however, in cupping therapy, glass cups are suctioned to the skin and remain in one spot for 5-15 minutes depending on the desired effect.
Tui Na
Tui Na is a bodywork therapy that has been used in China for over 2,000 years. This therapy includes the use of hand techniques similar to massage, acupressure techniques to direct the flow of Qi and Blood, and manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal system. Tui Na is a soft tissue technique that can be used to treat many symptoms and is frequently added to your acupuncture treatment to enhance your treatment effects.
Electro-Stimulation
Electro-Stimulation of acupuncture needles benefits many pain conditions especially pain conditions of the lower back, elbow, and knee. Electro-stimulation added to the acupuncture needle increases the flow of Qi and Blood to that area. Electro-stimulation is controlled through an estim machine and the intensity varies depending on the client's needs and tolerance.
Dietary Therapy
The practice of dietary therapy allows the practitioner to evaluate your intake of foods and determine if you are eating optimally. Often patients are unknowingly consuming foods that negatively affect their overall health. During your initial intake your practitioner asks what you eat on the average day to determine if there are slight changes you could make to improve your symptoms. As you progress through treatment, your practitioner may do a more in depth evaluation of your eating pattern and offer suggestions or modifications.
Movement Therapy
Movement is important in Chinese Medicine. Traditionally, TaiChi or QiGong were practiced daily. In our sedentary society it becomes even more important to move. Movement helps relieve stress, improve mood, and circulate and cleanse your blood.
Sports Medicine Acupuncture
Sports Medicine Acupuncture developed out of the need to blend traditional Chinese medical techniques with an orthopedic approach. Not only does your practitioner understand the nuances of Traditional Chinese Medicine, they have additional training that allows them to further understand the intricacies of your musculo-skeletal system and treat the orthopedic conditions that contribute to pain, lack of mobility, or decreased athletic performance.
Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture
Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture was developed by Dr. Martha Lucas as an alternative to plastic surgery, injections and laser and chemical peels. This series of treatments increases blood flow to the face, promotes collagen production, and increases muscle tone and skin elasticity. You may experience decreased wrinkles, reduction in fine lines, lifting of droopy eye lids and chin lines, reduced sagginess of the skin, clearing of blotchy skin and reduction of age spots. If you want to feel your best and look your best this series of treatments is right for you.
Rolanda Sarkis L.Ac., MAOM