top of page

Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture and herbalism is a growing and expanding modality of health care that has been in practice for over 2500 years. The philosophy behind acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine as a whole, is one of health through harmony. The goal is to regain your natural balance of your mind-body-spirit and thereby experience optimal health. Your body’s vitality should flow freely through and symbiotically to all your systems, organs, and tissues. When there are no blockages and the body is in balance, there is health.


Classical Chinese Medicine began early on using plants medicinally (similar to the Western heritage of medicine) as well as dissecting corpses to discover the physical structure of the body. While Western medicine went on to continue dissecting, searching for the basic building blocks of life, the Eastern philosophy of medicine went in the other direction and began to look at the ‘big picture.’ Classical Chinese Medicine saw the body as interrelated systems, taking a holistic view of the body and how it was a microcosm to the macrocosm of nature.

To the left you will see a drawing of the Eastern view of the body; an ecosystem harmoniously sustaining itself.

The basic philosophy of Classical Chinese Medicine is based on the concept of “qi” or life energy that flows through the body. The health of the body is directly related to the flow and strength of their qi. Acupuncture can help get the qi flowing freely and strengthen the body by building ‘zheng qi’ or upright qi. The qi in turn supports the body through all facets of life and the body gains optimal functioning capability.  

There is a strong reverence for Classical texts that emphasize healing as an evolutionary process.  With intense study, practitioners of the medicine work to come into harmony with the tao of life in order to harmonize the patients into their own tao/path.


Acupuncture is a non-invasive method that promotes natural healing by bringing the body into balance by harmonizing and nurturing qi. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, effective and painless way to treat many medical problems.

Acupuncture & Herbs

Acupuncture uses needles about the width of your finger nail (1 mm) to activate acupuncture points on the body.  Each of these points has specific biological correspondences to organs, fluids and tissues of the body.  By inserting the small needles, using acupressure or applying essential oils it is possible to increase organ function, improve circulation and ease pain.

Other modalities of treatment can also include using moxa to apply heat to a point and cupping which will pull toxins from the body, increase circulation and greatly ease muscle pain.

One or all of these methods may be employed during a treatment depending on the needs of the patient.  Generally with children children, needles aren’t used and even then only 1 needle will be used per treatment.  I am currently only doing telehealth appointments, but if I do practice acupuncture again I will update immediately!  In the meantime, I will give acupressure pressure prescriptions that can be done at home.

​

The only way the body truly heals is through its own healing power.  Acupuncture and herbs support the body’s natural healing process safely and effectively.

​

I use a few different forms of herbal medicine in my practice; raw herbs for the strongest medicinal effect, tinctures for most patients, powder herbs and essential oils mainly for pediatrics.  The raw herbs as shown in the picture above are the most potent form of herbal medicine; these herbs need to be boiled down twice and become a concentrated brown juice of sorts. Every day a 1/2 cup is taken in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening. The taste is strong and the effect can be very strong.  Because it is time intensive and can be very potent these formulas are reserved for more stubborn or serious illnesses.

      The second form of tinctures is much easier to take and there is no cooking time for the patient.  Each week a 1 ounce bottle gets refilled with formula and the patient takes 1 dropper full 2 times a day with food.  The taste is also strong but the volume is much less than for the raw herbs.  Most people find this form of herbs the easiest and quickest to take because there’s no time commitment and you can carry the little bottle around with you.

    Powdered herbs are raw herbs that have been cooked and dehydrated already.  That way all that is needed is 1 cup of warm water to dissolve for each dose.   These are a bit more expensive than the raw herbs and not as potent.   But the taste is better!   Mild formulas taste rather sweet and earthy and can be suitable for children and adults as well.

    Essential oils are the essence of the herbal plants in a concentrated oil.  The individual herbal oils are made into a formula of 3-5 different oils and diluted in a carrier oil.   The essential oil formula functions just like a regular herbal formula and is designed and personalized to the individual need of the patient.   The blend of oils is then put into a glass vial (purple or blue) with a roller ball for easy application.  This is an excellent treatment modality for kids because they don’t have to try and swallow something yucky!  It is also an excellent adjunct herbal therapy to make treatments more effective, specifically in cases of polycystic ovaries, menopause, digestive disorders, developmental disorders (ADHD, autism), asthma, etc.  

    And of course pill form is also available upon request. 

​

Insurance is accepted for Acupuncture treatments or payment up front.

​

Herbal consultations are not covered by insurance and are $50 for each consult.

​

Women's Health

 Each of the phases in a woman’s life brings growth, joy, adventures and experience.  And each phase has a right of passage that is a challenge.  The first is menarche and embracing what it means to be a woman, then comes childbirth and the gift of creating a life, and finally comes menarche when women switch from being mainly nurturers to really coming into themselves and their power as individuals in the world.   

    In order to live your life to the fullest, health can go a long way.  The great advantage of natural medicine is that it makes you healthier from the inside out and is a health that lasts.  With acupuncture, herbs, nutritional counseling and exercise over 80% of dis - eases can be treated successfully and without side effects.  

    The onset on menarche is where women’s health begins.  Often times the beginning of menstruation can be irregular and uncomfortable.  Most people think the only option is to take their daughter to an Ob/gyn and put them on the pill to regulate their menstrual cycle- but this isn’t the case.  More than likely a simple herbal remedy can help the cycle establish itself naturally.  There can be future side effects and complications with taking the birth control pill, so why not try natural medicine first and avoid all the risks?  Specially at such a young age and if your child isn’t sexually active, the best approach is a natural balancing method.

    Balancing the menstrual cycle naturally is the first step to maintaining radiant health; it leads to less gynecological issues through out a woman’s life and is a very useful indicator of whole body health.

 

How acupuncture and herbs can help:

 

  1.   PMS/PMDD

  2.   Hormonal imbalance

  3.   Hormonally related skin conditions

  4.   Mood swings

  5.   Painful Periods

  6.   Endometriosis

  7.   Irregular/ lack of period

  8.   Uterine Fibroids

  9.   Cysts/ PCOS

  10.   Migraines/ Headaches

  11.   Menopausal symptoms

  12.   Fertility

  13.   Stress relief

  14.   Pregnancy related sciatica

  15.   Pregnancy related back pain

  16.   Fatigue

  17.   Insomnia

  18.   High blood pressure

  19.   Gestational Diabetes

  20.   Morning Sickness

  21.   Constipation

  22.   Post-partum healing and recovery

  23.   Menopause

  24.   Sciatica

  25.   Headaches

bottom of page