Traditional Chinese Medicine, Auriculotherapy, and Food

Treatments

 

 

Acupuncture - Body and Ear

 

Most of you know what acupuncture is all about: ultra-fine needles, sometimes many, sometimes few, inserted in various points on the body, head to toe.  It works.  I like it.  However, in my practice, I have recently found excellent results using the 'German' system of auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture/electrostimulation).  This system is not only incredibly effective, but safe and very accesible.  As such, many clients will enlist this service alone or combined with minimal body acupuncture.

 

For more information in auriculotherapy, check it out here or contact me!

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Herbs and Nutrition

 

Drawing from my studies in TCM and my own personal nutritional experience, I offer councelling in both TCM herbology and Western Holistic Nutrition.  Generally, I use TCM herbal methodology to address acute conditions, and then integrate Holistic Nutrition for chronic conditions and for general wellbeing. 

 

Additionally, as the father of a juvenile Type 1 diabetic, I have a great deal of knowledge about diabetes management and therapy.

 

Cupping, Massage, and Gua Sha

 

Cupping is an ancient healing modality that uses 'cups' (glass, silicone, bamboo, etc.) to create a vacuum on the patient's skin to dispel stagnation—stagnant blood and lymph--thereby improving flow of Qi and Blood.  Cupping has been used for millenia to treat a wide range of symptoms, most notably musculoskeletal conditions, respiratory diseases (common cold, pneumonia, bronchitis), skin disorders (uticaria, eczema, dermatitis), and to increase immunity. 

 

Interested?  Check out this article for more information and then see me!

 

Massage at The Leaf and Needle may not be what you are used to.  While I do incorporate some aspects of 'Western' massage, the bulk of my treatments are based on the Chinese modalities of Tui Na (Push Grasp) and Dit Da (Fall Strike) massage.  These systems follow the same theory as cupping with the goal of moving stagnated blood and lymph.  While I practice 'wrapping force in tenderness' there can be some discomfort as deep-rooted stagnation is released.  Rest assured, I will always work within your level of comfort.  Do you need a 'safe word'?  Well, it couldn't hurt!

 

Conversely, there is a major sub-sect of Tui Na that is used with pediatrics.  It is easy, gentle, and immensely effective.  Indeed, it is so effective that it is widely-used in the pediatric wards of most Chinese hospitals.  While I thoroughly enjoy treating kids using Pediatric Tui Na, what I enjoy most is teaching parents to do it at home!  Not only is it effective for colds, coughs, fever, etc., but it is great for boosting immunity, calms the mind, and strengthens the parent/child bond.  Come on in with the kids and I'll show you the ropes!

 

Gua Sha is a very old  healing modality that utilizes a tool (spoon, shell, bone, etc) that is scraped over the skin with the intent of moving that pesky staganated blood to the surface where it can be carried away by blood/lymph circulation, just like with cupping and tui na.  See a pattern here?  Gua Sha is used to treat a myriad of diseases, but really excels at treating common colds (expecially where fever is involved) and musculoskeletal pain issues.  Dr. Arya Nielsen of guasha.com has put together a great site, check it out!