Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are just two of many therapeutic practices developed by the Chinese over several millennia.  The objective of treatment is the restoration of the autoregulatory balance between a patient’s internal and external environments.  The internal environment consists of the body’s physiological processes, while the external environment consists of forces that may affect those processes such as stress, circadian rhythms etc. The human body is an adaptive, autoregulatory mechanism that is fully capable of healing itself.  Through lifestyle, stress, illness, and various other afflictions, breakdowns of these systems may hinder the ability of the body to achieve balance.   

Initial Treatment

The initial treatment will begin with a general health assessment, which is the first step that leads to a plan of care that identifies the specific needs of a person and how those needs will be addressed by the practitioner and services. We will go over your health history form with you and answer any questions you may have. Then, we will examine your tongue’s shape, color, and coating, feel your pulse, and possibly perform some additional physical examinations depending on your individual health needs. Using this assessment, your practitioner will be able to recommend a proper treatment plan. In addition to acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas your session may also include moxibustion “moxa” (a heat therapy), cupping, gua-sha, tuina, (adjunctive therapies to acupuncture that work to alleviate pain and treat chronic and acute conditions), dietary/lifestyle counseling and guidance.

Follow-up Treatment

Most treatment plans will consist of multiple treatments and follow-up treatments are scheduled after the initial treatment.  The follow-up treatment will begin with a discussion of the results of your previous treatment, your progress, and any questions or concerns you may have.  A physical examination will take place every treatment, so your tongue's shape, color, and coating, your pulse, and any additional physical examinations necessary will be performed.  Depending on your results from previous treatments and overall progress, your treatment strategy will be fine-tuned to best serve your needs.