Acupuncture is prevalent throughout the Asian continent and has been practiced for over 2500 years. I was trained in TCM, which originated in China during the 1950s and is still developing into the present day. It is a compilation of “most effective” therapies, and the use of biomedical perspective as well as Yīn Yáng (陰陽) and Five Elements (Wǔ Xíng 五行) to understand function, process, and practice. It is one of the first instances of integrative health models in the modern era. Some of my teachers were so-called barefoot doctors who traveled into the countryside with both pharmaceuticals, herbs, and of course needles. In my practice I incorporate primarily acupuncture and Tuī Ná with ‘lifestyle’ modifications, and if needed herbal therapy. Acupuncture involves inserting thin sterile needles into small gaps under the skin to facilitate our inherent healing process. Most call these “points,” however the character in Chinese is 穴 (xué) which has the additional meaning of “cavern” as well as “to pierce.” In certain cases I utilize cupping or moxabustion, additional therapies under the umbrella of acupuncture. Though it sounds intense, insertion of a needle can feel like a light pinch, and in fact induces a parasympathetic response, relaxation. In addition to treating wide range of diseases, some “side effects'' of acupuncture are:
Pain reduction
Stress and tension relief
Increased energy levels
Stronger digestion
Relief from bad habits and addictions
Greater sense of overall health and well-being
Management and reversal of acute and chronic dis-ease
In the pricing, a sliding scale is listed, meaning I offer flexible fees for treatments. This is with the understanding that socio-economic hardships should not be a barrier to medical needs. It is determined through conversation and case by case basis. Please do not hesitate to ask.
The two characters of Tuī Ná 推拿 can literally be translated as “to push forward, press toward” and “to draw out, seize, grip with the hand.” In China Tuī Ná is distinguished from Àn Mó 按摩 which is the term used for massage, as Tuī Ná is one of the main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I was trained by John Ellis at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. My teacher studied with Rocky Wang, a 5th generation practitioner of the Royal Style Tui Na. The techniques were developed during the Qing Dynasty at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Hospital called Shang Si Yuan. I further developed the Tuī Ná techniques while studying in Zhèngzhōu, China where Dr. Song, after about an eight hour work day treating patients and teaching us the students, once a week would give a lecture on treating a specific part of the body, including knees, neck, and lower back. The therapy helps to decrease pain, scar tissue, and adhesions, while increasing metabolism, range of motion, circulation and function. It can treat most soft tissue and joint disorders, both chronic or acute. I have been practicing Tuī Ná since 2012.