ACUPUNCTURE STYLES THAT I UTILIZE:
           - Japanese Acupuncture
           - Chinese Acupuncture
           - Balance Acupuncture
           - Auricular/ Scalp Acupuncture

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE:
           - Shiatsu

HERBAL MEDICINE:
           - Traditional Asian Herbal Medicine

COMPLIMENTARY METHODS:
           - Moxibustion
           - Cupping
           - Food Therapy
           - Guasha
           

Acupuncture is one facet of Traditional Asian Medicine.  Acupuncture techniques have been used for over 3000 years, and is still alive and growing today.  A system that is used for preventive care, health maintenance and in the treatment of disease.  There are varying styles of acupuncture, and this largely depends on your practitioner's training and their individual style that they have developed.  This is why you might find that each practitioner works in a different way, so even though you have tried it before, it may be a completely new experience!  

Acupuncture originated in China, and through the ages have expanded across countries of East Asia.  The wealth of knowledge that is preserved in style and technique is deeply embedded in the Asian culture.  All styles can provide amazing results and it is common in North America to see many Traditional Chinese Acupuncturists and Japanese style acupuncturists.  There are some differences between how the two are practiced.  For example, Japanese needles tend to be much thinner than Chinese needles which results in a more gentle stimulation.  Initially when acupuncture was first introduced in Japan, it was largely an occupation that was reserved for blind individuals.  Hence, the Japanese styles tend to focus a lot on palpatory skills, finese of touch, and gentle needling technique.  

The entire body is considered a microcosm of the external world.  In traditional Asian medicine, there is great importance of the body and it's relationship to the environment.  There is really no ending or beginning to our bodies - only a flow from one to another.  Our bodies can be further subdivided into smaller microcosms; you might have noticed that the whole body can be imaged onto the ear, or the abdomen, the foot, the eye, the face, etc.  There is no part too big or too small - every part of us counts!  That is why acupuncture points are found on the entire body.  Each point has a local and systemic effect.

Shiatsu is a Japanese style of therapeutic massage that is also a facet of Traditional Asian Medicine.  It is similar to Acupuncture in that it applies pressure to points on the body to stimulate the healing.  It is a therapeutic massage treatment that was developed in Japan, by a man named Namikoshi through his own experience of working on his mother who had suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Sources say he worked on her everyday as a young boy doing shiatsu - continuous "finger pressure" to help restore her back to health.  He went on to teach Shiatsu and many of his students developed their own systems and styles of Shiatsu. 

Another common form is Matsunaga's "Zen Shiatsu".  It works with the same meridian concept of acupuncture and uses thumbs, fingers, palms, and occassionally elbows to restore flow in the body and also encourages organ health.  It is generally very relaxing and most people feel rejuvenated after a session and find great relief from both physical and mental tension.  It seeks to bring balance to the parts/ areas of the body that are working "too hard" and those that may be lacking vitality.  

Herbal medicine is an integral component of East Asian Medicine.  It is also one of the oldest and most popular forms of healthcare.  In Asian cultures, many common herbs are actually part of their diet and consumed as food.  Herbs are prescribed to a patient in a formula - a mixture of several herbs that provide a well-balanced therapy.  It is an internal compliment to acupuncture & massage.  It is important to take the appropriate dosages over a specified time to obtain the benefits from the herbal formulation.  Consistency is key here.  Only a trained practitioner should prescribe herbal formulas.

Moxibustion is another effective technique for increasing and stimulating the healing response of the body.  Moxa is a natural herbal plant known as Artemesia Vulgaris or mugwort, which is lighted and can be used indirectly or directly on the body.  It has the ability to warm the body, stimulate circulation, and increase immunity by way of blood cell production.  Moxibustion can be a very nourishing therapy and most people find it very relaxing. 

Cupping involves the vacuum suction of glass cups on the the surface of the skin.  It is effective for increasing microcirculation,  loosening deep-seated congestion and improving the circulation of blood, which thereby increases the rate of healing and recovery.

The healing power of food is very important for helping patients to maintain health and balance in their lives.  Our bodies require proper nutrition to thrive- by choosing foods that work in coherence to our constitution and health conditions we can encourage healing and wellness.  Additionally, eating foods that suit the season in which we are living is also beneficial.  For example, eating a steamy, ginger vegetable soup on a cold winter day can keep you feeling strong and energetic.  Food acts as a medicine and understanding the temperature, nature, and effects of food can be helpful for many conditions.

Guasha consists of two parts: "gua" which means to rub, and "sha" which means to bring blood to an area.  The technique involves the use of tools that increase friction to the affected area and results in loosening muscle tissue and increasing blood flow.