Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture operates on the theory that health depends on an even or balanced circulation of nutrients, substances, and energy called 'Qi' through a network of channels or meridians. These networks within the body connect all organs and parts of the body and provide balance and coordination of physiological processes.

Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating specific points on the surface of the body with thin stainless steel, single-use, sterile needles in order to produce physiological effects. In the most basic sense, it works by stimulating the central and peripheral nervous systems to increase the release of neurotransmitters and hormones in order to dull pain, support the immune system, and regulate various functions in the body.

Chinese herbs (used both topically and taken orally) can be a way to extend your acupuncture treatment for hours to weeks after a visit. I work with custom formulas, patents (pre-made formulas in pill form), herbal patches, and liniments.

Treatment of Skin Disorders with Chinese Medicine (dermatology)

I welcome the opportunity to help you with your skin, whether you have a chronic/long-standing condition or would like for your skin to just look better. Chinese Medicine offers many options for treatments which include the internal and topical application of herbal formulas as well as diet counseling.

I started studying skin with Mazin al-Khafaji in 2015 practically on a whim. At the time I thought that no one really knew that much about skin, even Western dermatologists but especially Chinese Medicine practitioners. Wow, was I wrong! Despite the fact that friends of mine and I had had many experiences that had cost tons of money with dermatology without much positive result, I wanted to learn where the problems with the discipline/specialty existed (I have a background in the History and Philosophy of Science). I now know that both Chinese and Western Dermatology have lots to offer.

Being a Practitioner of Chinese Medicine, I have hundreds of ingredients to address just about any skin disorder I encounter. Because I treat each person's skin individually (as opposed to by disease name) I can adapt treatments as needed and, because Chinese Medicine considers the root or reason for the problem in addition to its expression, the results I see tend to be for the very long term.

Therapeutic Massage

Manual therapy can be a stand-alone treatment but can also be (and often is) combined with acupuncture treatment as a way to help deepen the effects and affects of the needles. In this way massage aids in relaxation, stress-reduction, and 'muscle balancing' when there is tension or weakness. My stylistic approach is rooted in the concepts of craniosacral and visceral manipulation, myofascial release, and Thai and Chinese theory, we will always discuss your concerns and goals before proceeding.

I study and practice:

Thai Medical Massage

Tui Na

Seitai Shiatsu (Japanese Lymphatic Drainage)

CranioSacral Therapy (Upledger Institute)

Visceral Manipulation (Barral)