Our tools, Our treatments
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine dates back over 2000 years and it's methods are still beautifully applicable today. Its holistic perspective treats the body as a complex network of integrated systems and also recognizes that we are an active and responsive part of the environment that surrounds us. Our bodies mirror the cycles and rhythms of nature and respond to our environment via our meridian (channel) system. Chinese medicine works to strengthen and balance the circulation of Qi within our meridian system because when our Qi is strong and circulating easily - we are at our optimal health.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses very fine sterile needles to stimulate specific points along the individual pathways of our meridian system. With the stimulation of these points, acupuncture opens up circulation along the channels so the flow of the Qi can resume. When Qi circulation is restored, the body can more fully access its innate self-healing abilities and bring itself back to a healthy, balanced state. Imagine a stream blocked by sticks and debris, some parts of the stream become murky and thick, others dry and underfed. Once the sticks and debris are removed, the natural flow of the stream can resume - the murkiness clears and the dry areas become full. Like that stream, Qi flows along our meridians and throughout our bodies, bringing nourishment and energy to each part of us.
Medicinal Herbs
Chinese herbal formulas can be used in conjunction with acupuncture treatments or as a stand alone medicine. Chinese Herbal Medicine has been in use for thousands of years and it's effectiveness is supported by empirical and clinical research. Some of the herbs used can be found in your kitchen, others are less well-known. The beauty and the strength of chinese herbal formulas comes from understanding the way the individual properties of each herb interact so that when they are combined in a formula, that formula is able to address each aspect of an individual's presentation. Melissa is a certified herbalist and has studied both classical and more modern herbal formulas extensively. Depending on the situation she may recommend a specific formula written and tailored for you or choose from the wide range of prepared formulas she has on hand.
Cupping
Cupping is a manual therapy that uses suction to disperse areas of tension and stagnation. The vacuum action of the cups breaks up old accumulated blood and fluids, pulls them them out of the congested area and creates space for the easy circulation of new healthy blood and fluids. By restoring this circulation, the body’s natural healing process is re-activated and can move ahead, softening tension and healing injuries. It’s the old stagnant blood and fluids that have been pulled to the surface that create the marks left by cupping. These marks can be dark but will fade quickly as the body continues to clear out the stagnant residue.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a heat therapy in which the herb mugwort is used to warm certain areas or specific acupuncture points on the body. Moxibustion brings warmth into channels and muscles in order to promote movement and to clear away stagnation of qi, blood and fluids. Moxibustion promotes greater physiological functioning and eases pain.
Modern research has shown that "moxa" therapy is effective at raising white blood cell counts in severely debilitated patients and, most famously, is used to reposition breech babies.