Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, of which acupuncture is an essential part, is a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous clinical history of over 3000 years. It includes herbal medicine, acupuncture and bodywork, dietary therapy, and exercise based on traditional Asian medicine principles. These therapies work with the natural vital energy inherent within all living things to promote the body’s ability to heal itself. Disease can be caused by the inhibited flow of this vital energy (called Qi) which TCM works to balance and restore. Health is more than the absence of disease. It’s the free and harmonious ‘flow of Qi’ which translates into a positive feeling of well-being and vitality for the body, mind, and spirit.

Acupuncture is the practice of puncturing the skin with needles at certain anatomical points in the body to relieve specific symptoms associated with many diseases. The anatomical points (acupuncture points) are thought to have certain electrical properties, which affect chemical neurotransmitters in the body. Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical practices in the world. Originated in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture gained attention in this country in the 1970s, when China and the US opened relations. The practice has been growing in popularity since.

According to theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected via pathways, or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced “chee”) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. Acupuncture may correct these imbalances when applied at acupuncture points and improve the flow of Qi. Acupuncture theories today are based on extensive laboratory research, and have become widely known and accepted. In addition, controlled studies have shown evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture for certain conditions.

Although acupuncture and TCM are based on an energetic rather than biochemical model, recent decades have seen increasing understanding of its effects and principles in modern western scientific terms. Acupuncture points are specific locations along measurable physical pathways. Each point has a predictable effect locally and systemically. Acupuncture points have been shown to have a different physiology and electrical charge pattern from other areas of the body.

What should I expect?
The practitioner of TCM observes the pattern of signs and symptoms of a patient to arrive at a diagnosis which identifies the root cause of their symptoms. This includes a medical history, plus an intricate system of pulse and tongue analysis, and palpation for sensitivity or other changes at acupuncture points and meridians. TCM treatments at our clinic can include any combination of therapeutic modalities based on our initial conversation. Each treatment lasts one hour. In acupuncture treatment, fine, sterile, disposable surgical steel needles are inserted into appropriate acupuncture points based on the diagnosis obtained. The majority of patients experience no discomfort. Acupuncture helps the body to self regulate, relieving pain and restoring health. Your practitioner may also recommend diet changes, nutritional supplements, and/or an herbal formula based on your individual pattern.

Osteopathy is a safe and effective patient centered manual therapy for all ages which works in combination with the individuals own homeostatic mechanisms to help restore balance and optimal health. It works with the understanding that the way the body is able to function is inseparable from the way it is structured.

All aspects of the body must work together to maintain health and the osteopathic approach is able to address the person as a whole to improve not only structure and therefore function but overall health and wellbeing.

Osteopathic Practitioners support the body’s ability to restore and maintain health by using skilled palpation and manual techniques to influence muscles, joints, nerves, connective tissue, circulation and internal organs.

The World Health Organization, in its 2010 report on Osteopathy, recognized osteopathy as distinct from other healthcare professions that utilize manual techniques, such as physiotherapy and chiropractic, despite some overlap in the techniques and interventions employed.

Your initial appointment will involve a series of assessments and may or may not include treatment, depending on available time. Follow up treatments will be 30 or 60 minutes depending on your psecific needs. There is no need to disrobe for these appointments so please wear comfortable loose or stretchy clothing to your appointments.

*Osteopathy is insured by many companies. Please contact your provider in advance to find out.*

Acupuncture is the practice of puncturing the skin with needles at certain anatomical points in the body to relieve specific symptoms associated with many diseases. The anatomical points (acupuncture points) are thought to have certain electrical properties, which affect chemical neurotransmitters in the body. Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical practices in the world. Originated in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture gained attention in this country in the 1970s, when China and the US opened relations. The practice has been growing in popularity since.

According to theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected via pathways, or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced “chee”) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. Acupuncture may correct these imbalances when applied at acupuncture points and improve the flow of Qi. Acupuncture theories today are based on extensive laboratory research, and have become widely known and accepted. In addition, controlled studies have shown evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture for certain conditions.

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, of which acupuncture is an essential part, is a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous clinical history of over 3000 years. It includes herbal medicine, acupuncture and bodywork, dietary therapy, and exercise based on traditional Asian medicine principles. These therapies work with the natural vital energy inherent within all living things to promote the body’s ability to heal itself. Disease can be caused by the inhibited flow of this vital energy (called Qi) which TCM works to balance and restore. Health is more than the absence of disease. It’s the free and harmonious ‘flow of Qi’ which translates into a positive feeling of well-being and vitality for the body, mind, and spirit.

Although acupuncture and TCM are based on an energetic rather than biochemical model, recent decades have seen increasing understanding of its effects and principles in modern western scientific terms. Acupuncture points are specific locations along measurable physical pathways. Each point has a predictable effect locally and systemically. Acupuncture points have been shown to have a different physiology and electrical charge pattern from other areas of the body.

What should I expect?
The practitioner of TCM observes the pattern of signs and symptoms of a patient to arrive at a diagnosis which identifies the root cause of their symptoms. This includes a medical history, plus an intricate system of pulse and tongue analysis, and palpation for sensitivity or other changes at acupuncture points and meridians. TCM treatments at our clinic can include any combination of therapeutic modalities based on our initial conversation. Each treatment lasts one hour. In acupuncture treatment, fine, sterile, disposable surgical steel needles are inserted into appropriate acupuncture points based on the diagnosis obtained. The majority of patients experience no discomfort. Acupuncture helps the body to self regulate, relieving pain and restoring health. Your practitioner may also recommend diet changes, nutritional supplements, and/or an herbal formula based on your individual pattern.

Laser Therapy has been successfully used to treat a broad range of medical conditions, including musculoskeletal problems, arthritis, sports injuries, post-surgical wounds, diabetic ulcers and dermatological conditions.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy uses red and infrared light for the relief of pain, to accelerate healing and decrease inflammation. When the light source is placed against the skin, the photons penetrate several centimetres and get absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy producing part of a cell. This facilitates tissue repair and accelerates wound and tissue healing. The Low Intensity Laser Therapy is non-invasive, non toxic and often provides a treatment alternative for patients that have not responded to other therapies.

LILT gives a jump-start to the body’s natural healing process. Unlike many pharmacological treatments that mask pain or only address the symptoms of disease, Low Intensity Laser Therapy treats the underlying condition to promote and accelerate healing time. Treatments are often very effective and the benefits are long lasting.

Treatments can last between 15 minutes to over 1 hour depending on the condition and area being treated. The number of treatments will vary with regard to the individual problem as every patient and condition responds to Laser Therapy uniquely.