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ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is the central healing modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and has been utilized for thousands of years to correct imbalances throughout the body that manifest as illness or dis-ease. TCM is based on the principles of Yin & Yang, which helps to explain the balance of forces within our bodies and nature as a whole. To put it simply, our bodies are healthy when these forces are in balance; when out of balance, symptoms arise.

With the help of small, thin, disposable needles, the body’s innate healing pathways (also called meridians) are stimulated, allowing for Yin & Yang to harmonize and for healthy communication between the Nervous System, organs and tissues. As Qi (pronounced “chee”) is guided to flow more freely, the Parasympathetic Nervous System (our “Rest & Digest” mode) is activated so that our bodies can settle from their common stressed state, helping to slow our breathing & heart rate, promote digestive and organ function, and lower blood pressure. The insertion of needles activates the parasympathetic, and the location of needles guides the desired healing effect.

The central goal of acupuncture is to generate motion. Pain, discomfort, and an abundance of other symptoms result from things being stuck, stagnant, or clogged in the system, similar to a dam blocking a river, or a clogged pipe. Acupuncture is one of the few ways to access & influence these internal motion pathways and blockages, making it an extremely valuable and clinically effective treatment for any symptom you can imagine, without risk of side effects.

How does acupuncture work?

  • STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM — regulates immune function and decreases inflammation

  • STIMULATES ENDORPHINS, SEROTONIN & DOPAMINE — the body’s natural painkillers & mood stabilizers

  • INCREASES CIRCULATION — restores ideal flow of blood, oxygen & fluids to minimize pain and promote endocrine function

  • REGULATES THE NERVOUS SYSTEM — helps the system communicate to cope with physical, mental & emotional stressors

  • PROMOTES HOMEOSTASIS — balances & stabilizes the internal environment to better cope with external stressors

  • BALANCES HORMONES — boosts thyroid function to overcome a variety of symptoms relating to stress & metabolism

 

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

A distinguishing feature of my practice is my love for Chinese Herbalism. Custom or readily made herbal formulations will be recommended for you each visit, though are entirely optional. The effectiveness of treatment is compounded when acupuncture & herbals can complement each other both on the treatment table and in the days between. Herbal medicine will extend the effect of acupuncture until your next session and will provide you space & a tool for taking control of your own healing, on your own time.

YES, they are safe, they are effective and they are worth it! Chinese herbal medicine is composed of barks, roots, berries, nuts, and shells— it is essentially potent food therapy and has been used effectively for thousands of years. A large range of ailments can be treated with these formulas, notably digestive disorders, gynecological disorders, skin conditions, and immune system dysfunction, among others. Herbal medicine used at Flow State is non-toxic and is used in Chinese medical practice as pharmaceuticals are used in Western medical practice; when prescribed appropriately by a licensed practitioner, they are extremely safe and effective.

My love for Chinese Medicine as a whole started with herbal medicine, and I hope to make you a believer and lover of these incredible tools, too. I can only hope that one day you will have your own little Chinese herbal pharmacy in your cabinet, stocked with knowledge, empowerment, and go-to medicinals for everyday ailments & balancing as your body calls for it.

 

TCM NUTRITION

Food is the most potent form of medicine, and one that we get to choose should we view it as such a luxury. Maintaining healthy eating habits is an essential piece of the health puzzle for creating lasting change. While I am not here to coach you on micros & macros (though important), I do have the goal of sharing some different aspects of nutrition from a Chinese medical perspective that you’ve probably never heard before. For instance, I might share some insights regarding warming foods vs. cooling foods, the importance of eating with the seasons, the consequences of that pesky ice in your drinks, or share some food preparation tips, all of which are personalized advice based on YOUR system. Healing & wellness is not a one-size-fits-all, and nutrition shouldn’t be viewed that way, either.

 

ACUPRESSURE / TUI NA MASSAGE

Needles got you feelin’ nervous? No problem! Simple pressure on acupuncture points and bodywork techniques can be utilized until you feel more comfortable. These techniques are regularly incorporated into treatments regardless.

Tui Na is an ancient form of Chinese bodywork that combines acupressure, massage, and subtle stretches. It is deeply therapeutic in nature, as the application of pressure to specific acupoints, muscle groups, and channels helps to clear blockages and promote energy flow. Tui Na not only focuses on muscles, tendons and joints, but also works with deeper energetic levels of the body, allowing for both therapeutic and relaxation-inducing effects. It is a fantastic modality for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, but can also be incorporated for most emotional & internal issues as well, as it promotes the movement of Qi (“Chee”) throughout the system, similar to acupuncture but without the needles.

CUPPING

If you have yet to experience this lovely healing modality, I’m sure you’ve seen photos of the infamous cupping marks floating around the internet. Do not be fooled by the marks, as this technique is painless, relaxing, and incredibly effective at releasing both physical and emotional tension and pain.

Cupping essentially is the inverse of massage— rather than applying pressure, a suction is generated to pull muscle and tissue into the cups, allowing for fresh circulation of Qi (“Chee”) and Blood to penetrate the area. This is a fantastic way to promote energy flow around the spine, thus affecting its communication with surrounding organs and tissues, and to release toxic build-up from the body. This technique is also commonly used for respiratory conditions, skin issues, and fatigue, among others.

Solo cupping appointments are available for booking!

 

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion is a unique TCM technique in which the mugwort herb (called “moxa”) is ignited near the surface of the skin. This herb is able to penetrate to deep levels of the body and facilitate healing, thereby amplifying the effects of acupuncture and alleviating chronic stagnation. The introduction of therapeutic heat combined with the healing effects of this specific herb allows for drastic effects on pain, discomfort, sluggishness, fatigue, digestive disorders, and gynecological conditions, among others.

While this modality has extensive value, its application will be very limited at the current clinic location, but please reach out if this is a technique you are seeking regularly and we can discuss options.

GUA SHA

Gua Sha, also called Scraping, is a technique commonly used for a variety of musculoskeletal or internal conditions. The goal of this modality is to increase circulation and allow “venting” to the surface. Its application commonly mirrors those conditions that call for cupping— things like pain or tension, inflammation, fever, or emotional stress can greatly benefit from this modality. This tool allows us to focus on highly specific areas to target pain conditions or to create an avenue in which toxins can move & exit the body.

 

E-STIM ACUPUNCTURE

E-Stim is a common acupuncture modality for musculoskeletal conditions, in which mild electrical impulses are relayed between two acupuncture needles. The electrical stimulation mimics nerve impulses and allows us to target specific muscles and channels, allowing for increased circulation, decreased pain, increased function, and speedy recovery time. This technique is commonly utilized for acupuncture anesthesia, speaking to its incredible efficacy and efficiency in minimizing pain sensations.

TDP INFRARED HEAT THERAPY

Heat therapy is a long-standing therapeutic tradition in Chinese Medicine, helping to increase circulation and boost the body’s energy. TDP lamps heat a ceramic disc that contains 33 different minerals, generating infrared energy that is easily absorbed by the body. Heating the body from the inside out, TDP lamps are able to penetrate through deep layers of tissue, helping to warm the system, promote circulation and tissue growth, speed up the recovery process, and boost the body’s immune & healing abilities. Plus, it feels amazing!

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