Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method of relieving pain or curing illness by placing extremely thin needles into a person's skin at particular points on the body. The needles are about the thickness of a hair. Most patients do not report pain, but rather, a heavy, dull sensation with the needles.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements are customized to each individual patient, based upon health goals and physical needs. Together, these supplements can be a powerful tool of transformation and can help you meet your health goals more quickly. They are administered in pill or tea form. Laura is equally trained in Chinese herbology as in acupuncture.

Nutrition

Food is the first medicine. By eating foods appropriate to your individual constitution and pattern of health, healing is promoted with every meal. With Eastern nutrition therapy, we will develop a very workable, palatable plan that fits with your lifestyle. 

Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular therapy, or ear acupuncture, is based on the idea that the ear is a microsystem which reflects the entire body. Very small needles are placed on the surface of the ear to affect physiological change and bring balance into the body. This type of acupuncture is particularly good at treating addictions such as smoking and alcohol, stress, psychological trauma such as PTSD, and supporting weight loss efforts.  Auricular treatments are typically done more frequently to support lifestyle changes and physiological re-patterning. 

Moxibustion

Moxibustion (Moxa) is a warming method that uses compressed mugwort, a Chinese herb. The moxa is lit, like a bit of incense, and then held over acupuncture points to warm and heal the body. 

Cupping

Cupping is a suction method that releases muscles and thereby alleviates pain. Using a pneumatic pump, small glass or plastic cups are placed on the body and held in place with just enough suction to release muscular tension. 

Gua Sha

This technique releases tight muscles and provides relief for stiff necks, tight neck and shoulders, and locked muscles. It involves moving a tool across the skin, releasing the muscular layer to alleviate pain.