TREE OF LIFE Acupuncture Clinic
Acupuncture
Trained in Traditional Acupuncture as taught by Professor JR Worlsey, Diane Connelly and Robert Duggan, I have developed an eclectic approach to my acupuncture practice, expanding my classical training to include:
Electro Acupuncture Medicine (EAM)
Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal (CFAR)
Microneedling
Auricular Medicine
Non-needling vibrational modalities
Herbal Medicine
Herbs are used in conjunction with other therapies to promote health. Using traditional remedies combined with recent clinical advances in plant-based medicine, we can craft a plan to create better health. Remedies come in the form of tinctures, pills, powders and topicals. Herbs are not dispensed without a consultation, unless prescribed by another practitioner.
Auricular Medicine
The Ear, known as the window to the brain in Chinese Medicine, is a very useful aspect for both treatment and diagnosis. Based on the Theory of “Reversed Embryology”, the ear contains an image or map of the whole body, similar to a foot reflexology diagram.
Being composed of over 200 points, each of these points when stimulated can regulate all bodily functions be-cause these points are directly linked to the nervous system. Auricular Points are specific locations that correspond to different areas of the body. By stimulating the auricular points, we can treat the disharmony of its corresponding part(s).
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of therapy that entails the burning of mugwort leaves. This is a small, spongy herb that is believed to enhance healing with acupuncture. As such, the leaves are burnt close to the skin’s surface using a stick to apply heat.
The practice is derived from Chinese medicine. Its purpose is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi or energy, and maintain good health.
According to Chinese medicine, an increase in the circulation of Qi can help your body deal with a broad range of issues, including digestive problems and chronic pain.
Cupping
Cupping is a practice used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world, including China and the Middle East. It involves creating suction on the skin using a glass, ceramic, bamboo, or plastic cup. Negative pressure is created in the cup either by applying a flame to the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin or by attaching a suction device to the cup after it is placed on the skin. In “wet cupping,” the skin is pierced, and blood flows into the cup. “Dry cupping” doesn’t involve piercing the skin.
Gua sha
Gua sha involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique may offer a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain. In gua sha, the skin scraped with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow.
Gua sha is intended to address stagnant energy, called qi in the body that may be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Gua sha is generally performed on a person’s back, buttocks, neck, arms, and legs. A gentle version of it is even used on the face as a facial technique.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure, also called collagen induction therapy. It involves pricking the skin with tiny sterilized needles. The small wounds cause your body to make more collagen and elastin, which heal your skin. Microneedling may help with issues like:
- Acne
- Hair loss (also called alopecia)
- Dark spots or patches on your skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Large pores
- Reduced skin elasticity
- Scars
- Stretch marks
- Sun stroke
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Facial paraesthesia from Bells Palsy or stroke
Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal
Facial acupuncture seemingly targets only the visible signs of aging, and consequently is often labeled as cosmetic by the general public and many acupuncturists.
However, with a strong constitutional component, this modality effects long term change in the patient’s general health. It also ameliorates significant dermatological issues, if used with topical herbal masks, poultices, creams, natural cleansers and essential oils. Cleansing and hydrating the face is paramount for effective treatments, and the addition of the jade rollers, and hydrosols makes this approach more effective. It also creates a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which patients can relax, allowing them to experience a transformative ritual.
CFAR is a particular series of treatment protocols developed by Mary Elizabeth Wakefield.
Zen Shiatsu
Zen Shiatsu is a form of bodywork developed by Shizuto Masanaga, administered by thumbs, fingers, palms and elbows, feet and knees. It depends for its success on a meditative activity of the practitioner, aimed especially at detecting the body responses to the treatment, which influences the subsequent treatment step by step. Pressure is applied to all parts of the body along specific pathways (meridians). These are essentially the same meridians that are used in traditional Chinese medicine for acupuncture, though modified and extended.
Jarvis "Baba" Falkor
Jarvis Falkor, aka Baba, is my clinic ESA. He has serious empath skills, and greets every patient with enthusiasm and unconditional love. He's a Shih tzu and is hypoallergenic. If you're not comfortable with the idea of a dog in the clinic, just let me know and Baba will take the day off.