Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve tried so many different things to get my health back on track. How is this different?
Our approach uses methods from traditional Chinese medicine. These methods consider the roots of a problem and the reasons the problem is not getting better. You may notice the words “roots” and “reasons” have an “s” at the end. That’s because there is no single reason why things have gotten off track for most people, but the medicine most of us are used to takes what is called a “reductionist” approach, meaning reducing a problem to its smallest part and then applying a solution.
Traditional Chinese medicine uses a systems-based approach. One of the well-known systems is the Five Phase/Five Element system which emphasizes relationships and cycles.
The reductive method is not without merit and can often reduce the complexity of a seemingly overwhelming problem. However this view isolates the part from its larger system which is almost always a huge factor. The human body is a system of systems within systems – we can’t just take out a single part, replace it with a new part and expect everything to then be fixed. (Even organ transplants must consider the immune system of the patient).
Natural medicine models tend to work by helping the body to heal itself. Other models tend to treat at the level of symptom suppression, and the body’s strength and ability to fix itself can become diminished over time. Using the traditional Chinese medicine model, which looks at the systems of the human body and how they interact with each other and their environment, allows the body and mind to regain functionality and resilience while getting relief of unwanted symptoms.
Are you against conventional medical approaches?
Absolutely not! Modern medicine saves lives and has amazing features that can deliver care to millions of people who otherwise would be sick and suffering. Some of our patients do extremely well with a combination of medications and natural healing approaches. However, acupuncture and other natural medicine modalities can fill in the gaps where people are feeling they are not moving forward with their dreams of a healthy, independent, and fulfilling life due to their physical and emotional challenges.
How does it work?
Your body and mind are constantly running through processes based on inputs. These inputs can be anything from environmental factors, stress, the foods we eat, our schedules, medications, family and relationships, and so on. How well the body can process these inputs is something that we are both born with and affected by these inputs over time. This is our state of “health”.
In cases of chronic health issues, most people are working with adding more inputs, such as vitamins, supplements, dietary regimens, or medications in hopes to change the outcome of the specific problem. But if the system is not working at the processing level, these interventions will at best have little effect and just exit the body, and at worst, have negative results in the form of side effects.
When working with patients, we figure out what stage you are in the process of health, illness or recovery and how well your body is managing its processing abilities. We keep our focus on using the the right modalities at the right time that are highly effective for your individual needs, yet produce minimal side effects. We work one step at a time until your body is strong enough for the next step. We then adjust our methods as needed based on the body’s response. In this way, we can get a clearer picture about what is working to help you feel better while building strength, and more importantly, the resilience you need to meet future challenges.
What treatment modalities do you use?
Facial acupuncture can create noticeable external changes and improvements in the skin and facial muscles. Acupuncture for other health issues uses the same principles to stimulate the body to heal on the inside.
There are hundreds of different Chinese herbs. The Chinese herbal tradition is a systems-based approach and rarely uses a single herb to treat an issue. Instead, they are expertly and elegantly combined into formulas based on their properties and functions to work holistically in the body. Image is a photo taken of purchased artwork from @holismprints.
Acupuncture – the placement or stimulation of fine needles to affect mechanical, structural, chemical, and energetic changes in the body. Used for pain relief, calming stress, rejuvenation of body tissues, boosting the body’s immune functioning, improving circulation, and restoring connection with the relationship between body and mind.
Manual Therapies – hands-on assessment and treatment using massage, acupressure, and mobilization of body structures.
Traditional Herbal Medicine – plant-based formulas that affect relationships between whole body systems to stimulate healing and longevity. As with all the systems-based approaches we use, single herbs are rarely prescribed, and our formulas are based on centuries of documented safety and effectiveness.
Movement and Breathwork – simple techniques used for hundreds of years to promote health and longevity. Some are based in martial arts to build strength in the body, and some are based on ancient exercises for flexibility, circulation, and optimal organ functioning. Others come from very old mind and spiritual practices to cultivate calmness and strengthen memory and cognition.
Lifestyle adjustments – simple, daily practices that build resilience and a sense of connection to our environment and personal relationships.
Feng Shui – analysis and adjustment of environmental factors, including in our homes and workplaces, that are affecting our health and well-being.
I’m already working with other doctors; can I still do this program?
Of course! We strongly value our work as patient-centered, meaning we have the flexibility to meet you where you are in your healing process, and customize a program that is just right for you. We are not going to ask you to fire your doctors or stop taking your medications. We can consult and form health partnerships with your other practitioners, so you have the best team around you. Our mission is to help you see and achieve a future for yourself where you feel connected to a better life, based on your own goals.
How long will I need to work with you?
We will take the time to figure out our starting point – which includes everything that led to where you are in your health right now, and what your hopes and goals are. These goals can be anywhere from short-term work to achieve symptom relief, so you are able to get a little bit of your life back, or more of a long-term plan to get you through each step until you are feeling well and resilient and ready to fly on your own!
Our work is optimized around building long-term relationships and helping people feel educated and strong enough to live well with the help of as few doctors as possible. Initial treatment plans are typically around 3 months for chronic issues, but each person we meet will have their own best plan.
How much does it cost to work with you?
Our fees range from a la carte, where patients may pay as they go for single session treatments, herbal prescriptions, and classes, to comprehensive and inclusive packages where all modalities are provided as needed and patient members (coming soon!) also enjoy online support and community. For those who are interested in acupuncture treatment only, we offer package plans with savings. Medical insurance can cover acupuncture sessions, typically for pain syndromes only. We also accept health and flex saving account cards.