Longevity and Prevention

Chinese medicine has a unique concept called tonification. This concept is based on the idea that it is possible to increase your vitality, strengthening systems, improving organ function, nourishing tissues, and replenishing energy reserves. Both acupuncture and herbs can be used to tonify, and they are often combined together for optimal effect. Tonification is a very special and important concept for which there is no equivalent in conventional western medicine. It is an excellent way to slow the aging process and improve quality of life.

 

Because it is based on the premise of prevention, acupuncture is excellent for identifying and correcting conditions that are in their earliest stages. Even though these types of conditions may be too mild or vague to register on standard medical tests, they can still indicate the very beginnings of imbalance and disease. Chinese medicine is uniquely skilled at identifying, interpreting, and correcting these imbalances, eliminating them in their initial stages, before they have time to advance and take root. This way of approaching imbalance is very beneficial, especially in the long run, for preserving your chi. 

 

No one ever has just one symptom. The basic idea in Chinese medicine is that larger underlying imbalances can often manifest superficially as a bunch of seemingly unrelated, isolated symptoms. In reality, symptoms actually tend to come in sets, or what we call patterns, where certain ones are more likely to occur with certain others. By taking a more holistic approach, looking at the bigger patterns instead of individual symptoms, deeper layers of imbalance can be identified and addressed. Or, conversely, by addressing the common denominator, multiple symptoms can be treated at the same time, and your entire system will also be more balanced overall so they will be less likely to re-occur.

 

Chinese medicine is so much more than just acupuncture. I am also trained in herbal medicine, 5 element nutrition, and different types of traditional hands-on techniques. I find that these complementary therapies can help enhance the effects of acupuncture. If they would be beneficial for your condition I will include them with your session at no extra charge. For example, there are multiple tonifying herbal formulas that boost organ function and replenish energy reserves.My toolbox includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, tui na (massage), zhi ya (acupressure), ba guan (fire cupping), gua sha (jade and horn massage tools), 5 element nutrition, and topical oils, ointments, and patches for pain.