Treatments

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory includes tongue & pulse diagnosis is used to assess imbalance in the body. Acupuncture treats dis-ease by activating the body’s innate, or natural, ability to heal.  The practice of acupuncture is a sophisticated medicine, that developed and evolved over the last three millennia (3,000 years), and is still evolving today. Acupuncture looks at each person individually, as a unique set of signs and symptoms combined with each person’s unique constitution and health history, to create a multi-faceted treatment plan focused on optimal health and healing. Acupuncture is very relaxing and quite effective for many conditions.

Initial visits will last approximately 90 minutes to allow for a thorough understanding of you and your health concerns. Treatments may include orthopedic tests that are done to assess the specific issues, especially pain. Loose-fitting clothing can be worn to the treatment. Follow-up appointments assess previous treatments and last 1 hour.

Electro-Acupuncture:

We will often build Electro-acupuncture into patients’ treatment plans. Electro-acupuncture utilizes a small electrical current between two acupuncture needles. This method can increase the effectiveness of acupuncture and is effective at relieving 

  • muscle spasms
  • neurological disorders
  • stroke damage
  • acute nausea and more

Electro-acupuncture activates the body’s endorphin system and lowers blood pressure. The procedure is painless; most patients only feel the mild sensation of a light electrical current. Gentle electric pulses can also regenerate damaged tissue.

Orthopedic Acupuncture:

One of Jennifer’s main specialties is orthopedic acupuncture which includes trigger point acupuncture dry needling. Orthopedic acupuncture intervention helps to manage pain and injuries of the musculoskeletal system as well improving movement impairment. The musculoskeletal system includes joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves and the structures that support the neck, back and limbs. Orthopedic acupuncture is a valuable treatment for muscle tightness, spasm, muscle spasticity, swelling, and painful trigger points. This practice is based on both modern physiology, neurology and biomechanics and clinically effective evidence based traditional Eastern medicine. 

This is where East meets West ~ the best of both medical systems combined.

How it works:

​Orthopedic acupuncture reprograms the body via neural reprogramming. Neural reprogramming happens at the soft tissue level that communicates via the neural network. This process encourages muscle and tendon systems to unwind, relax and allow for the lengthening of tight bands of muscle. This process reduces and eliminates pain.

This therapeutic treatment does not require uncomfortable manual therapy or painful needling. Orthopedic acupuncture is very effective without the discomfort associated with other types of therapies or needling. 

During and after treatment, patients feel a deep sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. Relaxation has an important role in healing. When the nervous system is free from tension and stresses the body can begin the healing process.​ Until the nervous system gets the signal that it is safe to relax it won’t allow for full healing to begin. 

A reduction of pain should be noticed within the first 24-48 hours after treatment.

Orthopedic Acupuncture is effective for all types of acute or chronic pain conditions or injuries.

 

Chinese Herbs

Jennifer uses her extensive studies with herbs together with ancient Chinese formulation theory to design Chinese herbal formulas for her patients. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are complimentary therapies that can adjust the body chemistry for positive long term effects.

There Are Three Ways To Take Chinese Herbs:

  1. Patent pills
  2. Granular powders that dissolve in water
  3. Raw herb decoctions for boiling at home

Jennifer strides to find the most appropriate method of taking herbs for each patient depending on cost, lifestyle, and preference.

Cupping

Cupping is the practice of using suction cups to loosen muscles and encourage blood flow; it is used in combination with an acupuncture treatment, but can also be used alone. Cupping is used to relieve pain (stiff muscles), and is generally used on the neck and back but also elsewhere on the body. Cupping is a deep-tissue therapy, so toxins can be released. After a cupping treatment the area on the body that was cupped can turn a variety of colors, this is a normal part of the therapy so no need to be worried. This sometimes creates soreness after the treatment, so it is advised to drink plenty of water afterward.

Bodywork

Jennifer utilizes several massage techniques in conjunction with your acupuncture treatment plan in order to increase circulation and help restore balance to the body. She has done a wide variety of different types of massage training and combines all the modalities to create her own style of bodywork.

Some of the techniques used include traditional Tui Na (Chinese massage), Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Structural Integration, Reflexology, and Sports Massage.

Acupuncture Point Injection Therapy

Point Injection is a versatile technique that can treat many issues. It combines trigger point release with vitamin supplementation and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Thin hypodermic needle that gently is inserted to release tender areas called trigger points. Jennifer Injects vitamins, homeopathic medicines, and Chinese Herbs. Point Injection Therapy has long lasting effects, rapid results, targets medicine where your body needs it, and bypasses digestion and the liver.

Relaxation: Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Decrease your stress and anxiety with gentle and soothing acupuncture. Feel a deep relaxation wash over your body and take some needed self care time to replenish your reserves and calm your nerves. Patients report being able to navigate life better and handle over whelming situation more effectively. Many of my patients incorporate acupuncture with other things like counseling, prescription medication, exercise and meditation etc.