Acupuncture is the practice of inserting hair-thin needles into the skin or tissues of the body on specific points or areas to bring balance and healing. Generally this is painless and brings about a state of deep calm and relaxation. The needles remain in place for 20-25 minutes while the patient rests on a massage table or chair.

East Asian and Western herbal healing traditions are drawn from to create highly individualized herbal preparations for each patient as it is appropriate. Acupuncture and herbal medicine each complement the healing abilities of the other and can be a beautiful way to support a healing journey.

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Herbs can be taken in multiple forms, most commonly as powdered granules that are dissolved in warm water and taken 2-3 times daily. Alternatively, "raw" herbs are cooked in water, or decocted, strained and drunk as a tea 2-3 times daily. Pills and topical applications are also available.

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At this time, we custom order herbal formulas from Mayway or Five Flavors Herbs in Oakland and they can be directly shipped or picked up. Both companies adhere to rigorous quality standards and testing for purity. 

GuaSha is the traditional East Asian practice of press-rubbing the surface of the skin with a tool to create increased circulation and may result in temporary petechia, or red spots on the skin. This acts to break up areas of stagnation, scar tissue, or muscle tension or cramping.

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Cupping is a technique that uses small glass or plastic cups to which a vacuum effect is applied. The cups are then either left stationary, or moved much like a massage. This has similar effects as GuaSha with a deeper effect on the body.

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Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that follows the understanding of the meridians and points on the body that can be affected through manual manipulation and stimulation to achieve increased health.

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Moxibustion is the burning of the herb Artemisia, or mugwort, near the surface of the skin to produce a warming effect. This acts to support and move the body's vital energy, or Qi, to address deficiency or stagnation.

Multiple modalities are available to support patients in all aspects of reproductive health, including puberty, fertility, birth support, postpartum support, and menopause. Each transition has its own unique needs and looks different for each individual. East Asian medicine is ideally suited for supporting these phases because it identifies the unique pattern that each patient is presenting with and then is able to treat that pattern with acupuncture, herbal medicine, manual therapies, and moxibustion. 

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The tradition of keeping the birthing parent warm and nourished during the four weeks after birth includes a technique using moxibustion to warm and energize the reproductive organs. In this way, the body may easily expel any cold that entered during the birth, as well as speed the healing of tissues and a return to the pre-pregnant state of the uterus.

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Home visits are available for prenatal, birth, and postpartum care and treatment packages make great gifts for new parents. Contact us for more information.

We offer services for children from birth through adolescence that are unique to caring for the health of children. Shonishin, a Japanese style of pediatric acupuncture, is offered, specific herbal formulations for children, and support for parents in navigating early childhood illnesses and vaccinations.

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Shonishin is a form of acupuncture and acupressure using acupuncture needles and/or small tools (we use shells, crystals, and stones) to briefly stimulate meridians and points on children to treat a number of discomforts and illnesses. Younger bodies are so receptive to this modality that it doesn't take very long at all, which is great for bodies that need to move a lot! 

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Herbal support for kids looks much the same as it does for adults although dosages are modified and some better tasting options exist to make them easier to take, such as glycerine-based tinctures, if needed.

Multiple modalities can offer gentle support to elders in the comfort of their own home or residence. Many patterns and conditions can be addressed to increase a sense of wellbeing and peace, decrease pain, and support the body and spirit in the natural process of aging.

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