Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an art form designed to balance the body. It restores harmony to the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the body.

What is Qi?

Qi—also spelled chi or ki and often pronounced "chee" like in cheetah or “ki” as in “keys”— is a universal energy present in our world. Qi flows in the human body in set paths called channels, much the way water flows in a river. These channels flow longitudinally from the hands and feet to the head in both directions up and down. Acupuncture uses fine hairlike needles to control the flow of Qi.

How Acupuncture Stimulates Qi

Acupuncture needles stimulate flow, sedate flow, remove blockages, and similarly treat pathogens like cold, heat, damp, phlegm, wind, etc.

The acupuncturist uses her diagnostic skill to assess the channels and organs in the body and selects acupuncture points to restore balance.

How Acupuncturists Diagnose the Body

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on centuries of observation. The details of daily life serve as an entryway to diagnosis so a typical intake includes questions about eating sleeping, exercise, work and relationships. The tongue body and tongue coating are examined in an acupuncture appointment. The pulse is assessed on the right and left wrist in three different places, signifying the qualities of the upper, middle and lower jiao.

A Typical Appointment

A typical appointment lasts about fifty minutes. Treatments of 90 minutes are needed to receive a dual treatment of acupuncture and massage or acupuncture and psychotherapy. Patients often report feeling rejuvenated and enlivened by the treatment. A series of treatments is usually required to balance the body. If you do not see an improvement in six treatments, a different healing modality may be recommended.

Top Five Things You Can Do For Your Healthy Digestion

1. Eat three meals per day — don't skip meals. Eating regularly establishes a routine for the body and your body appreciates this consistency.
2. Eat fresh greens, fruits, and vegetables whenever possible. They boost qi and blood in a way that processed foods never will. Cooked foods are easier to digest.
3. Eat moderately and never eat before going to bed. Try this and see why.
4. Warm foods digest more easily than cold — the stomach likes to be the temperature of a warm soup. The body uses its qi or energy to heat up cold food.
5. Do moxa or acupressure on the point Stomach 36. Call Kathleen for free information about locating this point.