Treatments & Services
The foundations of AcuLiving stem from a strong belief in acupuncture and holistic medicine as legitimate paths to physical recovery, improved health and balanced living.
While these therapies are rooted in ancient modalities focused on a balance of spiritual and physical healing, they also serve very practical functions that can be life-changing—especially if you are dealing with long-term injuries, pain and illness.
The AcuLiving goal is to provide holistic care for all ailments by carefully assessing your overall physical state and energy balance. For some, the experience is more spiritual, integrating deep energy balancing with physical treatment, while for others, it is more technically focused on the restoration of muscular, fascial, lymphatic and tissue systems that have been injured or damaged.
Some patients have experienced unbelievable improvements in their overall energy, posture and strength, in addition to enhanced mental and emotional wellbeing. Others have recovered from severe sports injuries and repetitive strain conditions. Fully integrative and focused on your health and healing, I consider your long-term health history, collaborating with your physical therapist, chiropractor or personal trainer, if necessary, to maximize your treatment plans.
When I work with you, we are equals. I may be the expert at acupuncture but you are the expert on your body and your life. We each influence the outcome of each session by working together.
Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM)
APM is a deeply physical approach to treating the body and mind. I often describe it as orthopedic acupuncture because it is incredibly effective at treating acute and chronic pain caused by muscular and structural imbalances. It is ideal for anyone who is experiencing physical pain or discomfort, whether you are an athlete, dancer, gardener, computer programmer or beyond. If you have acute strains, pulled tendons, repetitive strain, chronic pain or overall body pain, APM is for you.
APM is a modern style of acupuncture that incorporates classical Chinese acupuncture, French meridian acupuncture and trigger-point dry needling. You can expect a very different perspective than you may receive with physical therapy, chiropractic, orthopedic medicine, yoga or personal training. Yet, APM integrates beautifully with all of these modalities and many others. That’s why I always tell people that acupuncture is a genuine team player. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment approach or integrated approach to a multi-disciplinary treatment system.
Image by Maya Louis Photography
Alchemical Healing
Alchemical Healing focuses on the aspects of your existence that extend beyond the physical body. In this work, I focus on the spirit, the soul and the multi-dimensional qualities that make you uniquely you. In addition to acupuncture, I may use essential oils, flower essences and dream work. I often use the alchemical healing angle to help you get a better handle on stress, anxiety, depression and trauma. This is deep, slow work that unfolds over time. Sometimes lightning strikes and radical change happens quickly.
Alchemical Healing can be used alone or in addition to the work you are already doing in therapy, but it is not a substitute for therapy. People often joke that I am their therapist, but I prefer to be thought of as your ally, advocate and sometimes guide.
Cupping
Cupping therapy has been around for centuries. It is a folk medicine that spans the globe and has been used in many different cultures. It made a big splash at the 2016 Summer Olympics when Michael Phelps sported the trademark cupping “bruises” on his shoulders and back. Needless to say, cupping is legitimately effective for pain, injury and recovery. It also boosts the immune system, helps prevent colds and improves chest congestion and asthma.
Sometimes cupping creates a painless bruise that remains for several days. This is totally normal and deeply therapeutic. It boosts the circulation of blood and fluids in the local body tissue while nourishing muscles and creating a deep feeling of relaxation. Cupping can be used alone but I always incorporate it with acupuncture for maximum effect.
Image by Maya Louis Photography
Gua Sha
Like cupping, gua sha is an ancient modality that is still popular today. Some people know it as The Graston Technique—the modern-day evolution of this method that’s used by chiropractors and physical therapists.
‘Gua’ means to scrape or to rub. ‘Sha’ refers to the petechiae—a.k.a reddish specks—that appear on the skin after the scraping. The scraping is done with a simple tool on the surface of the skin after it is covered in herbal oil or liniment. This process is not painful and is, in fact, very relaxing.
Similar to cupping, gua sha brings circulation to the area, loosens tight muscles and breaks up adhesions in the fascia. It is believed to stimulate the immune system and release toxins that are trapped in the subcutaneous tissue of the body. And of course, the deep relaxation that follows gua sha makes this simple but highly effective treatment a favorite of many.
