Modalities

ACUPUNCTURE • PHYSICAL THERAPY • CHINESE HERBS

ACUPUNCTURE

The Science

Acupuncture, a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, developed in a pre-scientific environment.  The ancient theories which describe the mechanism of action were derived from the prevailing religious and philosophical world views.  Those descriptions have little meaning for us today.

Modern research has shown a multitude of effects, primarily due to influence on the brain and the autonomic nervous system, the arbiter of homeostasis in the body.  Because of these effects, acupuncture is able to influence circulation, hormone production, immune function and other systemic processes.

The acupuncture we practice draws primarily from modern, biomedical strategies such as those used in dry needling techniques for musculoskeletal injuries and empirical approaches developed by modern masters of the craft to address a wide range of functional health issues.

The Art

Having confidence in the science behind the techniques we use, we are able to focus on the art of our craft.  There is no substitute for experience informed by compassion and intellectual curiosity.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

The American Physical Therapy Association defines Physical Therapy as “the treatment of  muscles, bones and joint disorders with physical agents and methods, such as massage, manipulation, therapeutic exercises, cold, heat, electric stimulation, and light to assist in rehabilitating patients and in restoring normal function after an injury.”

The Physical Therapy we provide relies on the use of “hands on” techniques like soft tissue work and joint manipulation.  Injury specific therapeutic exercise is prescribed to  decrease pain and restore full function.

When appropriate, Mark constructs custom orthotics to  help address foot, knee, hip or low back concerns.

Using both Acupuncture and Physical Therapy techniques is the secret to our excellent results in the treatment of orthopedic and sports related conditions.

CHINESE HERBS

The act of  ingesting a substance for health benefits is a high art is East Asian medicine. The act of ingesting a substance for its health benefits ranges from simply eating your vegetables to taking pharmaceuticals for specific complaints. Eating a well-balanced diet falls on the ordinary, every day maintenance end of the spectrum. Taking a concentrated drug that has been identified down to a specific chemical that reacts with specific receptor sites in the body can be said to represent the other end of the scale and is the hallmark of Western medicine. Herbs fall into the middle way between these two polarities: herbal decoctions are more targeted and potent than dietary therapies but less interventionist than pharmaceuticals.

In the practice of Chinese herbology, specific herbs are selected and grouped together for their mutually enhancing and balancing qualities. The effect is two-fold: to impel the whole person toward homeostasis and optimal function, as well as to ameliorate specific symptoms.

To ensure herbal quality and safety, we rely on a select number of pharmacies and distributors. Please turn to the following websites for specific information about the pharmacy and distributor we use most: