Serina Marichiba, Licensed Acupuncturist, Dipl.OM Call today: 831.325.9338
Chinese Medicine
At the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the concept of ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) or the lifeforce energy within everything and everyone. When it is abundant and flowing smoothly, one experiences good physical, mental and emotional well-being. Qi nourishes our cells, tissues and organs. Our bodies are innately self-healing, but when the Qi in our bodies is blocked or imbalanced, over time, symptoms of pain, discomfort, and disease can result. Blockages or imbalances can come from physical trauma, mental, emotional or environmental stress, and lifestyle imbalances. TCM aims to treat the root imbalance within each individual to improve symptoms and overall health. Patients often find that while receiving acupuncture for a particular symptom such as pain, other areas such as digestion and mood also improve. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are the cornerstones of TCM.
TCM can be also be used as integrative medicine, complementing Western medical care as evidenced by the increasing number of acupuncturists practicing in hospitals.
TCM can be also be used as integrative medicine, complementing Western medical care as evidenced by the increasing number of acupuncturists practicing in hospitals.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile needles which are gently inserted into specific acupoints along energy channels on the body to activate and regulate the body’s energy. These energy channels, called meridians, connect to our internal organs, providing a system to interact with the functioning of the whole body. Acupuncture stimulates the natural healing potential of the body and boosts immune function, physical and emotional health. Acupuncture increases circulation, decreases pain and inflammation, and speeds healing
For patients who prefer to be treated with fewer or no needles, Blossom Acupuncture is happy to accommodate your preferences by incorporating the needle-less modalities listed below.
For patients who prefer to be treated with fewer or no needles, Blossom Acupuncture is happy to accommodate your preferences by incorporating the needle-less modalities listed below.
Herbal Therapy
Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years as a safe, effective, and integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Herbs are used to strengthen, support, or balance the body. They can also be used to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever, or acute pain. Herbal formulas are prescribed based on the individual’s diagnosis and constitution. Herbs can be given in pill, granulated powder or tincture form.
Blossom Acupuncture carries high quality herbal formulas that are thoroughly batch tested and have GMP (good manufacturing practice) certification.
Bodywork
Bodywork can be used in treatments both diagnostically and therapeutically and include Hara (abdominal) massage, trigger point palpation, Acupressure, and Reiki.
Japanese acupuncture is palpation based and tender areas and reflexes on the body often change during the treatment, allowing the body to more easily heal itself as these areas become less tender.
Japanese acupuncture is palpation based and tender areas and reflexes on the body often change during the treatment, allowing the body to more easily heal itself as these areas become less tender.
Cupping
In cupping, suction is create in glass cups using heat, and then placed on the body. Cups are left in place or moved over an affected area. Cupping is used to relieve muscular tension, increase circulation and bring healing energy to an area. It can also be used to help fight a cold. Cupping is commonly applied over large areas such the back, and usually leaves redness, which fades in a few days.
Gua Sha
In Gua Sha, an herbal linament or massage oil is applied to the skin and the gua sha tool (similar to the rounded edge of a comb or a porcelain spoon) is rubbed firmly along the skin. Gua sha is used to relieve muscular tension especially in the neck, shoulders and upper back. It increases circulation and accelerates healing. Gua sha can also help relieve a stiff neck, fight colds and headaches. The process feels like deep massage and the friction creates redness which fades in a few hours or days.
Moxabustion
Moxabustion is the burning of the herb 'mugwort' near the surface of the skin to warm and stimulate specific acupoints. Moxabustion is historically an important part of Chinese medicine and has many functions, including opening the acupuncture channels and bringing warmth and healing into the body.