- Acupuncture & Massage for Conditions that Accompany Stress & PTSD -

All bodily pains are necessary signals telling us that an imbalance has occurred somewhere in the physical-emotional body.  Headaches rarely originate from problems in the head itself alone.  Stress and emotional upset frequently cause pain in the head. An Acupuncturist can diagnose the cause of most headaches coming from elsewhere in the system.  The first line of business is to break up the muscle spasms in the head and neck by:

   1) Altering the electric charge in the nerves (discharging),

   2) Sedating the pain sensors, 

   3) Using massage and gentle heat to stimulate the circulation.

For a TENSION HEADACHE, needles would be placed in the shoulders and neck area in order to release muscle spasms and stimulate an anti-inflammatory response. (Needle-less treatment is also available). A special friction rub removes the old stagnant blood that pools in the muscle tissue causing that familiar achiness and tightness that presses on the affected vertebral nerves. As the fresh blood flows in, this massage technique often produces immediate dramatic relief, creating a drainage effect in the pounding arteries of the head.  Patients often report feeling sharper mentally, more relaxed, and enjoying more satisfying sleep.

If any one of the following exist---ARTHRITIS, damaged/HERNIATED DISCS, or BONE SPURS, this treatment will also restore oxygen to the tissue, remove toxins, and begin to dissolve the mineral buildup.

One of the contributing factors in arthritis is FAULTY METABOLISM.  If we are stressed we do not digest and assimilate our food properly. Something is wrong when the minerals we ingest go and deposit themselves ON our weakest joints instead of INSIDE our bones and muscles.  Accordingly, certain acupuncture points can improve the digestion and assimilation of nutrients in order to rebalance sluggish metabolism (also promoting WEIGHT LOSS). Our aim is to eradicate the systemic chemical basis for arthritis as well as to prevent osteoporosis.

~ Acupuncture for Overeating, Smoking, and All Addictions ~

It is well known that acupuncture is an effective treatment for many health complaints.   It manipulates the vast meridian system, balances the electrical fields, and integrates the functions of the various organs.  One of its most effective applications is for any kind of chemical dependency, whether it be creamy desserts, cigarettes or cocaine!   In my practice, I use herbs, massage, and special tuning points on the body.  In particular, points on the ear are stimulated because the ear is like a computer keyboard for the brain, an external outcropping through which we can program the brain centers for appetite control, balancing metabolism, and eliminating depression and addiction.

One of the major ear points for this purpose is Shen Men or "the Door of the Spirit," a point that can open our spirit or emotional center.   Research has shown that it helps to restore the normal release of endorphins, the chemical receptor sites that are found everywhere in the body which give us a sense of wellbeing.  They are responsive to many stimulants in life, both healthy and unhealthy.  Often we hear of a "runner's high."  But in the case of a smoker or even a "foodaholic," these chemicals are "locked up" and dependent on the "fix" (of nicotine, drugs, alcohol, or sugar) in order to be released.  

Once certain points are stimulated, the patient begins to feel a sense of deep relaxation, and the endorphins can begin to be released normally.  So he loses that nervous build-up that triggers the need for a cigarette.  The chemical addiction is gone.  Furthermore, acupuncture helps the body to detoxify from the adverse effects of accumulated tars and nicotine.  Patients often report "feeling like a new person."  The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient but often only three treatments are necessary.

Some people are able to quit smoking "cold turkey."  But frequently, former smokers will still crave cigarettes years later because their endorphins were never normalized.  So it is important to induce a deep state of relaxation in the patient during the treatment.   In that way, the "reward" or "consolation" of smoking, alcohol, overeating or drug taking is neutralized.  You already feel full, complete. Through breathing exercises, we are enabled to feel the alpha waves in the brain, and the sensation of our liquidy, airy protoplasmic molecules.  The body and mind feel good again and free of dependency!