WELCOME ~ E KOMO MAI ~ To Natural Approaches
What Are The Acupuncture Points?
The acupuncture points are the areas along a meridian where the energy comes together and rises to the surface of the body. In Chinese medicine, disease is seen as imbalances in the organ system or Qi (chi) meridians, and the goal of any remedy or treatment is to assist the body in re-establishing it's innate harmony. In Chinese medicine, no two illnesses are ever the same, as each body has its own characteristics of symptoms and balance. Acupuncture is used to open or adjust the flow of Qi (chi) throughout the organ system, which will strengthen the body and prompt it to heal itself.
Are The Needles Sterile Or Are They Re-Used?
FDA registered, sterile, single-use stainless steel needles are used and they are disposed of immediately after each acupuncture treatment. Needles are individually wrapped and sterilized by the manufacturer. They are opened only when they are ready to be used.
What Can I Expect During A Treatment?
In general, patient's are informed that they may start to feel the benefits from acupuncture in 1-3 treatments. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after 1 treatment, and may only need 3-5 treatments to resolve. If the problem is chronic and long term, it may take more treatments to help resolve.
Treatment Schedule:
Typically patients are treated once a week. If the condition is acute and painful, 2 treatments per week may be recommended for the first couple of weeks. The benefits of acupuncture treatments tend to hold longer as you receive treatments. Monthly and quarterly acupuncture treatments are good for preventative health and regular maintenance as the seasons change.
Can I Receive Acupuncture If I Am Pregnant?
Yes, however, there are some points that are contraindicated during pregnancy. It is important to inform your practitioner if you are pregnant.
TREATMENT PREPARATION
BEFORE and AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
~ Always eat an appropriate amount of food a couple of hours before treatment. This helps blood sugar balance. Be well hydrated.
- Cleanly bathed skin please. Dry hair preferred. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Avoid wearing perfumes and strong-smelling scents, essential oils, and lotions before coming in (as a courtesy to others who have fragrance sensitivities and for needling purposes).
- It is recommended to rest after treatment and to avoid strenuous activity or exercise after acupuncture and cupping. Avoid wind, cold, A/C and drafts to the neck and back after treatment. Keep Your WEI QI protected. This helps your immunity. Stay warm and dry.
- It is ideal to not shower or bathe for several hours after acupuncture and Chinese cupping treatments. Avoid swimming or bathing after cupping therapy to avoid cold and chill being introduced into the body.
ACUPUNCTURE BENEFITS & FAQ
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is a safe, natural, effective form of healing. Acupuncture treatments are drug-free, so there is no risk of developing drug dependencies. Only pre-sterilized, disposable needles are used. Please always inform your practitioner of any pre-existing conditions, current medications, and pregnancy.
How Does It Work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force, known as Qi (pronounced chee) believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, energy flow will re-balance. This stimulation boosts the activity of your body's natural painkillers, neuro-transmitters, anti-inflammatory response, and increases blood circulation. Your appointment will begin with discussion of health history and "chief complaints." Acupuncturists' feel your pulses, look at your tongue, palpate the abdomen or skin as part of Chinese medicine organ system diagnosis. The first treatment is typically 75 minutes.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments needed depends on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. As part of your first visit, you will receive information regarding a recommended treatment plan for your specific condition. In general, acute conditions of recent onset may only require two or three treatments. Chronic conditions usually require more treatments to achieve sustained results. Once you initiate a healing process, it is important to follow through on treatments. The more consistent you are, the better the likelihood of results.
The effects of acupuncture tend to be cumulative, meaning one treatment builds on the next. It works best to have acupuncture treatments at frequent intervals initially. As symptoms improve, the interval between treatments can be increased to every other week, once monthly, or every few months.
Typical Treatment Session:
Each acupuncture session is approximately 60-75 minutes in length. Assessment and diagnosis is done through a series of questions, and by checking your pulses and tongue. The patient will rest for 30 minutes to allow the acupuncture to take effect.
Does it Hurt?
Acupuncture is performed using hair-thin needles (the diameter of a cat's whisker), only 1/10 the thickness of hypodermic needles, so, treatments are relatively painless. You may feel nothing at all, or you may feel a slight pricking sensation. It is also possible to experience a dull, achy or itchy sensation. Some people feel an increase in stimulation to a specific area. A relaxed, euphoric feeling commonly accompanies deep relaxation and rest.
SERVICES
ACUPUNCTURE
The use of very fine, sterile, disposable needles, inserted at specific points along defined acupuncture meridians, to regulate and balance the flow of Qi, relieve pain and assist healing in the body. Acupuncture organizes the bodies bioenergetics (Qi and blood flow) to restore organ and tissue function. North Kauai Acupuncture specializes in: Sports medicine acupuncture and Chinese cupping, pain management, herbal medicine, digestion, fertility, acupuncture facial rejuvenation, facial cupping, and nutrition. Training includes internships in China specializing in pain, paralysis and stroke recovery.
ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE (E-STIM)
Also known as E-Stim, Electrical Stimulation. A gentle electrical current using electrodes attached to acupuncture needles, may be passed between acupoints in order to increase the effectiveness of removing obstruction from the channels. Similar to TEN's.
CHINESE CUPPING THERAPY
Chinese cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin by means of heat and suction. Organic coconut oil facilitates the “moving cupping' techniques comfortably and methodically. This is deep tissue work, affecting muscle and fascia 2-3 inches deep. "Chinese cupping massage" is deeply relaxing and resets the nervous system. This therapy provides sustained pain relief, improves muscular-skeletal conditions, and helps expedite healing of injuries.
Christine is a Traditional Chinese Fire Cupping Specialist, with over 14 years of Experience on Kauai. Her specializations include Moving Cupping with Organic Oils, Extremity Cupping, Stationary Flash Cupping, and Sports Medicine Cupping.
HERBAL CONSULTATIONS
Herbal consultations are performed by a licensed healthcare professional with training in herbal diagnosis and medicine. Your practitioner uses the Chinese differential diagnosis to diagnose and formulate herbal medicines that are right for you. Herbal medicine works organically to repair and support organ and tissue function. Nutrition consultations are also available and are usually included with herbal consultations and acupuncture treatments.
FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE REJUVENATION
Cosmetic Acupuncture also known as "Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation" has many and varied health promoting effects throughout the body that "regular " acupuncture bestows. Facial acupuncture rejuvenation aims to correct the signs of aging by both local treatment and by treating the underlying causes of why an individual is specfically manifesting the aging process the way they are. Facial Acupuncture stimulates Five Different Collage Proteins and Elastn to be produced in the Skin. Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation helps to improve muscle tone and dermal contraction especially in the face and neck. Facial Rejuvenation has been shown to increase collagen production and aids in its dispersal thus helping to firm the skin and fill in and lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
FACIAL CUPPING REJUVENATION
Facial Cupping uses vacuum technique, as an all natural alternative to a surgical face-lift, or laser and chemical treatments. It tones your facial muscles, reduces under eye puffiness, lifts and tones the jowls, relaxes tight brow, facial, and jaw muscles. It improves the blood circulation to your facial muscles, and stimulates lymph movement. This treatment is a very unique way of turning back the hands of time. This relaxing, glass cupping facial increases fresh blood circulation and nutrients to the skin, increases lymphatic flow, and reduces inflammation. Facial Cupping Rejuvenation relaxes facial muscles and plumps the lines on your face. It moves toxins and stagnant blood out and ushers new nutrient - enriched blood and fluids in, to detoxify your face; thereby, repairing and nourishing your face. Its deep, invigorating action increases elastin and collagen; preserving our youthfulness. It reverses gravity's effects on your face. It gives your face lymphatic drainage benefits and increases circulation, resulting in a clearer, more even complexion with beautiful, natural color. It’s completely painless and leaves no marks.
FACIAL CUPPING BENEFITS
Facial Cupping Rejuvenation is an effective anti-aging and holistic therapy for your skin, either as a stand alone treatment, or as an addition to Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation. The benefits include increased local circulation to the skin, drawing nutrients to the surface and enhancing absorption of moisturizers and serums.
Facial Cupping also increases blood flow, drains stagnant fluids and eases puffiness. By increasing blood flow and circulation to the skin, facial cupping can help the skin to regain its youthfulness. The increased local blood supply will bring nourishment to the muscles and skin and allow for toxins to be carried away via the veins and the lymphatic system. People describe feeling very relaxed with a warm, “fresh circulation” feeling to the face long after the treatment has ended.
Facial cups are small and come in various shapes especially designed for your face. Fire is not used with Facial Cupping applications and uses. After applying a natural moisturizer or organic oil, a small cup is either held in place for a few seconds over a deep wrinkle to increase blood flow to the area, or it is moved along the face and down the neck to drain lymphatic fluid and stimulate blood flow.
MOXA HEAT THERAPY/MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion (Moxa) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, also known as Artemesia Vulgaris, to facilitate healing and health. Moxibustion has been used for healing purposes throughout Asia for thousands of years. The purpose of Moxibustion, as with most forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is to strengthen the blood, digestion, and immunity. Moxa stimulates the flow of Qi (energy) and blood movement, warms the channels, and enhances your overall health and vitality.
AURICULAR THERAPY (EAR ACUPUNCTURE)
This therapy is an acupuncture treatment performed on the ear. The ear is regarded as a complete representation of the body (micro system) and is able to affect all aspects of physiology. This procedure strongly promotes Qi and blood in the channels and adjusts organ functions. This includes smoking cessation and NADA (National Auricular Detoxification Association) protocol for addiction detox, PTSD, anxiety.
NUTRITIONAL CONSULTATIONS
Herbal consultations are performed by a licensed healthcare professional with training in herbal diagnosis and medicine. Your practitioner uses the Chinese differential diagnosis to diagnose and formulate herbal medicines that are right for you. Herbal medicine works organically to repair and support organ and tissue function. Nutrition consultations also available and are usually included with herbal consultations and acupuncture treatments. In accordance to the laws of Chinese nutrition, a healthy person outta follow the seasonal guidelines to prevent illness or to harmonize the body. The science of Chinese nutrition dates back some 5000 years and is based on the idea that the healing properties of foods can correct disharmonies within the body and promote health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, food is also medicine and many herbal formulas contain food elements.
Christine Walinch L.Ac. is a 25+ year practicing herbalist and holistic nutrition specialist in Hawaii. Her Master's of Science Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine includes in-depth study of Chinese Herbal Medicine and Nutrition.