Treatment techniques for any condition.

Practicing acupuncture in Seattle for 20 years, I’ve developed a broad range of techniques that allow me to help with just about any health condition you might be experiencing.

Japanese-style acupuncture

Japanese acupuncture uses extremely thin needles and is very gentle. In addition to palpating the pulses, Japanese diagnosis is heavily based on gently palpating the abdomen and meridians for weak, tight or tender areas and/or areas that have uneven temperature or texture.

Heat therapy, including infrared heat and many styles of moxibustion

Moxibustion consists of burning moxa (compressed sticks of the herb mugwort, or Artemisia Vulgaris) near the surface of the skin. This technique provides a comfortable, penetrating heat to specific meridians and acupuncture points. In addition to traditional moxibustion, I often use heat lamps to facilitate relaxation and healing.

Cupping

Cupping consists of creating suction between glass jars and the patient’s skin, most often on the back. Fire is used to create the suction. When the cups are moved along the muscles, the feeling is similar to massage. Blood flow is stimulated and tight, strained muscles can relax and heal. See a video demonstration of cupping below.

Electro acupuncture

To relieve cases of localized pain, I will sometimes connect two needles with a mild micro-current of electricity. The intensity of this electro acupuncture is just strong enough for the patient to barely feel.

Diet and nutritional counseling

Good nutrition is a cornerstone of good health, but each individual has his or her own relationship to food. Just as I approach acupuncture treatment very individually, my help and advice about diet and nutrition are also very sensitive to each person’s situation.

I might give basic cooking or shopping suggestions. If there are weight issues, sugar-metabolism issues or inflammation, I recommend a specific diet, as described in my article, “Easy, stress-free diet.” I also carry supplements from two companies whose integrity I have complete faith in, Standard Process and Natura.

De-tox cleanse

I am also available to support individuals or families through a three-week detox cleanse, using only organic whole-food supplements for both the detox and re-nourishing phases. The program I use, chosen after much research, is gentle, easy-to-follow, affordable and hunger-free. Without exception, people feel better afterward, and the average weight loss for people trying to lose weight is fifteen pounds. People most often undertake the detox cleanse in conjunction with acupuncture treatment, but I also support clients who wish to do the cleanse on its own.

Bodywork and movement education

My bodywork combines acupressure massage, cranio-sacral work, stretching, Japanese movement therapy (Sotai), and the marvelous “Blue Doggy.”

We can also review your current exercise routine to see if there are simple, but powerful ways you can increase the benefits. I may suggest additional movement therapy such as yoga, Super Slow Zone, tai qi or qi gong, egoscue, Alexander Technique or perhaps kick-boxing.

Medicinal herbs and whole food nutrition

I often recommend whole food supplementation, according to Chinese dietary philosophy. These are natural supplements that contain nothing but organic whole foods.

I am certified in Chinese herbal medicine and will sometimes prescribe herbal medicinal teas for my patients. In addition, I sometimes prescribe “patent herbs,” which have been compressed into tablets, or liquid tinctures.

If you are already taking prescription medicines, I avoid using herbs that may interfere with your medication.

If you’re uncertain about whether acupuncture is the best therapy to pursue, we can set up a complimentary, 30-minute session

Email or call me at 206.323.3277 to make an appointment.