Treatment Techniques
I practice a Japanese style of acupuncture that employs the use of moxibustion and the insertion of fine needles. I also use magnets and diodes as well as cupping or Gua Sha when needed. The therapeutic effect of these methods help to reduce local inflammation, relieve pain and stimulate the immune system.
 The method of acupuncture that I use is based on the teachings of Kiiko Matsumoto. This style can be particularly effective in treating chronic illness as well as structural imbalance. The hallmark of this style is found in its diagnostic approach using palpable findings of the hara, and a full clinical presentation including the medical background. The treatments are geared to finding the underlying cause that has led to the specific clinical presentation, treating the root or constitutional aspect first so that the symptoms or branch can be treated successfully. Many categories of disharmony follow under these groups:
- Blood stagnation, Oketsu
- Imbalanced immune system
- Stomach Qi deficiency
- Birth trauma, shock and trauma
- Systemic detoxification
- Autonomic nerve imbalance
- Blood pressure imbalance and cardiac problems
- Hormonal imbalance
- Scar tissue disturbance
- Structural imbalance
- Vascular compression of neck, vertebral artery and thigh
These 11 categories are part of a system that overlap and relate to each other. The diagnostic method that I use concentrates on a comprehensive intake, pulse and hara palpation and the treatment outcome. The core technique of palpation of the hara, as well the major complaint area, guides the treatment. I use a method called cross checking to determine if pressure on point has a reflex reaction to another point or area of the body. The chief complaint or primary area of pain should be released first by finding the corresponding point that changes this tenderness considerably. When an acupuncture point is found that directly relieves pain related to the chief complaint, this indicates that a pathologic pattern of disharmony has been revealed. I also will use magnets and diodes on certain points and areas of pain to contribute to the lasting effect of the treatment.
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