Services

Acupuncture
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Tuina Massage
Cupping
Dietary Recommendations
Electro Acupuncture
Far-Infrared Heat Therapy
Massage
Moxibustion

 

Acupuncture

How does it work?

The Western Explanation
According to Western science, acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in the human body in order to achieve a desired healing effect.

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain and arthritis and also for P.M.S. and infertility.

The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a role in human disposition. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture. Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.

The Eastern Explanation
According to Traditional Chinese medicine a vital energy called "Qi"circulates throughout the body along specific pathways or channels. There are 12 major channels, each of which specifically influences a certain group of functions in the body. These channels are named for the organs they are associated with: Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Urinary Bladder, Kidney, Triple Burner, Pericardium, Gall Bladder, and Liver. Different channels go to different parts of the body, but, in general, they run up and down the arms and legs of the body and into the head and trunk.

In order to have health, the flow of energy, or Qi, within these channels must be sufficient and balanced throughout the body. If the vital energy in any of these channels gets blocked, depleted, or too excessive, disease or pain can occur in that channel or in the organs associated with it.

How is acupuncture performed?

Acupuncture is performed by inserting very fine needles into points on the body that connect to the energetic channels that flow beneath the surface of the skin. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their existence and their location in the body.

Using acupuncture, we can adjust and balance the flow of energy through the channels, thereby revitalizing and restoring the health of the body. Acupuncture is extremely good at taking care of chronic pain. It is also effective in soothing the mind and balancing the body’s hormones and chemicals.

       What does Acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture administered by a highly trained and certified professional is safe and effective. Jennifer uses acupuncture needles that are sterile and disposable for one-time use only. Unlike an injection needle, acupuncture needles are very thin and bendable, about the diameter of a hair, and do not have a hollow center. An insertion tube is used to help the needle through the skin quickly and painlessly. With some acupuncture points, the patient feels nothing upon insertion and with others they may feel a slight sting like a mild mesquito bite. Once the needle is in, patients feel a sensation of warmth, tingling, heaviness, or a movement of energy along the meridian being treated. Patients often fall into a deeply relaxed state and sleep during the treatment.

What to expect as a patient

Initial office visits last about an hour and a half and include a detailed interview, diagnosis, and treatment. Return visits last one hour and include a diagnosis and treatment. Treatments may include a Chinese herbal medicine prescription and nutritional counseling depending on what is needed.

How many treatments will I need?

The number and frequency of visits for a recommended course of treatment will vary depending on the patient’s condition. The longer the condition has existed, the more treatments needed to correct it. Recent health problems, such as pain, may be eliminated in one visit depending on the seriousness of the issue.

For chronic health conditions, you must come for a minimum of 6 visits to receive substantial benefits. You will notice improvements in the first few visits but each treatment builds momentum in the body, having a cumulative effect, so a 6 treatment commitment is necessary.
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Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that was developed in China over the same period of time as acupuncture (two thousand years). Before pharmaceutical drugs and even the use of acupuncture, herbal remedies were used to heal and balance the human body. Chinese herbs have shown their effectiveness under the scrutiny of both empirical study and modern clinical trials. There are a wide range of uses for Chinese herbal medicine. There are many classes of Chinese herbs, each with its own medicinal action. For instance, there are herbs that:

• Break up and expel mucus from the sinuses or lungs
• Act as natural antibiotics and anti-virals able to fight colds and flus
• Boost your immune system
• Warm the body and improve blood circulation
• Heal the digestive tract
• Reduce inflammation and swelling of muscles as well as repair tissue (post-surgery recovery!)
• Improve memory and slow aging
• Balance hormones and eliminate menopausal hot flashes
• Relieve and eliminate seasonal allergies
• Regulate the menstrual cycle
• Increase fertility
• Reduce pain
• And on and on….

Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescriptions

Jennifer Payne has special training in prescribing Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture work together to heal the organs and tissues. There is a misperception that Chinese herbal medicine is weaker than Western drugs but, in fact, it is quite powerful and must be prescribed carefully by a highly trained professional. There are some health problems that will heal twice as fast using herbal medicine than using acupuncture alone. Herbs vary in price and are not included in the treatment fees.

Pathways Herbal Medicine Pharmacy

Pathways Acupuncture offers a large Chinese herbal medicine pharmacy with over 100 different herbs and herbal formulas. They are available in powder or pill form. Raw, whole herbs, which have a greater potency than the powders and pills, are also available by special order. Jennifer prescribes a combination of herbs designed to treat your body’s unique needs, addressing both the symptoms of your health condition and their underlying cause.

Herbal Medicine Purity and Safety

Pathways Acupuncture only carries herbs that meet a high standard of laboratory testing and research to ensure product safety, potency, and consistency. The herbs are tested for heavy metal content. The processed herbs are produced in a pharmaceutical-grade, state-of-the-art facility. Our main herbal medicine suppliers are Golden Flower Chinese Herbs at www.gfcherbs.com and May Way Herbs at www.mayway.com.

Chinese herbal medicine includes: an array of herbs, seeds, minerals, and animal products. It is amazing how the simple products of nature can become a powerful medicine. Unlike most drugs, the herbs can be combined to form a complex formula that meets the individual needs of a particular patient. Most drugs are designed to treat a particular symptom and do not take into consideration the constitution of the patient along with their unique presentation of the disease. Many drugs only address the symptoms of a disease and not the root cause within the body. Chinese herbal medicine can be tailored to address all of these aspects, helping to restore the patient to a truly balanced state so that the problem does not recur.

Preparation of Chinese Herbs

I commonly recommend Chinese herbal formulas in powder or pill form. The powdered form is mixed up in a mug of hot water and drunk as a tea several times a day. The pills are taken with warm water. Many patients find these methods fit their lifestyle because of the convenience. I usually prescribe one to two weeks worth of herbs at a time and then adjust them at your next appointment depending on your needs. Herbal remedies are usually taken a few times a day and can be used for as little as one month, to as long as one year. Herbal consultations are included in an acupuncture visit. On some occasions, I recommend the more traditional form of taking Chinese herbal medicines, using raw herbs, because of their greater potency. Traditional Chinese Medicine more typically uses a large bag of raw herbs, boiled for an hour, every other day, into a tea. This option is available to you, and will be recommended when appropriate.
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Chinese Tuina Massage

Chinese tuina massage uses many techniques similar to Western massage techniques. It also has some very unusual techiniques. I always begin and end a regular session with massage to either the neck and shoulders, face, hands, or feet. If you present with a musculoskeletal condition, I will use massage to increase circulation to that area and relax and release tense or spastic muscles.
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Cupping

Cupping is an old technique performed in both China and the West. The process traditionally uses glass jars, heated to create a vacuum, and placed on the upper back to relieve acute illnesses such as colds and fevers. Cupping can also be done all over the body to invigorate the flow of Qi and to relieve tension and pain. It is often used for treating upper and lower back pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder and more.
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Dietary Recommendations

Diet and nutrition are instrumental in maintaining good health. Dietary changes and nutrition are fully integrated into the theories of Chinese Medicine and key to maintaining health and success in a Chinese Medicine treatment. As such, dietary recommendations may be given to patients throughout treatment. It’s amazing how some simple changes in diet can alter a patient’s health.
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Electro Acupuncture

During electro acupuncture, a mild electrical current is run between two acupuncture points using acupuncture needles as conductors. The electrical current relieves pain and reduces muscle tension and spasm. It can speed up healing after an injury. By removing negatively charged ions it can also be used to reduce inflammation in areas of physical trauma or major skin burns.
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Far-Infrared Mineral Heat Therapy

This therapy is administered by a special heat-lamp device. Far-Infrared Mineral Therapy is recommended for relief of muscular pain, sore muscles, arthritis, bursitis, back ache, tennis elbow, joint pain, and related pains and is FDA approved as a highly effective Pain Relief device. The Far-Infrared Mineral medical device features a plate coated with a mineral formation consisting of 33 elements, essential to the human body. When activated by its heating element, the mineral plate emits deep penetrating, far-infrared waves ranging from 2 to 25 microns in wavelength. This coincides with the body's own natural healing frequency.
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Massage

My basic training has been in Swedish massage. I have done additional study of deep tissue, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. I use a combination of these in my practice as needed.
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Moxibustion

The Moxa herb in English is called Artemesia Vulgaris and is used by Chinese medicine practitioners for its warming and strengthening properties. Burning moxa either on top of a needle, directly above the skin or on the skin itself helps increase the body’s Qi and rid the body of excess dampness and cold. Studies have shown that when moxa is burned directly on the skin there is an increase in both white and red blood cell production within 24 hours. This makes it ideal for increasing the white-blood cell count after chemotherapy treatment.

Patients usually enjoy the sensation of warmth from burning moxa and the temperature is always regulated for their comfort. Sometimes I teach my patients how to apply this treatment to themselves safely at home. This is a good way for patients to engage in a relaxing activity that allows them to directly be a part of their own healing process.
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