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Acupuncture Acupuncture is the most commonly recognized aspect of the traditional East Asian medical system. It has been systematically
in therapeutic use for more than 3000 years and its efficacy is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which classifies acupuncture needles as medical devices.
Best of all, acupuncture is natural, safe, effective, and drug-free. The
intent of an acupuncture treatment is to stimulate and enhance the body's self-healing power. During a treatment, very thin,
sterilized, single-use needles are inserted into specific points on the body. Unlike the needles used for injections, acupuncture
needles are solid, hair-thin, and have a tapered end which allows for smooth, painless insertion. Acupuncture points are chosen
after a careful assessment of the patterns observed in each individual patient. Research studies have confirmed acupuncture's
ability to adjust the body's internal signally systems, including the nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system.
It is thought that these multiple regulating effects work together to promote physical and emotional well-being. A full East Asian medical assessment
will be performed during your first acupuncture appointment at Vital Vibrant Health. Your treatment includes acupuncture and
other East Asian medical techniques (e.g., cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, tuina) as required based on your individualized
assessment. A Chinese herbal diagnosis and Asian dietary assessment is also included in this initial evaluation
(if desired, herbs can be purchased separately).
Chinese
Herbal Medicine Chinese herbal formulas have been used for thousands of
years to treat the underlying internal imbalances that caused the symptoms or condition to arise. Chinese herbal formulas
are created from a combination of herbs designed to gently and effectively correct a problem while minimizing side-effects.
The herbal formulas are modified as the patient changes, and are generally used short-term for symptomatic and corrective
care. They can also be used long-term or seasonally for preventive care. A variety
of herbal preparations are available from Vital, Vibrant Health. Patients can choose from traditional raw herb formulas, granulated
herb formulas, or prepared pill / tablet formulas. Each type of formulation has advantages and disadvantages that will be
clarified during your appointment. In each case, your herbalist will explain proper dosage and timing for taking the herbs
and will be happy to work with your doctor to address any safety or efficacy concerns for those taking Western medications.
Vital Vibrant Health uses the highest quality herbal medicinals, sourced for safety, quality, and sustainability. Prepared
herbal products (granules, pills / tablets) are from reputable companies that follow the FDA's standard of current Good Manufacturing
Practices (cGMP), which includes testing for purity, potency, and safety. Herbal
medicine can be used as a stand-alone therapy, but is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to address internal imbalances
as determined by a Chinese medicine diagnosis. An herbal medicine diagnosis is included with each acupuncture treatment. Separate
herbal consults are also available.
Asian Nutritional Therapy
East Asian medicine has a long tradition of using food for disease prevention and as
a remedy for illness. In general, the Asian diet follows the seasons and strives to create balanced meals. Instead of focusing
on chemical constituents, the Asian tradition categorizes foods according to their taste, temperature, and effect on various
organ systems of the body. This allows a diet to be customized according to each individuals needs. In addition, Asian dietary
traditions emphasize the importance of food preparation methods as well as a pleasant and relaxed eating atmosphere to optimize
digestion and health.
Qi Gong
Reflexology / Hand and Foot Tui Na
More than just a relaxing foot massage,
reflexology is an energy-based technique that can be used to balance and revitalize all parts of the body. This is achieved
by imaging the whole body on the foot or hands and applying the knowledge of acupuncture channel connections within the treatment.
Our treatments incorporate tui na hand techniques as well as traditional Western-style reflexology to melt away stress, improve
your circulation, and activate your body's natural healing ability.
Non-Needling Therapies
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