Gentle Acupuncture
I specialize in Japanese style acupuncture
Japanese style acupuncture differs from Chinese style acupuncture in its use of subtle palpation skills and gentle needling techniques.
True to a less-is-more approach, Japanese style techniques are often directed at using the minimal amount of stimulation to attain the greatest results.
This method allows the body time to integrate the treatment it has received, and to maintain lasting change.
Those suffering with mental/emotional distress, trauma, and/or dysregulated nervous systems
PTSD
Chronic pain conditions and fibromyalgia
Physically and/or energetically sensitive individuals
Those who are in need of hospice/palliative/end of life care
Those who are afraid of needles and/or are needle sensitive
Children
The elderly
Gentle acupuncture is well suited for:
Tools of the trade
Needles & Non-Insertive Needles
My needling technique is very gentle; I use fewer, thinner needles, with shallower needle insertions than the average Chinese-style acupuncturist.
In many of my treatments, I don’t insert any needles at all! Instead, I gravitate toward using non-insertive “needles” (pictured to the right). These tools stimulate Qi, the vital life force of the body, by way of the surface of the skin. The silver of the tool, paired with my intention and meditative focus work together like an antenna, conducting, opening and re-inviting flow and vitality to regions of the body where there has previously been blockage.
The tools I use have been hand crafted with prayer by a Navajo silversmith. To read more about these gentle spirit tools, click here.
Moxa
In the art of Japanese style moxibustion, known as “moxa,” dried mugwort leaves are rolled into rice-grain sized cones and carefully applied to specific acupoints on the body. The tiny cones are then ignited with a stick of incense, and snuffed out before contacting the skin. As the moxa burns, a gentle warmth penetrates deep into the tissues, stimulating the flow of vital energy, and fluids throughout the body.
This therapeutic technique harnesses the power of infrared-like heat; increasing the circulation of blood and lymph in the body, and decreasing pain and inflammation. Moxa has also been clinically proven to enhance the immune system by increasing white blood cells.
Body & Energy Work
Sotai is a Japanese system of neuromuscular reeducation and structural integration. This unique form of bodywork combines regulated breathing and gentle movements performed against light resistance, to alleviate pain and restore optimum function in the body. Patients tend to find this work deeply relaxing and restorative.
Shiatsu massage uses a combination of acupressure, stretches, and rhythmic movements along the body's meridian lines, to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore the body’s natural alignment. With its focused application to specific points on the body, Shiatsu massage targets both physical ailments and emotional imbalances.
Reiki is an ancient Japanese form of energy work that harmonizes the chakras, and restores balance within body, mind, and spirit. The word "Reiki" translates to "universal life energy." During a session, I channel universal life energy through my hands to you, allowing the energy to flow through and address any blockages or imbalances in your system. Sometimes I do this by gently laying my hands on the body, and sometimes this technique is done hands-off, hovering the hands in the energetic field over your body. Reiki has been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and accelerate the body's natural healing process.
“Moxa and needles are like noodles and broth. Noodles alone make good eating, and broth alone is nutritious and good tasting. But put broth and noodles together and you have a real winning combination.”