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Contrary to what many believe, Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM, is not synonymous with acupuncture, since acupuncture is merely one component of this complex system of healing.   TCM is a comprehensive system that was developed about 3000 years ago.  It is a holistic “whole body, mind, spirit” approach based on the theory of balance in the body.  It is used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness, as well as maintain optimal health.  Non-Needle Treatments are a large component of TCM, and are exceptionally suitable for the elderly, children, and for those with severe needle sensitivities.  

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbology is the cornerstone of TCM, and has a 5,000 year history of continual success.  It is also one of the most sophisticated clinical systems in the world for analyzing patterns of ill health and treating them successfully. 

Learn more about Chinese Herbal Medicine

Cupping

Cupping is a technique which uses glass, bamboo or plastic cups placed on specific areas of the body.  By heating the inside of the cup a vacuum is created and the resulting suction acts to move fresh blood into the area, flushing out toxins, increasing circulation, reducing inflammation and relaxing tight muscles.  It is used to treat a wide array of conditions including muscular pain, tension, fibromyalgia, cold or flu, respiratory problems such as asthma, cough, and bronchitis, menstrual problems, digestive disorders, and general detoxification and strengthening of the body.

Schedule an appointment with Shana M. Lauer, L.Ac. to experience this effective healing method first hand.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a technique in which a smooth tool is used to apply friction-stroking to the skins surface.  This method improves circulation of blood and lymph, promotes normal metabolic processes and removes toxins.  It is used to treat  a variety of acute and chronic health conditions including fever, cold and flu, muscular pain, stiffness, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, cough, asthma and bronchitis.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a non-invasive, gentle, and effective healing technique.  Acupuncture points are stimulated with finger pressure and can be thought of as acupuncture without the needles. Generally its effects are less dramatic than those of acupuncture, but its simplicity enables patients to learn self care techniques.

Special care must be taken with pregnant women, since certain points are contra- indicated during pregnancy.  Be sure to inform your health care provider if you are or may be pregnant.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a technique where Moxa, a Chinese herb from the Mugwort plant, is burned over specific acupuncture points.  The combination of heat and the specific herbal properties work to penetrate deeply and help reduce pain, boost the bodies immunity, and increase vitality.  It is used to treat a variety of health complaints including pain, arthritis, digestive disorders, infertility,  fatigue, and chemotherapy/radiation side effects.

Chinese Nutritional Therapy

Food is medicine.  This is the basis of Chinese Nutrition; a 6,000 year old system of healing and disease prevention which utilizes the healing properties of foods. 

The modern Western lifestyle often gives nutrition a low priority.  As a result, a myriad of health problems such as obesity, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease are becoming increasingly common.  Unlike Western nutrition, Chinese nutrition categorizes foods by their therapeutic properties as a whole instead of analyzing their various chemical components.  This approach is advantageous because it allows each individual to receive a uniquely customized plan for their specific needs.  By learning which foods are beneficial for your particular condition and constitution you can significantly improve your health and well being.

Schedule an appointment for a nutritional consultation today and begin your journey to health with your next meal.

Auricular (Ear) Seed Therapy

Auricular Seed Therapy refers to the treatment of disease through the stimulation of specific points located in the ear with seeds or magnetic pellets.  Patients can leave the seeds in for up to 1 week and can re-stimulate the points by massaging the ear.  Each ear has over 200 auricular points which correspond to specific anatomical structures and functions of the body.  Through observation and palpation of the auricular points a trained practitioner can not only treat disease, but can also diagnose health problems as well.  This non-invasive method is PAINLESS, simple, safe, and effective.

Auricular therapy is used to tread a wide range of health problems including, but not limited to weight loss, anxiety, pain, addiction, and smoking cessation.