japanese & KMS ACUPUNCTURE
I practice a lineage of Japanese acupuncture taught by Kiiko Matsumoto, that was passed down to her from Master Kiyoshi Nagano. This style of acupuncture emphasizes abdominal, neck and meridian palpation, to assess the state of the nervous system and internal organs. The gauge of needle and depth of insertion is generally smaller and shallower to provide a gentle and painless experience. There is also an emphasis on moxibustion, which is the soothing practice of burning of an herb on the surface of the skin, to bring healing and regulation to internal systems. The goal of every treatment is to balance the autonomic nervous system and ensure the bodies natural healing processes are functioning optimally. To reduce inflammation, pain and modulate immune responses. I also utilize infra-red heat therapy, which penetrates deep into fascia and tissue, to bring regenerative blood and circulation to areas of discomfort.
For frequently asked questions see here.
Craniosacral Therapy
In addition to acupuncture, I often include Craniosacral therapy into treatments. Craniosacral involves light touch and deep listening to the subtle movement of fluid through the fascia, spine, cranium/facial bones and sacrum. It is a gentle and passive modality that helps nourish the brain and nervous system and release chronic tension patterns in the fascia.
What To Do After treatment
As a general rule I don’t give a lot of home care or advice in between sessions as rest and recovery is most often needed. With that in mind my very general after care suggestions can be found here. I also have sensori-motor somatic movement videos you can follow along with to help encourage neuro-plasticity and stress resilience to help extend your treatment effects.
FREQUENCY OF TREATMENT
While one or two treatments is often enough to see remarkable changes, it is recommended that acupuncture is received consistently until the ailment is fully resolved. Acupuncture encourages neuroplasticity - new brain pathways - around feeling better. The more signals we can send your brain during initial healing, the better the lasting results. In East Asia, where this medicine originates, patients in the hospital receive acupuncture once a day for 10 days and reassess from there. That frequency is not accessible for most of us. So instead my recommendation is:
-Once or twice a week until symptoms are under control.
-Then every week - two weeks until symptoms are fully resolved.
-Then once a month or seasonally for maintenance.
Our bodies will heal in their own time with patience and compassion. Its important to acknowledge our bodies are doing the best they can with what they have. Trusting your bodies wisdom will help you trust the process of healing.
CONDITIONS TREATED
Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine that works on the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual levels. It can treat a wide range of illness including:
Mental health: stress. anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, addictions & withdrawal symptom management
Menses health & Maternity: menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, conception, fertility, maternity care and labour induction, post partum support
Digestive: Crohn's/Colitis, SIBO, candida, IBS, diarrhea, constipation
Endocrine: hormonal issues, PCOS, Hashimotos, thyroid disorders, gender affirming support
Immune: auto-immune, colds & flu, chronic bronchitis, asthma, cancer treatment support & side effects
Musculo-skeletal: head injuries & concussions, pain, sports injuries, surgery recovery, whiplash, arthritis, gout, Raynaud's, muscle aches & sprains, broken bones