Acupuncture
Acupuncture, one of the oldest medical procedures globally, helps regulate body function by addressing imbalances or blockages in the pathways where energy and blood flow. Sterile, single-use hair-thin needles inserted through the skin into specific “acupoints” stimulate blood flow & healing in specific areas. Depending on the condition, the practitioner may sometimes use gentle electrical stimulation (electro-acupuncture) on the needles to increase the therapeutic effect.
Herbal Medicine
Initial herbal consultations include a complete health intake, herb-drug interaction check, and a custom herbal recommendation for your specific ailment. The cost of herbal formulas is not included in the initial intake.
The benefit of herbal medicine is a customized therapeutic approach to balancing the body’s systems and addressing specific health conditions.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient therapy where heated cups are placed on your skin for a few minutes to create a mild suction. Then, as the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum causing your skin to rise and your blood vessels to expand.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy:
- Pain Management
- Inflammation
- Increased Blood Flow
- Relaxation and Well-being
- Deep-Tissue Massage
Massage
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue by a trained professional who will be using varying degrees of pressure, touch, and movement to help increase blood flow circulation, promote relaxation and healing of the body. Most people realize that massage therapy is so much more than that. Therapeutic touch can help manage chronic pain conditions, alleviate stress and decrease anxiety. Research has shown that massage can help to boost the immune system and promote the body’s own innate healing ability to address chronic pain conditions. It may be used for a wide range of medical conditions or as a component of stress management care.
Birchwood Acupuncture currently offers three massage services: Relaxation, Deep Tissue, and Maya Abdominal Massage.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique that uses light touch to release tensions deep in the body, relieving pain and dysfunction and improving overall health. CST focuses on the release of the body’s connective tissue, or “fascia.” Fascia is a covering found throughout the body that forms a body-wide connective network. Similar to the meridians in East Asian medicine. CST is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions by enhancing the body’s own inherent self-regulation, self-correction, and self-healing.
A CranioSacral Therapy treatment is similar to getting a massage, but the patient will remain fully clothed. The patient will lie on the table and the practitioner will use gentle pressure techniques to encourage fascial release throughout the body.
Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine is a whole-systems-based approach to health that works to identify the root cause of disease and help manage it through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and the targeted use of supplements or herbal therapies to support the body’s optimal functioning. Functional Medicine is a highly personalized approach from client to client. It’s unique from other healthcare interventions because it looks at the big picture of the conditions and, addresses environmental factors, lifestyle factors, mental health factors, and then takes a deep dive into how all of these factors impact the functioning of your body. When we look at the body’s functioning, we address the biochemistry needed for your body to function optimally. The best way to help your body function optimally is by giving it the specific nutrients it needs to do its job.
Working with a functional medicine provider is a partnership focused on helping you reach your health goals as quickly as possible. Every person’s plan is unique to them and their lifestyle, and the goal is to create a plan that works for your life and does not become your life. The functional medicine path is for people ready to make changes to their lives and health.
Conditions that benefit from this approach include chronic digestive issues, chronic pain, inflammation, autoimmune, and more.
