Acupuncture
Holistic Health in Charleston, SC
Acupuncture is a holistic medical practice that originated in China over 3,000 years ago. It uses sterile, hair-thin needles to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
Acupuncture is based on the understanding that health is achieved through balance. Symptoms like pain or indigestion arise when there are imbalances in the body. Through observation, asking questions, and tongue and pulse diagnosis, we can determine the specific pattern of imbalance causing your symptoms and get to the root of the issue.
By treating the underlying imbalance, we address a wide range of conditions and many seemingly "unconnected" symptoms in a single treatment! As a preventative medicine, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can correct minor imbalances before they become chronic or pathological.
Far more than a remedy for pain, acupuncture and other modalities of Chinese medicine can successfully treat a wide variety of conditions. Today, the benefits of acupuncture are recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Musculoskeletal Conditions Back pain, neck pain, joint pain, arthritis, muscle cramping, muscle pain and weakness, sciatica, and hypermobility-related pain including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Cardiovascular & Autonomic Conditions Blood pressure regulation, heart rate variability, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), dysautonomia, and circulatory support.
Digestive Conditions IBS, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, hyperacidity, and indigestion.
Neurological Conditions Headaches and migraines, stroke recovery, Parkinson's disease, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, postoperative pain, and post-viral neurological symptoms including long COVID.
Respiratory Conditions Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, common cold, and smoking cessation.
Mental & Emotional Health Anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, and nervous system dysregulation.
Women's Health & Fertility Menstrual irregularities, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, fertility support, pregnancy-related discomfort, perimenopause, and menopause.
Men's Health & Fertility Fertility support, hormonal balance, prostate health, low energy, and sexual health.
Integrative Oncology Support Treatment side effects (nausea, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, and sleep disruption); support overall quality of life during and after treatment
Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Blurry vision, tinnitus, gingivitis, toothache, and allergy-related symptoms.
General Wellness Immune support, chronic fatigue, athletic performance and recovery, addiction support, and overall stress reduction.
Your acupuncture treatments may include additional therapies:
Cupping
The popular cupping therapy has been used for centuries to promote healthy circulation, ease tension and pain, treat respiratory issues, and clear toxins from the body. We use glass cups or plastic pump cups to create a suction or pulling sensation over muscular and fleshy areas of the body- the sensation is like the inverse of massage. Cupping may leave red markings on the skin that will clear after a few days.
Gua Sha
Gua means "to scrape or rub" and "sha" are the markings that can appear on the skin during the scraping. We use a porcelain soup spoon to perform the gua sha technique. The spoon rubs over acupuncture points and muscular areas to improve blood flow to an area, treat pain, and stimulate the immune system to stop allergy and cold symptoms. A few minutes of gua sha goes a long way to make you feel better!
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a warming technique that uses moxa- the dried herb mugwort- to stimulate circulation, treat pain, increase energy, and maintain general wellness. The moxa is rolled into a large “cigar” or placed in a ball on the tip of a needle. When burned, it is held above the skin to warm the channels, activate acupuncture points, and promote healing.
Essential Oils
Essential oils have powerful medicinal qualities, and are so accessible and easy to use. Similar to herbal formulas, we will create essential oil blends that are specific to you and your health needs. We use single, high quality, organic oils in our pharmacy. Essential oils are best and most effectively used under the care of a licensed practitioner.
Herbal Topicals
Aches, pains, and sports injuries are the most common conditions we see at the clinic- so we always keep anti-inflammatory, analgesic topicals on hand! Our liniments are all-natural and herbal, and come prepared as liquid topicals or herbal plasters.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbs are a big part of our practice that can be used as a stand-alone therapy or as a powerful addition to your acupuncture treatment. We offer both classic herbal formulas and custom formulas, tailored to the unique needs of each client.
TCM Food Therapy
In Chinese Medicine, every food has it’s own property and temperature and powerful medicinal ability. As part of your treatment, we may suggest certain foods based on your pattern of diagnosis and symptoms that may present. Nutritional therapy is essential to create true restoration of health.