Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine including the use of acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world. It has been used for thousands of years to help promote health and to prevent and realign imbalances. Acupuncture was developed on the understanding that there are meridians that run throughout the human body where energy or qi flows.
Acupuncture is used to keep the qi flowing to promote optimal health, alleviate pain, prevent disease and overall improve balance and wellness in the body. Acupuncture can work wonderfully for everything from a simple common cold to fertility and hormone regulation to chronic illness and pain.
I believe strongly in the power of integrating Western and Eastern medicinal practices. I fell deeply in love with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture which was integrated into my Naturopathic Medical Training and licensure in Canada. When I moved to California I furthered my studies in Chinese Medicine to obtain my California State Board License in Acupuncture and combine my knowledge in Chinese Medicine with my Naturopathic practice. I also incorporate Chinese Herbs, diagnostics, and philosophy into my practice. I am certified in Medical Qi Gong and love to teach patients healing techniques they can practice at home through qi gong movement and breath. I often incorporate guided meditation, acupressure, medical qi gong, and energy work into acupuncture treatments to help you get the most out of your visit.
I am Nationally Licensed in Acupuncture by the NCCAOM, and a Fellow of the American Board of Reproductive Medicine, a group of internationally recognized Integrative Medicine Specialists in the Reproductive Field (https://aborm.org).
Fertility, Pregnancy and Pre-birth Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Naturopathic Medicine are incredible tools to help enhance fertility, optimize pregnancy, and aid in a smooth birthing process. Dr. Sarah loves working with women on their paths to a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and with two young children of her own, she has personally experienced the benefits of adjunctive Naturopathic care and Acupuncture. Clinically, she has seen Acupuncture and Naturopathic Medicine help tremendously when there are obstacles infertility, during pregnancy, and around the birthing process. Dr. Christine also holds a special interest in fertility, pregnancy, and Women's Health and has a lot of experience in the field. Dr. Sarah and Dr. Christine are both Fellows of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) an organization that accredits a group of internationally recognized Integrative Medicine Specialists in the Reproductive Field.
Medical Qi Gong
Medical Qi Gong is one of the four branches of Chinese Medicine and is an incredibly healing therapy for the body, mind, and spirit. It is a form of bodywork using energy, hands-on techniques, breath, postures, and intention to help balance and energy/qi in the body. It helps cultivate awareness and can be used to strengthen, purge, or balance the vital force or energy in the body-mind, and spirit.
Dr. Sarah is certified in Medical Qi Gong Therapy and incorporates it as a powerful healing tool in her practice. She teaches patients Qi Gong exercises and breathing techniques to practice at home and provides Medical Qi Gong hands-on healing sessions in the clinic. Medical Qi Gong treatment sessions in the clinic are usually booked separately from Naturopathic Consults.
Cupping and Moxibustion
Cupping and Moxibustion are two therapies used in Chinese Medicine and are great complementary and/or alternative therapies to acupuncture and herbal medicine. They are often used during or after an acupuncture session or sometimes as a substitute. These therapies help enhance circulation, clear blockages, activate the lymph system, and release toxins from the tissues. Cupping can be used to help out with injuries to soft tissues, to relieve back pain and muscle tension, arthritis, digestive problems, and improve circulation. We may use a single cup for small areas or several cups over a wider area of the body. Moxibustion involves the use of heat and certain herbs (usually Mugwort) to help warm areas of the body, build the blood, promote the movement of qi, and facilitate healing. It is especially useful in women's medicine to help in the pelvic area for things such as menstrual cramps, fertility, and hormone imbalances. It is also used to dispel cold from the body, enhance circulation, and relieve tension in the body.
