Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese acupuncture techniques from the TCM tradition that is the basis of licensure in the United States and China. These methods are well suited for treating musculoskeletal issues, internal disorders, and for general wellness and prevention. Dale also uses classical acupuncture techniques that were largely lost in China during Maoist times, and were preserved elsewhere, such as Japan and Korea. These approaches are ideal for patients interested in personal development, dealing with life transition, and emotional issues such as grief and loss, anxiety and depression.
Manual Therapies
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage, involving finger pressure, palm pressure and stretches. It is based on the Chinese meridian system. Shiatsu is gentle and deeply restful. Tui-Na is a form of Chinese body work that involves several different manual techniques, including stretching, traction, joint mobilization, and specific massage techniques. Tui-na is strong and invigorating. In addition to Shiatsu and Tui-Na, Dale incorporates techniques from Thai massage, (especially for the lower back and legs), trigger point therapy, and neuro-muscular facilitation stretches.
Herbal Medicines
Chinese Herbal Medicine constitutes the longest, most documented form of medicine in history. Herbal prescriptions are sophisticated and individualized, and take into consideration the patient’s constitution, medical condition, and potential risks and benefits that may arise from other medications.
Since many Chinese herbs are contaminated with heavy metals and pesticides, Dale uses Kan Herb out of Santa Cruz, CA. This company uses third-party testing for purity, potency, heavy metals and many pesticides.
Additional Modalities
Electro-Acupuncture refers to the use of mild electric stimulation at acupuncture points in order to reduce pain and increase function. This is useful for acute pain, inflammation, breaking up of scar tissue and edema.
Moxibustion employs the herb mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), burned near specific points of the body, for its warming and blood-invigorating properties, usually in conjunction with acupuncture.
Cupping is a method that uses suction to increase circulation and stretch tissue.
LED Therapy employs a machine that penetrates tissue with infrared light that is shown to reduce pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle recommendations are a key component of many treatment plans. Dietary, exercise, and sleep habits are the cornerstone of health. They can amplify the benefits of any intervention, and help us to take an active role in our physical and emotional well-being.