Services: Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Sarah is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbalist who has been practicing for 15 years in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Learn more about these treatment modalities and how they can help you manage chronic pain, improve energy level, mood and more. Start your healing journey by setting up your intake appointment now.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive whole body system of health care that has evolved over almost 5000 years and continues to be an important part of health care across Asia and in many other countries. In addition to Acupuncture TCM includes Herbal Medicine, Dietary and Exercise therapies, and physiotherapies such as massage and cupping.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the strategic insertion of very fine sterile stainless steel needles into points on the body located on pathways called channels or meridians. These channels are associated with our anatomy and with our organ systems. Acupuncture is a stimulation therapy. Acupuncture points are used to stimulate the body and help it to achieve optimal function and balance. Acupuncture is said to improve the amount and flow of a substance called “Qi” and the flow of blood and other vital fluids of the body. The term ”Qi” is often translated as “energy” but it is always described as something with specific functions. Qi is optimal when we can see the body functioning well. Modern research on acupuncture has shown that acupuncture affects blood flow locally and in the whole body and also affects neurological function, and many hormonal functions in the body.
Acupuncture has been shown to be both safe and beneficial in treating a wide range of pain problems including headaches, neck and back pain, gynecological pain, and pain from neuropathies. Acupuncture also has profound effects on the central nervous system and can be effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms and improving sleep quality.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is a core part of TCM. It is a complex system devised over several thousand years and includes the use of plant parts, minerals and some animal parts. Herbal formulas are generally made from a mixture of 2-15 substances cooked together in water like a soup. Water extracts the medicinal properties of each herb and the medicine is consumed as a drink. Today most herbal formulas are available in pill form or in a powder concentrate that can be mixed with water to form a drink. Formulas are matched to a person’s presenting complaint and their overall health state. Herbal medicine can help acute problems like respiratory problems or can treat chronic problems like headaches or menstrual problems, or digestive complaints.
Cupping
Cupping is a physiotherapy that involves applying cup shaped tools to the body surface with suction. Cups can be made of glass, plastic or silicone. Cupping stimulates the body by breaking up the local capillary bed and increasing blood flow to the local area. It can be very helpful for musculoskeletal pain and also as a treatment during respiratory infections.
Dietary & Lifestyle Therapy
In TCM diet and lifestyle are considered to be the foundations of health. Advice is focused on choosing foods that are seasonal and support our optimal function. Emphasis is on moderation, whole unprocessed foods, and regular rest and movement.
