About Our Practice
At Sonoma Mountain Healing Arts we offer a variety of treatments from Chinese Medicine and other sources. Depending on the needs of the patient as discussed in the initial consultation and exam, we will recommend the treatment plan appropriate for each person's unique situation.
What we offer:
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture in the context of Classical Chinese Medicine, including the system of 5 Element Acupuncture developed from various traditions by Professor J.R. Worsley, is our primary focus for health maintenance and correction of chronic illness. It is profoundly able to achieve balance among the functional systems that comprise the human being.
Sterile hair-thin needles are used at specific acupuncture points to allow circulation of energy (Qi) along pathways that parallel the nervous system and support the coordination between the functions of the body. The needles are made of stainless steel, silver or gold, and create an electrical charge because of the differences in temperature of the needle above and below the skin. Blocks in the flow of Qi are dispersed and support is brought to areas of functioning that need nourishment. Western science finds that acupuncture causes the release of the bodies' natural painkillers- endorphins, and can also effect hormone levels. This further
explains why acupuncture is so useful for treating pain and for regulating the hormonal systems, balancing menstrual cycles, and addressing menopausal, fertility, and other male and female issues.
Points are also chosen that resonate with the person on the level of spirit which most of us need. These points have names such as " Spirit Path, " "Abundant Splendor, "Heavenly Well," " Relax and Joy," and many others.
Most, if not all, indigenous healing traditions and increasingly modern ones, acknowledge the necessity of bringing spiritual connection into the healing process. We offer strong reminders to the person who is treated that the ability to heal is within them. This deep inner level of work is classical in the sense that the classic texts of Chinese Medicine spoke of the highest form of treatment being that which touches the spirit. It can also be said that innovation and integration have always been a part of Chinese Medicine.
Acupuncture offers an effective way to help people with long-standing health issues that have not adequately responded to other therapies. Treatment focused on the constitution is especially welcome for people who are seeking true health in the recovery of their natural selves and connection to their path in life. Acupuncture from the Eight Parameter or Eight Principle way of seeing the person is integrated when there is an outstanding pathogenic influence or pattern that must be cleared while the constitutional influence is strengthened.
Chronic illness can be prevented when balance is maintained during stressful times. Where health and balance has been lost, we work to restore proper functioning so that you can thrive.
Adjunctive acupuncture therapies:
Auricular (ear) acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, Dr. Tan's technique for pain, Japanese techniques to release muscle tension, and cupping techniques to draw out toxins are also used when presenting symptoms must be cleared to receive benefit from deeper work.
Moxibustion:
Moxibustion is the burning of the specially prepared herb Artemisia sinensis, or "moxa" directly on or above acupuncture points. Moxa is often used with acupuncture, but can be used alone to treat acupuncture points or areas of the body when a person prefers not to have needles. Moxa is mostly tonifying and is a way of bringing warmth and building blood. Many people enjoy the aroma of the moxa smoke as part of the healing it brings.
Hands on Energy Healing:
This energetic healing is brought to all of our work, through the needles, or can comprise the complete treatment. Simply, it is the intuitive channeling of the Universal healing force through one human being, the practitioner, to another. There are occasions when this is applied to treating acupuncture points energetically without needles.
Somatic Therapy and Sinew Channel releases:
Reminding the body of the freedom it once had before the experience of trauma or injury. This is done in the office with the practitioner, but includes exercises that can be done at home to continue the benefit of treatment.
Acupressure, Jin shin jyutsu, foot reflexology, Swedish-Esalen and Hawaiian lymphatic massage:
Massage techniques from these disciplines are offered alone or in conjunction with the acupuncture treatment.
Herbal Medicine:
Chinese and Western Herbal Medicine in various forms are offered. Just as acupuncture can address the various levels of relief, wellness, balance and constitutional support, herbs have effects that span this same range of possibilities in treating the human being. Specific nutritional and homeopathic supplements may also be suggested. We have personal knowledge and research into the quality and effectiveness of the sources of herbs, supplements and health products that we sell or recommend to our patients.
Music and Sound healing:
The goal of treatment is to bring the person fully into the present time and space to allow the release of old patterns. Music chosen by the patient is often employed to facilitate this process during the treatment.
Acutone™:
Acutone is a system of healing developed by researcher, musician and acupuncturist, Dean Lloyd, Ac. T. Tuning forks are applied to points to effect changes in the body-mind-spirit in a system that reflects references to sound in the Chinese classical texts and what we know of ancient tradition. We are exploring this new system with the intention of offering another natural alternative to needles. We recognize sound and music as very direct paths to healing. Because the pure tone of tuning forks is rarely found in nature, the application of tuning fork vibration to the body is noticed as different and becomes an intervention for healing.
Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique (N.A.E.T.):
We have experienced great results with this technique. We are located in Sonoma County, California, which is a place where many people develop pollen and mold allergies. N.A.E.T. strengthens the body when it is in contact with a substance that formally caused a weakness. N.A.E.T. also helps identify whether certain essential nutrients are causing weakness in the body and therefore are not likely being well absorbed. By strengthening the body in the presence of the nutrient it will likely be better assimilated. This can be noticed, for example, one patient described drinking a milkshake after being treated for calcium. It was like she could taste it fully for the first time. We treat for nutrients before we treat for allergens such as pollen and mold because being unable to receive nutrients may be the reason for the allergy. For instance, a person with a weakening sensitivity to Vitamin C, may have a tendency to get colds and allergies, and a person with a weakness in response to the B vitamins may develop Parkinson's or other diseases.
Emotional Clearing techniques:
We offer these simple techniques that utilize acupuncture points and guided imagery or spoken affirmations when called for.
Sometimes emotional clearing is needed as part of allergy elimination (desensitization), the theory being that when a person experiences emotional trauma, the body sometimes confuses food that was recently eaten or things in the environment with the cause of the trauma and is then weakened when it meets those substances in the future.
Western diagnostics:
We offer laboratory testing and solutions for neurotransmitter balance, environmental toxins, mineral balance, parasites and more.
Qi Gung/Qi Cultivation:
Breathing and movement exercises are given as part of the treatment homework and lifestyle coaching. We encourage regular Qi Gung, Tai Chi, Yoga and other forms of internal exercise to continue the benefits of treatment.