Pamela Guard, L.Ac.

Services

Acupuncture

Initial Treatment: 90 minutes / Follow Up Treatment: 60 minutes

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine available anywhere.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (energy) flow through the natural pathways of your body (meridians). Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve your Qi flow. The many benefits of acupuncture include:

  • Pain reduction
  • Stress and tension relief
  • Increased energy levels
  • Stronger digestion
  • Relief from bad habits and addictions
  • Greater sense of overall health and well-being


Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation

Initial and Follow Up Treatments: 90 minutes

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a holistic method of reversing the aging process without the use of harsh chemicals or surgery.  The technique is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and treatments are customized according to each individual’s body constitution.  In Chinese Medicine, the face and skin are a reflection of the body’s internal health, so a benefit of facial rejuvenation is that it will improve overall health.  It is a relaxing 80 minute treatment that includes acupuncture, a facial massage, and nutritional and lifestyle recommendations.  Treatment plans are personalized, however, 10-12 treatments are recommended, 1-2 times per week, followed by seasonal maintenance care. 

 

Benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture include:

  • Promoting collagen production
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Increases blood flow to the face resulting in a glowing complexion
  • Minimize dark under eye circles and puffiness
  • Can treat acne
  • Increased radiance
  • Improved muscle tone
  • Stress reduction 
  • Lightens darker pigmentation and scars
  • Stimulates the formation of body fluids
  • Reduces double chin and sagging skin in the jowl area


Cupping

Cupping has been a part of Chinese Medicine for over 2,500 years. It relieves aches and pains, improves circulation, and also helps with respiratory and digestive issues. I simply place a specialized "cup" onto specific points on your body, and then use suction to draw your skin up into the cups. It doesn't hurt — it simply draws fresh blood to that area of your body, which facilitates the cleansing and strengthening of your Qi (energy). The end result is a greater overall sense of health and well-being.  It has recently made headlines with our Olympic team utilizing this healing modality.


Gua Sha

Although Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique used by Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years, it is relatively unknown in the West. It is recognized throughout Asia as a highly effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, and a host of other ailments.

First, Gua Sha oil is applied to a specific meridian (energy pathway) on your body. I then use a smooth round-edged object (such as a spoon) to apply short brisk strokes to that area. This creates red patches of skin (called "Sha"), detoxifying your blood and restoring the healthy flow if Qi (energy) to the area. There is no pain involved, and the Sha will fade in 2 to 3 days. But the sense of health and vitality you experience from it will last much longer.


Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing and health. Moxibustion has been used for healing purposes throughout Asia for thousands of years. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi (energy), and enhance your overall vitality and health.

Among other benefits, a landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that 75.4% of women suffering from breech presentations before childbirth had fetuses that rotated to the normal position after receiving moxibustion at an acupuncture point on the bladder meridian.


NADA (National Association of Detoxification Acupuncture)

NADA is a standarized auricular (ear acupuncture) protocol that is effective for addictions, stress, and emotional trauma.