Chinese Herbal Medicine
Sotai Japanese style physical therapy
Acupoint Therapy
Chinese medicine is a system of natural healing based on empirical observation and treatment of disease over thousands of years. Some of the main therapies include acupoint therapy, herbal formulas, massage therapy, exercise, and diet. It is based on the idea that all parts of one’s body are dynamically connected and effect each other continuously. Because of the interdependent nature of all the body’s organs, all systems are considered (digestive, circulatory, immune, etc.).
Sotai
Sotai is a gentle movement therapy which involves very slow and relaxed movements in the direction of comfort, with a small amount of resistance applied by the practitioner, in coordination with the breath. This movement can be anywhere from no visible movement to small, medium, or full range of motion. It is done as if moving slowly in water without making ripples. There are no stretches or painful movements. The goal is to relax and balance neuro-muscular and parasympathetic (relaxation) system.
What is a treatment like?
After a thorough interview to assess your symptoms and body constitution, we decide what treatments are most suitable for your situation. This could be any combination of Sotai movement therapy, hot stone therapy, massage, electro-acupoint therapy (like a TENS unit), and cupping (an ancient technique used to influence local blood circulation). I often like to use all techniques together, but each person has different needs, even on different days.
The sensation should never be so strong that you cannot completely relax. Because of the regulating and calming effect on the nerves, most people find the treatment very relaxing. Many people get some immediate relief.
All factors which influence one's health are considered in a treatment. These include diet, lifestyle, exercise, medications, etc.
How many treatments are needed?
Each person is unique; therefore the treatment plan is individualized. It depends on the type and duration of the illness, the severity of the condition, and the physical state of the patient at the time of treatment.
Natural therapies work by stimulating the body's own healing functions, so several treatments are often required. For best results, acute conditions should be treated as much as needed (in an ideal world), but twice per week when possible (of course including daily home care), then in prolonged intervals as needed. For chronic conditions 1-2 treatments (in an ideal world) per week are advised and then tapering down. Then self treatment is the general idea. Maintenance treatments are always nice to keep the flow of good health running smoothly, and just plain feel good!
You should evaluate your progress regularly. It is a learning process.
CHINESE HERBOLOGY
The use of herbs is the second oldest form of physical healing in the world (after massage). What makes Chinese herbology unique is the long history of clinical use, including some of the oldest written medical texts in the world. There is a wealth of information and research available, both historical and current. There are many hospitals in China with thousands of patients which use herbs as the main therapy.
The philosophy of Chinese herbology is based on observation of nature and has been constantly developed over the centuries. This understanding can be applied to any other herbs in the world, so I use some western herbs as well. Some these are local organically grown or wild crafted.
I started my study of Chinese medicine in 1980 and graduated from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, California, in 1983. I then moved to Santa Rosa, California, and started my practice in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. I have been there ever since. I stopped using acupuncture needles in 2012, but continue to practice with all of the modalities available to me in traditional and current therapies
Other experience includes being a Nurse’s Aide for Hospice and home care. I worked as a paramedic (ambulance work) for 3 ½ years. I have maintained a massage therapy practice since 1983.
This varied experience has given me a unique perspective in holistic health care. It is my goal to provide the appropriate therapies for your particular situation.
I use gentle therapy techniques. As I stated before - the sensation should never be so strong that you cannot completely relax. I have a practical view of medicine, and I incorporate modern and traditional aspects of medicine in order to get the best of each.
