What is Acupuncture?

How does Acupuncture work?

How can Acupuncture help?

How much does it cost?

Revolutionary Acupuncture Facial Lifts

Acutonics®

Acupuncture and Modern Science

NIH Consensus and WHO Viewpoint

Women's Treatments Men's Treatments

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body. This process stimulates movement of energy within the body, allowing natural healing to take place. These points are selected based on years of training Aupuncturists receive, which is based on over 3,000 years of experience in China. Acupuncture helps to prevent illness by improving the overall functioning the body's immune and organ systems. Acupuncture is helpful for:

Treating existing illnesses and injuries

Preventing both recurrence of illnesses and new illness

Improving overall health

 

How does Acupuncture work?

The Classical Chinese explanation is that energy (Qi) flows in channels (meridians) throughout the body and over its surfaces. These channels are rivers of energy, which are referred to as meridians. The Chinese have identified 71 meridians in the human body, which is a basic energy map for all people. The meridians are often compared to a series of interconnected highways. Each of the major organs in the body is associated with its own meridian. Through the network of meridians, the internal organs are connected to certain areas and parts of the body including: the muscles, bones, joints, and also other organs. The Chinese believe that health is a manifestation of balance, both within the body itself and between the body and the external environment. When the body is internally balanced and in harmony with the external environment, Qi flows smoothly through the meridians to nourish the organs and tissues. If an obstruction occurs in one of the meridians, the Qi is disrupted and cannot flow properly. When the Qi cannot flow smoothly or is forced to flow in the opposite direction, the body's innate balance is disrupted and illness results. Acupuncture points are the specific points on the meridians where the Qi is both concentrated and accessible. Acupuncture engages the Qi by inserting needles at these specific points, the goal being to restore the proper flow of Qi. As the body regains its natural balance, well-being returns.

back to top

 

How can Acupuncture help?

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine complements conventional medicine. They are not substitutes for any conventional medical advice, medications or treatments. As a complement to conventional medicine, acupuncture can treat both acute and chronic problems such as insomnia, digestive and elimination problems, headaches, sleeping disorders, chronic pain, headaches, gynecological issues, aging concerns, smoking and eating disorders, and much more. For more conditions, see the World Health Organization list below.

Acupuncture can help reduce or eliminate the need for medications for many conditions including narcotics and other pain-relievers, but your family doctor must always be consulted in such instances.

Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at illnesses from a different perspective than conventional medicine. The basic tenet of Chinese Medicine is that we have a life force that energizes all the metabolic activity in our bodies, and this life force (often referred to as "qi") is always moving and flowing. When qi flows unimpeded, we are healthy. When qi is blocked, we get pain and ultimately disease. The strategy of the Practitioner of Oriental Medicine is to find the areas of blocked energy, and help remove those blocks, which in turn helps the body return to its natural healthy state.

When you first visit the office of an acupuncturist, the practitioner will sit with you and do an intake. We are interested in all your symptoms and medical history. This helps us begin to determine our treatment strategy. The Chinese medical model is often very effective at treating hard to diagnose problems since it does not rely on having to know the biochemical reason for your condition, which is not known in most cases, particularly where blood tests and MRI's are normal. Even when blood tests show imbalances, it is not usually known why this is happening.

This difference in perspective means that Traditional Chinese Medicine can often make sense of illnesses that Western medicine has difficulty treating. In cases where Western medicine may be limited to prescribing medication for symptom management, acupuncture may be able to intervene and encourage the body in a self-healing process. Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine is currently the fastest growing healing modality in the country.

 

How much does it cost?

Your initial visit will last approximately 2 hours; return visits are usually about 1 hour. This time will be spent interviewing you regarding your medical history and primary complaint, conducting a physical examination based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and performing a course of treatment.

My fee is $185 for the first office call with a $100 fee for repeat visits. I accept payment by cash, check, visa, mastercard, and most health insurance companies (I am not covered by Regence or Group Health).

back to top

 

Revolutionary Acupuncture Facial Lifts

In addition to Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology consultations, I also offer natural facial lifts. The health of our skin is a reflection of our overall health. The Ayaffa Facial Lift is a Full Facial with the addition of Acupuncture, Deep vibrational sounds, and specifically selected flower essences. It is a unique service that wisely helps to balance both your skin and your health concurrently. With a series of eight facial lifts using the organic and paraben free Spirit of Beauty Natureopathic grade skin care line, you can look forward to bringing balance to your body, relaxation to your mind, and the spirit of beauty to your skin.

The Ayaffa Facial Lift is a unique age defying service that combines ancient wisdom and modern science. The Facial Lift uses organic bio-active nutrients, Massage, Deep Vibrational Sound and Acupuncture to get the desired results.

What can you expect?

How much does it cost?

Will the Spirit of Beauty home care products improve my results?

Is Ayaffa Facial Lift Painful?

How does the Ayaffa Facial Lift compare to Botox?

How does the Ayaffa Facial Lift compare to Restylane or other medical firming agents?

How does the Ayaffa Facial Lift compare to a facelift?

How does the Ayaffa Facial Lift compare to Microdermabrasion?

What is in your products?

Your journey will encompass many steps…

Health History Assessment

Relaxing Cleanse & Exfoliation

Nourishing Facial Mask

Shoulder, Neck & Scalp Massage

Acupuncture

Hot Stone Foot Massage and Jade Moisturizing Treatment

…reclaiming the youth of your Spirit of Beauty.

 

This treatment is recommended for:

Permanent Wrinkles

Acne

Fine Lines

Rosacea

Uneven Complexions

Eczema

Scars

Psoriasis

Improvement of skin elasticity

Dry Skin

Allow our team of the most skilled hands to work with you in understanding your skin. Together we will address both the immediate and long-term needs of your skin that will maintain your Spirit of Beauty. Expect to be pampered beyond your wildest dreams and reach states of relaxation that go beyond your expectations to actually nurture your soul.

What can you expect? Expect to be indulged beyond your current expectations of indulgence. The Ayaffa Facial Lift begins by understanding your needs and creating an initial eight-week treatment plan to restore you skin to a place of luster and health. Next, find your journey continuing in a warm room. Allow the deep vibrational sounds of tuning forks and Tibetan healing bowls to surround your senses as your face is cleansed and exfoliated. Next, gentle Acupuncture begins on your face. The points will be individually selected to bring you towards your skin care goals. Afterward, relax into gentle hands massaging your arms, shoulders, hands, legs, feet, neck and head. Embrace the weightlessness as the tranquil steam begins to descend upon your face. Fall into the relaxation and begin a guided meditation to balance your chakras. When the needles are removed, your facial continues with a personalized mask to firm and lift your skin while removing any toxins from deep within. Several moisturizing treatments are applied and then you are re-grounded again with the deep vibrational sounds of Ohm. You will notice a change in your skin's appearance by the end of the first treatment. After your treatment, you may relax with a cup of tea or venture downstairs to the Aveda concept salon to have a hair service where your continued relaxation is a guarantee.

How much does it cost? There are two options with the Ayaffa Facial Lifts.

Ayaffa Facial Lift Package:
For new clients the first Facial Lift is two and half hours and the cost is $250. For returning clients, the cost is $225 and the service is two hours.

Ayaffa Facial Singles:
This service is best for those who have completed at least eight Facial Lifts and are interested in holding their current results. The service includes a face wash, skin preparation, the acupuncture facial lift, neck, shoulder, arm, head massage, toning/firming mask, and completion ceremony. This service is 75 minutes and costs $135.

Will the Spirit of Beauty home care products improve my results? Yes, most certainly the Spirit of Beauty home care product will improve your results. These unique products use bioactive nutrients that have been proven to increase collagen production, diminish fine lines, decrease permanent wrinkles and brighten the overall complexion. When used in conjunction with the Facial Lifts, the healing properties of these nutrients seem to be energized. The improvement in the overall quality of the skin is more noticeable. It is recommended that a regime with the Spirit of Beauty products is started at least one week before the first treatment, this insures optimum results. In cases of "thin" skin it is mandatory to use the Spirit of Beauty products. This allows the nutrients to start the healing process so the skin will open up to acupuncture.

Is Ayaffa Facial Lift Painful? No, the Facial Lift should not be painful, however you might feel some of the needle insertions. There is a small sensation that has been compared to a bug bite, and then the sensation disappears. After the needles are inserted, a feeling a deep relaxation flows over your body as you rest and allow the healing to take place.

How does the Ayaffa Facial Lift compare to Botox? The treatments are very different. The Ayaffa Facial Lift reduces the appearance of deep permanent wrinkles using Acupuncture and nutrients. Over a course of treatments the permanent wrinkles can greatly diminish and even disappear. This treatment does not paralyze the facial muscles. Botox, Botulinum Toxin A, has the ability to relax or temporary paralyze muscles into which it is injected. When the muscles are paralyzed they no longer can make the excessive action that caused the Dynamic wrinkling (The wrinkles we get when we are making facial expressions). Botox relaxes muscles on Dynamic wrinkles, it does not fill in permanent wrinkles. Side effects of Botox include facial paralysis, headache, and flu like symptoms.

back to top

 

How does the Ayaffa Facial Lift compare to Restylane or other medical firming agents? The Ayaffa Facial Lift Fills in fine lines and wrinkles using acupuncture and nutrients that have been proven to increase collagen production. During the service it is possible to see the Qi (healing energy) filling up the fine line and wrinkles. This treatment also firms and lifts the whole of the face. This is especially noticeable around the jaw line and cheek bones. A series is necessary for optimum results. Restylane or Hylaform work by filling in the fine lines and wrinkles with Hyaluronic Acid. If a more noticeable effect is desired a larger amount of Hyaluronic Acid can be injected. Like all medical procedures there are risks involved.

How does the Ayaffa Facial Lift compare to a facelift? The Ayaffa Facial Lift is far superior to a traditional face lift. This unique treatment heals and repairs the skin letting your skin glow and take on a more youthful appearance. It is a relaxing treatment that helps with your over all health and well being. It addresses the underlying causes for premature aging: stress, inflammation, and imbalanced Qi (healing energy). After each treatment your face not only looks rejuvenated, but your overall health and well being are refreshed. The surgeries associated with traditional face lifts increase stress and inflammation in the body. These are two of the most common causes for premature aging. There are risks associated with all medical procedures — especially ones that involve surgery. If you are looking for a different face, then a Face Lift is the correct option for you. If you are looking to highlight your beauty and reverse the signs of aging without any immediate or long term side-effects, then the Ayaffa Facial Lift is for you.

How does the Ayaffa Facial Lift compare to Microdermabrasion? The Ayaffa Facial Lift uses bioactive nutrients to gently remove dead skin cells from the surface of the face. Skin cells have a specific amount of time before they turn over (die). When you use Microdermabrasion you are scraping layers of skin from the surface that are not ready for that transition. The new surface layer of skin becomes these young skin cells who now begin the process of prematurely aging. In addition, the process creates inflammation which damages healthy skin cells and also leads to premature aging. It is not necessary to have Microdermabrasion to remove dead skin cells, the Ayaffa Facial Lift does it naturally without any side effects to your skins cells, and with the only benefit being younger, healthier looking incredibly rejuvenated skin!

View the healthy, lucious ingredients in our facial products-

Facial Wash, Exfoliant, Toning Mist, Intensive Healthy Ageing Complex, Daily Moisturizer, and Night Cream

 

Acutonics®

The Acutonics® Healing System is an energy-based non-invasive treatment that is similar to acupuncture. Precision calibrated tuning forks are applied to specific acupuncture and acupressure points to access the body's Meridian and Chakra energy systems. These tuning forks represent a natural harmonic series based on the orbital properties of the Earth, Moon, Sun and planets. Their rich resonance and vibration connects with and supports the body's natural frequencies. The sound waves of the forks vibrate and travel deeply into the body along energy pathways, affecting human physiology and reaching places not easily accessed by traditional medicine. Applying the forks stimulates and balances the body's physical and subtle energy field to promote healing and inner harmony. Listening to the forks speaks to us deeply by connecting with our vestibular system, within the inner ear canal, and accessing our sense of motion, balance, space, memory, and healing.

How can it help?
Acutonics works similarly to Acupuncture. Like Acupuncture, the primary benefit is a balancing of energy. In many cases the tuning forks can be used by themselves without needles to achieve the same, if not deeper results of harmony. Acutonics treatments can be used to treat the same conditions as Acupuncture. In addition, many emotional and spiritual concerns can be addressed. We can, however, use the combination of needles and tuning forks to really address specific concerns.

Is it painful?
There are no needles or insertions with Acutonics, so those who are sensitive to needles and to experiencing their own qi sensations will find Acutonics to be more relaxing and less fear-inducing. The sensations often reported with Acutonics treatments are a deep inner vibration, and the feeling of being washed in tranquility.

How are treatments different from Acupuncture?
Because there are no needles, there are no insertions with Acutonics. The only sensation is around the vibrations created with the tuning forks. With Acupuncture, it's normal to have the needles retained for up to forty minutes. The tuning forks are on a point for usually less than a minute, and then the next point is selected. The amount of time spent on a treatment is the same.

When do I use Acupuncture and Acutonics?
This distinction is made during each treatment. I choose combinations based on individual treatment goals. If you have a fear of needles and wish to only have sound therapies, please let me know and your wish will be accommodated.

 

 

Acupuncture and Modern Science

To the human body, acupuncture needles are a physical stimulus. In Western science, a stimulus is defined as a detectable change in either the external environment or within the body itself. When the body detects change, it produces a response. Although acupuncture is not yet fully understood by Western science, with modern technology scientists can now actually begin to "see" the body's response to acupuncture. For example, using an MRI (a very sophisticated x-ray), researchers have shown that when a needle is inserted at specific acupuncture points on the body, corresponding changes occur in the brain. In the West, acupuncture is most well-known for its ability to relieve pain, so the majority of research thus far has been done in this area. Acupuncture points are now believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release pain- relieving chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. Acupuncture may also stimulate other chemicals to be released by the brain, including hormones that influence the self-regulating system of the body.

back to top

 

The NIH Consensus Statement on Acupuncture

In 1997 the U.S. National Institutes of Health published a Consensus Statement on the use and effectiveness of acupuncture for a variety of conditions. View the full Consensus.

 

The World Health Organization

In the hands of a well-trained practitioner, acupuncture has much broader applications beyond pain relief. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of common illnesses including:

Upper Respiratory Tract

Acute sinusitis

Acute rhinitis

Common Cold and Flu

Acute tonsillitis

Respiratory System

Acute bronchitis

Bronchial asthma (Most effective in children and uncomplicated conditions.)

Eye Disorders

Acute conjunctivitis

Central Retinitis Myopia (in children).

Cataracts (without complications)

Mouth Disorders

Toothache

Post Extraction Pain.

Gingivitis

Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Spasms of esophagus

Hiccough

Gastroptosis

Acute and Chronic Gastritis

Gastric Hyperacidity

Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)

Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complications)

Acute and Chronic Colitis

Acute Bacillary Dysentery

Constipation

Diarrhea

Paralytic Ileus

Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Headache and Migraine

Trigeminal Neuralgias

Facial Palsy (early stage, i.e., within 3-6 months)

Pareses Following a Stroke

Peripheral Neuropathies

Sequelae of Poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within 6 months)

Meniere's Disease

Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction

Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting)

Intercostal Neuralgia

Cervicobrachial Syndrome

Frozen Shoulder

Tennis Elbow

Sciatica

Low Back Pain

Osteoarthritis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Back and Knee Pain

Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue

Sports Injuries and Pains

Reproductive & Gynecological Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)

Spotting and Excessive Bleeding

Amenorrhea (Loss of Menstrual Period)

Impotence

Infertility

Incontinence

Prostatis

Mental Emotional Problems

Stress

Anxiety

Depression

Insomnia

The World Health Organization Interregional Seminar compiled the above list of illnesses that may benefit from acupuncture treatment. The list is only a partial list and is based on clinical experience, and not necessarily on controlled clinical research. The inclusion of specific diseases are not meant to indicate the extent of acupuncture's efficacy in treatment, since all conditions may vary in severity and response.

Source: World Health Organization. Viewpoint on Acupuncture. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 1979.

Summary

Oriental medicine has been around for thousands of years, and has provided us with a unique and holistic approach to help prevent and treat disease. Western science and Traditional Chinese Medicine ultimately rely on the body's natural healing ability to maintain health and protect against disease. Both have the same goal of helping a person stay healthy. Western science tends to use drugs and surgery as needed. Acupuncturists tend to use gentle needling and herbs. A combination of both systems creates an ideal environment of health and healing.

back to top

Sign up for our Email Newsletter
 

Elisha Weinberg, L.Ac, Relax your soul with unique holistic treatments.