Valerie Smith Services

Valerie
Smith,
Lic.Ac.,
M.Ac.

SERVICES

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used in China for over 3000 years for the
treatment of disease. It is an energetic therapy that balances both body
and spirit.

limited to: chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain due to traumatic
injury, fatigue, asthma and general immune system weakness.

injury, fatigue, asthma and general immune system weakness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institute of Health
(NIH) recognize the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for many
disharmonies including but not limited to: Migraine headaches, Arthritis
Pain, Depression and Anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD),
Sciatica, IBS, PMS, Asthma and Pain Management.

Ongoing acupuncture treatments result in relief from pain, a stronger
immune system, greater energy, restful sleep, more balanced emotions
and relief from mental restlessness.

Stimulation of specific acupuncture points along the affected channel(s)
using pre-sterilized disposable needles, herbs and massage moves Qi
and releases blockages or strengthens deficiencies.

Each acupuncture point has a particular action or effect. For instance a
point located in the area of the elbow crease may be used to Drain Heat
to relieve a sore throat or be used in conjunction with other heat
reducing points to bring down fever.

Acupuncture Diagnostics

Through a series of diagnostics that includes Looking (tongue diagnosis),
Asking (questions to determine overall constitution as well as immediate
health issue), and Palpating (pulse diagnosis in Chinese Medicine takes
into account the quality of the six pulse positions as well as the speed
and particular location of deficiency or excess of each position) an
acupuncturist determines what environmental aspect (Heat, Cold, Wind
or Dampness) or Vital Substance (Qi, Blood and Body Fluids)
imbalance is most affecting the patient. In addition, an acupuncturist will
often palpate particular diagnostic points to test for sensitivity and will
also palpate along particular channels to determine which channel of
energy is most affected. Palpation of the channel is most often used in
the case of musculoskeletal pain.

The diagnostic methods mentioned above are used to determine which
energetic organ pathogenic factor, vital substance and/or channel
dysfunction is the cause of the disease. For example, In Chinese
Medicine there are various treatments for asthma. In general the most
frequent energetic organ dysfunction is one or a combination of the
following: Lung, Spleen or Kidney. It is important to remember that in
Chinese medicine a dysfunction in the energetics of an organ does not
necessarily mean a physical problem. In Chinese medicine, the Lung is
the ruler of the Qi. If the Lung is weak the Qi is unable to circulate and
becomes stuck in the chest resulting in respiratory problems such as
asthma. Part of the Lung’s job is to take in Qi and send it downward to
the Kidneys which act a receiver. If the Kidneys are unable to receive
the Qi from the Lungs, this also may result in asthma because the Qi
becomes stuck in the Lungs. This happens if the kidney energy is
deficient and does not have the ability to hold onto the Qi.

In the case of chronic asthma, acupuncture is effective not only in
maintenance but also in preventing or lessening the severity of the
illnesses that often go along with long-term asthma. In the case of a
more recent onset of asthma, acupuncture can often regulate the patient
enough to reduce or eliminate inhalers and meds.

Tools of Acupuncture

Moxa
An herb from the mugwort plant (a member of the chrysanthemum
family), moxa is used to nourish or move Qi by warming specific
acupuncture points or areas of pain. It is used for its deeply warming
quality.

Needles
Only pre-sterilized disposable needles are used in this practice. Most
often you will just feel a slight pricking sensation or nothing at all at the
time of needle insertion.

Manipulation
Manipulation, or stimulation of the needle is added to initiate a Qi
response. Qi response feels like a pulling or heavy sensation that at
times may travel along an affected area.

Massage
A massage technique called Tui Na is used in conjunction with
acupuncture to stimulate Qi in channels and to move Qi and Blood in
order to relieve muscle tension.

What to Expect During Each Session

During the initial visit, a full history will be taken. This will include the
main complaint, as well as information regarding sleep, eating habits,
medications, etc. which may seem to have no bearing on the main
complaint but are significant pieces of the whole health picture from the
Chinese medical perspective. At this time, and at each successive visit,
the intake will also include observation of the patient’s tongue and
palpation of the pulse.

The initial treatment is booked for 1.5 hours so that a full history may be
taken and any questions you have may be answered prior to treatment.
Follow-up treatments are booked for 1 hour.

It is recommended to wear loose clothing for easy access to
acupuncture points on legs, arms and torso area.

Treatment plans are formulated for each individual case, taking into
account each patient’s uniqueness.

Acupuncture successfully treats many health problems including, but not
limited to:

Migraines
Infertility
Anxiety & Depression
PMS
Pain
Asthma
GYN Issues
Weakened Immune System
Side Effects of Drugs and Chemotherapy

24 hour cancellation policy

Patient will be charged the full appointment fee if cancellation is less than
24 hours unless the treatment can be rescheduled within the same week.

Compassion Healing Flow Integrity Awareness Connection Enhancement Balance Understanding Deepening Transformation

Harvard Square
Acupuncture and Massage