Seattle Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Why Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture can shift the pains and imbalances of the body before they manifest as major disease and alleviate symptoms of chronic disease by releasing pathogens and rebalancing the functions and substances of the body.
This is why it works so effectively in treating all types and severities of illness and plays a key role in health maintenance. Because every symptom of disease is seen from a Chinese medical perspective as an energetic imbalance, any symptom- from a common cold, to anxiety and depression, to diabetes, to plantar fasciitis – can be treated with Chinese medicine.
I use an integrative approach unique to each person, using a combination of approaches to give you the most effective, personalized treatment plan.
Gillian is a master of ‘tapping in’ both in the literal sense (via her needles) and in the broader, more intuitive sense. My sessions with her always leave me feeling attended to, educated, inspired and connected to my (noticeably healthier) body. Do yourself a favor, treat your body and spirit to the attention and effort you deserve.
Stone Medicine
Stones, like all other modalities in Chinese Medicine, offer an energetic to bring the body into balance. From the color and structure of a stone to the understanding of its formation, stones carry an energetic that resonates with the deepest levels of our being, be they of a physical, emotional, psychological or spiritual nature. Observation of the veins of minerals in the earth taught early Chinese medical doctors about the meridians of the body.
Stone medicine can be topical, with stones placed on acupuncture points or regions of the body or used in massage or gua sha. They can be ground and made into a paste. Stones can be made into an elixir by placing them in purified water which will take on the vibration of the stone and can then be consumed. They can be placed in a room to offer an energetic to the environment. Stones offer protection, movement, clarity, cultivation, a path back to the self.
Scar Work
Scars hold a lot of energy. Whether the scar is from a gender affirmation surgery that brought a lot of joy; or a life-threatening accident with residual PTSD, how we tend and release our scars plays a big role in their healing. It takes up to two years for a scar to fully form but I have seen childhood scars change decades later. This offers a lot of possibility in working with scar tissues and energetics in tandem, and to release whatever emotions or experiences may be stuck. Working with the tissue can also alleviate pain, tightness, itching, limited range of motion and discoloration, puckering or adhesions.
I use gentle massage, cupping and gua sha, needles, stones, essential oils and channel theory to work with scar tissue and whatever else may be held in the body around scarring.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping involves using a pump or heat for the gentle suction of the skin in a local area into a glass or plastic cup. The cup is then kept in place for five to ten minutes or moved across the skin to draw out pathogens trapped in the fascial layer. This therapy is used to move blood and break up scar tissue and knots in painful, restricted areas, among other things.
Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal medicine has a written history of over 3000 years, as long as acupuncture, and is very complementary to treatment. Herbs are commonly combined to make formulas, which come in many forms including pills, powders, raw herbs and topicals. You can boil some herbal formulas into teas and some can be added to soups and congee.
Start Your Path to Healing with Gillian Rose, L.Ac.
Other Modalities that May be Incorporated in Your Treatment
Moxa
Moxa is a Chinese herb used commonly in a topical application to warm and move the channels. Moxa, know also as mugwort or artemesia vulgaris, has been coupled with acupuncture since ancient times. Its importance is such that the literal translation of the Chinese character for acupuncture is “acupuncture-moxabustion.”
Ear Acupuncture
NADA ear acupuncture is known to help reset the sympathetic nervous system, relieve stress, detoxify the body, assist in quitting smoking and reduce alcohol and drug cravings.
Essential oils
Because essential oils are the extracted essence of the plant, they can provide deep medicinal energetics. Applied topically they affect the skin, fascia and superficial muscle layers. Inhaled, they affect the nervous system, respiratory system and brain. At Twelve Rivers medicine oils may be used in addition to needles for your treatment.
Tuning Forks
Tuning forks create a vibration that can be applied to acupuncture points or regions of the body. The different tones convey a range of energetics. Applications can help move qi from stuck and painful areas. Using tuning forks to stimulate acupuncture points allows access to the point function without needling.
Nutrition and Supplement Care
Food therapy, nutrition and supplement recommendations are things we can discuss at Twelve Rivers Medicine. I recognize the problematic emphasis on diet culture in healthcare and practice from a Health at Every Size, non-shaming and patient-led perspective.