BEYOND ACUPUNCTURE
A POWERFUL NEW HEALING APPROACH
Throughout the years, I have witnessed again and again that acupuncture, although potent in itself, is much more effective when combined with other healing modalities. The synergy of acupuncture and healing methods such as cupping, active release techniques, deep tissue massage, nutritional counseling and the use of herbs can bring about a truly profound healing experience. In-depth Ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle consultations and seasonal Pancha Karma cleanses are designed to promote radiant health, well-being and equilibrium at all levels – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
- Acupuncture
- Cupping
- Myofascial Release
- Nutrition & Lifestyle Consultation
- Ayurveda
- Pancha Karma
- Combining Warm Herbalized Ayurvedic Massage with Acupuncture & Cupping
About Claudia
Claudia is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Acupuncture, Diplomate of Chinese Herbology and Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist. Specializing in chronic pain management, she combines Acupuncture, Myofascial Release Therapy, and Cupping in her treatments. Other areas of expertise include Women’s Health (healthy pregnancy, balancing of hormones in pre-and post-menopausal women) and the management of autoimmune diseases. She is an expert in Chinese and Ayurvedic Herbology and Nutrition and combines it with the latest Western Nutritional Research.
Articles by Claudia
•Cleansing and Detoxification
•Finding Your Bliss – Ayurvedic Massage
•Losing Weight Naturally with Ayurveda
•Smooth Transitions – Natural Menopause Solutions
•Ayurveda & Smooth Cycles – Natural Solutions
•Raw Food Diets – The Ayurvedic Perspective
•Cupping for Pain Relief & Vibrant Health
•Ayurveda and the High-Carb/Low-Protein Diet
•Prepare for Cold Season the Ayurvedic Way
•Ayurveda and Cancer – Part 1: Prevention
•Ayurveda and Cancer – Part 2: Treatment
•The Mind-Body Connection – Integrating Bodywork with Emotional Work
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine maintains that there are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, which are connected by meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or qi between the surface of the body and its internal organs.
Qi is believed to regulate balance in the body. Acupuncture unblocks qi, thus allowing normal flow of energy to restore health to the mind and body.
Acupuncture is beneficial for common ailments such as:
Arthritis, acute and chronic neck, back and shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, sciatica, whiplash, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, menstrual disorders and menopausal symptoms, emotional and psychological disorders (such as depression and anxiety), chronic fatigue, hypertension, dizziness, migraines and headaches, allergies, respiratory disorders (colds, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma), gastrointestinal conditions (such as food allergies, constipation, indigestion, chronic diarrhea and gastritis), diabetes, endocrine disorders, autoimmune disorders, insomnia, etc.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can help in the rehabilitation of stroke patients and can relieve nausea in patients recovering from surgery or chemotherapy.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient method of healing that has proven to be especially effective for treating acute and chronic back pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, sprains and swellings, digestive disorders, colds and flu, bronchitis, allergies, asthma, immune disorders, neurological disorders and many more.
Special glass jars, when placed on the skin create a strong pulling force due to their vacuum effect. The suction is said to draw out toxins and help relieve pain, by increasing blood flow and oxygen in the tissues.
Sliding cups after massaging aromatic oils into the muscles, creates a powerful reverse massage. Invigorating, freeing and energizing, which serves not only to loosen up tight muscles, but is also beneficial for the underlying organs and the immune system. Cupping works on many levels and patients report relief not only on a physical level but also psychologically and emotionally.
Myofascial Release Therapy
I have been using myofascial release therapy in combination with acupuncture and cupping to create a strong feeling of well being, rejuvenation, deep relaxation and increased energy. The repeated postural and traumatic insults of a lifetime, combined with the tensions of emotional and psychological origin, will often present a confusing pattern of tense, contracted, bunched and fatigued fibrous tissue.
More often than not, a combination of mental and physical stress will so alter neuro-muscular-skeletal structures as to create an identifiable physical change, which will itself be a generator of further stress, such as pain, joint restriction, general discomfort and fatigue. Many years of experience have taught me to intuitively coordinate the appropriate techniques for releasing tension and pain.
Hypnotherapy
Claudia is certified in clinical hypnotherapy and offers hypnotherapy sessions in combination with acupuncture for weight loss, tobacco, drug, alcohol, and food addictions, chronic pain, depression, anxiety and stress disorders. Hypnotherapy addresses the unconscious mind and helps with reprogramming bad habits and old beliefs that no longer serve the individual. Hypnotherapy is short-term, solution-oriented therapy that will bring great benefits to your life – more energy, better health, lasting peace of mind, success, and happiness.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Consultation
Based on the traditional principles of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. This is further enhanced by the latest Western nutritional research and blood work analysis.
A balanced diet enhanced by Chinese or Ayurvedic herbs or supplements, regular detoxification cleanses (Pancha Karma) and life style changes will create an environment for the body to heal, detoxify and regenerate.
Claudia specializes in blood chemistry analysis and how to achieve changes in abnormal levels with diet and supplements. If you have not had blood work done by your physician within the past three months, arrangements can be made to have the tests performed at a local lab.
Note:Suggested tests include chemistry panel, complete blood count, thyroid panel and urinalysis. Adrenal Stress, Candida and Parasite tests are also available.
Pancha Karma
The Ayurvedic pancha karma cleanse is a gentle yet powerful Ayurvedic approach to rejuvenation and detoxification. The cleanse begins at home with a diet consisting of cooked, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, vegetables, lentils, stewed fruit,herbal decoctions, and clarified butter. The delicious treatments start after five days of this preparation phase: Each day consists of hours of warm oil massages, herbal steam treatments, and body scrubs with Ayurvedic herbs, as well as treatments that nourish body and soul and simultaneously eliminate toxins in a gentle way.
In Ayurveda, toxins that accumulate in the body are called ama. Symptoms of ama accumulation are lethargy, low energy, generalized aches and pains, lack of mental clarity, heaviness in the body, digestive problems (such as constipation, gas, bloating, or heartburn), weakened immune system, frequent colds and sinus infections, coated tongue, body odor, etc.
With the tremendous growth of industry over the past 100 years, thousands of toxic chemicals have been introduced into our food, air, drinking water, and almost every manufactured product. As a result, we are exposed to a potentially huge toxic overload during our lifetime. Regular panchakarma cleanses (one to four times a year) help the body eliminate ama or toxins and rejuvenate, strengthen, and balance it.
Who Can Benefit from Panchakarma?
Panchakarma is beneficial for healthy individuals who want to stay healthy or the following conditions: arthritis, generalized body pain, fibromyalgia, sciatica, menstrual disorders and menopausal symptoms, emotional and psychological disorders (such as depression and anxiety), chronic fatigue, hypertension, dizziness, migraines and headaches, allergies, frequent colds, flu, sinus problems, asthma, gastrointestinal conditions, endocrine disorders, autoimmune disorders, insomnia, stress, etc. Panchakarma can be performed as a post-treatment for cancer to remove toxic residues of malignancies.
All authentic panchakarma therapies and individual Ayurvedic body treatments are available at our Prana Center in Santa Barbara.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda, practiced in India for the past 5,000 years, is a comprehensive system of holistic healing that focuses on harmony of body, mind and consciousness. Ayurveda seeks to understand and correct imbalances on many levels, physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Ayurvedic Consultation: Starts with an in-depth health assessment and reading of physical and emotional patterns, as well as a pulse and tongue evaluation. Your unique body/mind constitution will be determined and specific areas of imbalance at subtle levels of your physiology detected. A customized program, which includes diet, cleanses, lifestyle, stress reduction techniques, herbal therapeutics, yoga, colors and aromatherapy, will be recommended.
Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga massage is a gentle but firm whole body massage from head to toe using warm medicated oils. Oils are chosen according to the prakruti (psychosomatic constitution). Abhyanga massage is a deeply relaxing, rejuvenating experience as well as a treatment in certain conditions. It protects from stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. It nourishes the body, extends the life span, provides good sleep, improves the skin texture, improves the vision and provides better physical stability.
Svedana
Medicated Steam bath that eliminates impurities from the body, improves the tone and complexion of the skin, reduces fat and is used in the treatment of certain rheumatic diseases. Precious herbs and herbal leaves are boiled and the steam is passed over the entire body. Deeply cleansing for the body and mind.
Nasya
A specific treatment for the sinuses and head, including a head-, scalp- and neck massage, steam inhalation and specific oils for opening the sinuses.
Bliss Therapy
A two hour blissful experience of Abhyanga (warm oil massage), svedana (herbal steam) and shirodhara (warm oil poured over the forehead). A wonderful treatment that deeply nourishes body, mind and soul and brings about a feeling of deep relaxation.
Abhyanga, Swedhana, Shirodhara $185 (2 hour treatment)
Acu-Bliss: Abhyanga, Cupping, Acupuncture, Svedhana (1.5 hour treatment $135)