Acupuncture & Consult Descriptions

Auriculo-Seeding - With Joy Only

Auriculotherapy Seeding is a non-invasive technique applying the seeds of the Cow Soapwort plant (Vaccaria hispanica) plant to specific points located on the external ear. Via the gentle pressure exerted by the seeds on these sites, a client can receive a number of health benefits. Because of various mechanisms that make the ear an ideal interface with the greater body, this technique has been used to treat anxiety, depression, addiction cravings, and numerous other conditions with notable documented success. The practice is a great way for people to introduce themselves to the benefits of auricular acutherapy without taking the full plunge into needles if they are adverse. The seed is applied with a small adhesive patch directly to the points selected by your practitioner. The seeds can easily be removed by the client when necessary but they are typically left in place anywhere from a few hours up until a few days with gentle self-massage of the applied seed points encouraged. At times the effects of a specific treatment have been noted by people in as little as 5 minutes after application with ongoing effects for days.

Holistic Skincare Descriptions

Dermaplaning - With Stacie/Emmy Only

Dermaplaning is the controlled planing of the skin using a specialized blade held at a 45 degree angle for the removal of keratinized cells on the outer stratum corneum and fine vellus hair. It is a physical/mechanical exfoliation that is extremely safe when performed by a professionally trained and certified skin care specialist. It is highly effective in minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars, while leaving the skin smooth, supple and vibrant. It has been utilized in medical practices for over 40 years to prepare the skin for chemical peels and laser treatments. In the spa setting it is often the exfoliation step utilized in facials to prepare the skin for enzymes, light chemical peels, light therapy, micro-current and other modalities.

Dermaplaning is ideal for those focused on anti-aging. It is for those concerned with dull, dry skin, a sallow complexion, enlarged pores, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and perhaps acnes scars.

LED Light Therapy

Light therapy is the application of specific wavelengths of light to tissue to obtain therapeutic benefits. Research* has shown that "LED is an effective therapeutic modality to promote the healing of skin wounds." The biological effects promoted by this therapy "are related to the decrease in inflammatory cells, increased fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis stimulation, formation of granulation tissue, and increased collagen synthesis." LED therapy is also known for its ability to rejuvenate skin, treat acne, decrease inflammation and increase microcirculation.

Blue, red and near-infrared are the most commonly used wavelengths in LED light therapy. These specific wavelengths are well researched and scientifically proven to produce therapeutic benefits. Blue penetrates through the epidermis and is known to kill C. acnes bacteria. Red reaches into the dermal layer and has been shown to enhance collagen and elastin production through photobiostimulation of fibroblasts. Near-infrared penetrates deepest and increases micro-circulation (tissue repair), decreases inflammation and attenuates pain.