Gretchen Sampsen, M.S., L.Ac.

Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

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Chinese medicine is a body of knowledge that has been continuously developing for over 2500 years. Century after century, practitioners have compared and expanded upon discoveries, so that the most effective and balanced theories and techniques have been passed on and further refined. Benefiting from this history of  observation and practice, today Chinese medicine offers a complete healing system that recognizes the unique constitution of each individual. Accessible on a very practical and human level, Chinese medicine is sought out world wide to treat illness and promote optimal health.

Acupuncture is the most widely recognized technique used in Chinese medicine. It is the art and science of treating disorders and preventing illness with extremely fine needles, placed at strategic points on the body.
When needles are gently inserted at superficial points, they access major pathways of qi and set off a process of healing deep within the body. By tapping into the qi system, acupuncture stimulates the body’s powerful healing potential, which shifts the energetic system from distress to repair. Clients often recognize this shift during treatment, as they settle into a feeling of calm. Over a course of acupuncture treatments, clients commonly note reduced stress, more restful sleep, improved mental clarity, and even renewed beauty; all of these are indications that the body is engaging its innate capacity to heal.

 

Rooted in thousands of years of practice and refinement, Chinese herbal medicine has a well-documented history and is the most organized and consistent herbal system available. Herbal formulas have been revised and perfected over hundreds of years to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects. Chinese herbs are administered in multi-herb formulas designed to re-balance the body’s entire mechanism.  Rather than forcing the body to behave differently, herbal formulas ease, or coax, a pattern that is creating distress into a pattern that supports vibrant health. In this way, treatment for a specific issue benefits overall health. Herbs work synergistically with acupuncture to support a healing process that promotes optimal health.