|
|
 Special Interest
Dermatology
Chronic
itchiness can be distressing, debilitating, and difficult to treat.
Often this condition is the result of other health conditions such as
eczema, psoriasis, hepatitis, kidney failure or diabetes . The medical
term for itchiness is Pruritus.
My
special interest in this topic came the hard way through personal
experience. Failing to improve despite ample treatment with
Western medicine, I finally found relief with acupuncture and Chinese
herbs, which propelled me into the study of Chinese Medicine.
Drawing
on 25 years as a Nurse Practitioner providing Primary Care and
specializing in Dermatology for the last 13 years, I have a wealth of
professional experience in approaching the treatment of pruritus and
skin problems.
I offer Complete Skin Evaluations, including
the mapping of moles, and limited small surgical procedures are also
available. Tissue samples are evaluated by a Board Certified
Dermatopathologist. Removal of larger skin growths or excision will be
referred out to recommended dermatologists in the community.
Evalution and Treatments for Rashes and Sun Damaged Skin
may include acupuncture, the prescription of herbs,
medications, skin biopsies or referral for further medical
interventions. Cryotherapy for seborrheic keratoses, actinic keratoses,
warts , and skin tags will be available soon.
Back to Top
Musculoskeletal/ Arthritis Pain Relief/ Headaches
Acupuncture
treatments release natural painkillers called endorphins into the
nervous system. The insertion of sterile fine needles
into "trigger points" close to painful areas can often
reduce muscle spasms and reduce pain. Low current electrical
stimulation attached to the needles or heat applied to the needles
often helps relief pain further. Placement of acupuncture needles
in areas far away from painful sites, in the ear, or on the
opposite side of the body often is very effective.
Digestive Health
In
Chinese theory digestion is considered the source of all vital energy-
Qi . The digestive system is a very sensitive system that requires
time, relaxation, and proper environment to work properly.
Unfortunately, eating patterns which include eating in hurried
situation with stressful schedules improper food choices , overeating,
and eating before going to sleep lead to many digestive disorders;
These including heartburn, IBS (Irritible Bowel Syndrome),
constipation, diarrhea, and ulcerative colitis. Chinese herbal medicine
and acupuncture has a regulating effect on stomach acid secretion and
intestinal motility, offering relief to sufferers of digestive
unbalance.
Emotional Health & Stress Reduction
Acupuncture
and Chinese herbs can be used inconjunction with other healing
modalities to promote inner balance bringing us back to a clear
assessment of our lives. Particular acupuncture protocols are
very effective in promoting a broadening of spiritual/mental awareness,
and intuitive clarity to work through difficult situations. Many
clients have left sessions feeling that nagging mental tensions have
been dropped, and personal goals or creativity are more assessible.
Difficult addictive habits such as smoking, alcohol, over eating,
picking at the skin can be reduced or even stopped with ongoing
sessions. Acupuncture is known to stimulate the release of hormones,
neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, endorphins which have physical
effects in brain function.
Back to top
Weight Loss and Eating Disorders
Ms.
Searles has worked successfully with many clients to develop weight
loss programs that combine behavior modification, nutritional
counseling, and exercise programs with safe herbal teas and
acupuncture. Commitment to long term goals and behavior changes
make serious weight loss possible. Additionally clients who suffer with
nervous eating disorders -anorexia, bulemia - often find help from
regular acupuncture treatments.
Back to top
Immunity Building during Chemotherapy or for Autoimmune Conditions
Chinese
herbal medicine and acupuncture has been used for centuries to increase
immunity and vitality. Adequate levels of healthy B and T cells
are called to respond to destroy bacteria and viruses effectively.
In modern day society our immune systems constantly are
challenged by inadequate rest, improper diet, food additives, over
stimulation, stress and environmental pollutants. Additionally,
those clients who are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapies for
cancer immune deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions find that
acupuncture promotes their vitiality and reduces nausea and body
discomfort.
Back to top
Gynecology - Menopausal Issues - Pregnancy
One of
Chinese medicine's greatest strengths is the understanding that the key
to woman's health is her menstrual cycle. Specific herbs and precise
acupuncture protocols have been developed to address woman's health
issues. Issues around infertility, morning sickness, irregular
period cycles, painful periods, PMS can be addressed by
acupuncture, and chinese herbs. Additionally, perimenopausal and
menopausal symptoms associated with changes in hormonal activity can be
addressed by traditional herbal formulas, with little or no side
effects. Many women find relief of symptoms such as night sweats, hot
flashes, mental fog, and vaginal dryness without HRT (Hormone
Replacement Therapy).
Back to top
Qi Gong / Home therapies
Qi gong
is an energetic practice which combines mental intention with
repetition of simple movements. Qi gong promotes self-healing,
relaxation, and mental clarity. Particular exercises are prescribed to
address particular health problems. Patients are given specific
exercises and meditations to do at home to facilitate acupuncture
healings.
|
