Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, has been used for over 2,500 years, and has been gradually integrating into our western health care system.  TCM is effective is because it treats the root of the problem, which in turn alleviates the symptoms one is experiencing.

Many people have heard of acupuncture “points” and “meridians”, but haven’t had a clear explanation of how they function in the body.  There are several meridians in your body, which you can think of as a network of pathways for qi, or energy, and nutrition to flow through to nourish cells, tissues, glands, and organs.  They traverse the whole body, which allows us to use acupuncture points to treat corresponding areas of the body.  Acupuncture is the insertion of extremely thin needles into specific points to stimulate the movement of qi, or energy, in the meridians.  This promotes the body’s self healing mechanisms.

What we do…

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, has been used for over 2,500 years, and has been gradually integrating into our western health care system.  TCM is effective is because it treats the root of the problem, which in turn alleviates the symptoms one is experiencing.

Many people have heard of acupuncture “points” and “meridians”, but haven’t had a clear explanation of how they function in the body.  There are several meridians in your body, which you can think of as a network of pathways for qi, or energy, and nutrition to flow through to nourish cells, tissues, glands, and organs.  They traverse the whole body, which allows us to use acupuncture points to treat corresponding areas of the body. Acupuncture is the insertion of extremely thin needles into specific points to stimulate the movement of qi, or energy, in the meridians.  This promotes the body’s self healing mechanisms.

Qualities unique to TCM:

  • Treatment modalities are natural and non-invasive, and promote the healing processes of the body.
  • There are many diagnoses per disease, so each individual’s diagnosis and treatment is unique.  For example, a headache is not just a headache.  There are several possible TCM diagnoses for headache, depending on the cause.
  • Contrary to western belief, there is no mind-body duality.  Each organ is associated with an emotion, therefore, through treating the body, we can also treat the mind.

The initial treatment is 90 minutes, during which I will obtain a full health history and history of your present ailment, palpate your radial pulse, on the inside of your wrist, and look at your tongue. The tongue and pulse are two of the main diagnostic tools used in Chinese medicine.  They reflect the condition of the organs, qi, and blood.  Once I have gathered the information I need to properly diagnose according to Chinese medicine, I will treat you accordingly with acupuncture, and may prescribe an herbal formula.

  • Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into points on the body to move qi in the meridians, and promote the body’s self healing mechanisms.
  • Needles are single use, sterile, disposable, and very thin.
  • Does it hurt?  The sensation people feel varies.  Most people feel no pain at all, but some feel a slight prick on insertion, which quickly subsides.
  • What does it feel like once the needles are in? The sensation varies from tingling to a dull ache.  These are good signs that qi, or energy, is moving in your meridians.

Dr. Sara Blackstorm Atton,
L.Ac. DTCM

Sara attended Five Branches University and obtained her Doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is a licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist. To say she loves her job is an understatement. She is continually furthering her knowledge of Eastern and Western herbology and medicine. Sara offers personalized therapeutic approaches such as, healthy diet, lifestyle management, and acupuncture modalities including heat therapy, cupping, gua sha, tui na massage, qi gong exercise and chakra balancing/relaxation techniques for the whole family. Her experience covers stress relief and relaxation, peaceful sleep, reduced anxiety and depression, pain relief and injury recovery, respiratory and allergy relief, boosting the immune system, autoimmune disease, women’s and children’s health and much more.

In Sara’s words, “there is great joy in helping people find balance, peace, and healing in their lives. Seeing a person who was in great pain move freely and comfortably warms my heart. I am here to collaborate, facilitate and encourage people to recognize the power of healing that comes from within. We are all on this path together.” As a great sage once said, ‘We are all just walking each other home.’ On the way, sometimes we laugh, sometimes we dance and sometimes we cry. It is all part of the experience, and my hope is to help guide the journey with an ease of heart, mind and body.”

Please contact the Wellness Center @ 831.460.9200 to schedule your appointment today.