We treat a variety of conditions. Below is a list of some of the conditions we treat. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles inserted into the skin at certain areas to manipulate energy or Qi. Acupuncture clears areas of the body that have excess and draws Qi into areas where it is deficient. In this way, Acupuncture reestablishes balance throughout the body, and through this balance, the body is able to heal itself.Acupuncture treats a variety of conditions. Diseases that acupuncture can treat based on category include: Neurological conditions, Respiratory conditions, Cardiovascular conditions, Gastrointestinal conditions, OB/GYN conditions, Addictions, Psychological conditions, and many more.

Integrative medicine is the act of providing care using conventional Western medicine techniques with alternative Eastern medicine techniques to improve patient care.

When performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist, acupuncture is extremely safe. All needles used are sterile, disposable and used only once. There is minimal chance of getting an infection as a result of an acupuncture treatment. The needles are usually inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth depending on the location of the body and the size of the patient. The needles are retained in position for 15-30 minutes. The needles never go deep into the organ layer of the body, but they can go into the muscle layer of the body. In some cases, a small blood vessel may be punctured and a small bruise may appear for a few days after treatment. Occasionally, patients may experience a slight light- headedness or a “high” feeling  immediately after treatment which resolves within minutes.

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, and insertion of them is usually painless. If there is pain upon insertion, you may feel a prick, but it will instantly dissipate. In many cases, you will not even know that the needles are in place. Once the needles are inserted, they are manipulated gently. When the needles are manipulated, there may be a characteristic sensation of tingling, heaviness, numbness , or movement of energy along the meridians. On rare occasions, certain areas may feel sore after your acupuncture treatment for a day or so.

Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine practice that uses the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being. The inhaled aroma from these essential oils stimulates brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream, promoting balance in the body. There are a wide number of essential oils available, each with its own healing properties.At HIWC, Aromatherapy is used from a Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view. Based on the clients condition, certain oils are placed on certain acupuncture points to provide healing and bring the body back to balance.

Electro-Acupuncture is the use of an electrical micro-current, which is attached to the needles as a means of stimulating the acupuncture points. This method can make the acupuncture treatment stronger.

Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is a ‘reddish, elevated type rash called petechiae. Gua Sha is one technique that intentionally raises the Sha rash or petechiae. Gua Sha can be used whenever a patient has pain, the common cold, flu, bronchitis, and asthma. The area to be Gua Sha-ed is lubricated with oil. The skin is then rubbed with a round-edged instrument in downward strokes. One area is stroked until the petechiae of that surface are completely raised. Areas of the body that this technique is done on includes: the neck, back, shoulders, buttocks, and limbs. After this procedure, the skin will range from pink to purple in the areas that were Gua Sha-ed.

Tuina is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy.  Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques, Tuina seeks to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body to naturally heal itself.

Cupping is a method of causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. Cupping leaves bruising on the areas where the suction took place. Bruising will vary from light pink to dark purple.

Moxibustion is a technique that involves the burning of a specific herb called Mugwort, which facilitates healing. There are different techniques used for Moxa. HIWC uses indirect smokeless moxa. This technique involves lighting the end of a moxa stick and holding it over a certain acupuncture point.

Holistic primary care is an integrative approach that treats the whole person, which includes the mind, body, and soul.  Holistic primary care combines both traditional primary care as well as holistic therapies such as Functional Medicine and Acupuncture. To be considered primary care, a primary care practitioner such as Family Nurse Practitioner must coordinate the care. Here at HIWC, we consider every aspect of the patient’s life to include lifestyle and nutrition. A complete and thorough intake and physical exam is done and then a treatment plan is developed so that the patient may achieve an optimum level of wellness.

Functional medicine looks at the body as a whole and addresses underlying causes of disease and restores normal functioning. Functional medicine improves digestion, bowel elimination, reduces inflammation, improves the stress response, balances hormones, improves metabolism, and improves blood sugar regulation.

IV Vitamin Therapy is a solution with vitamins and minerals specific to the patient’s needs. The vitamins are in much larger doses than are present in multivitamins. Vitamin absorption is greater when given intravenously. To learn more click here.