E-Stim: I have found Electroacupuncture, or "E-Stim" (stimulation), to be exceptionally helpful for patients with chronic muscles spasms and pain, neurological disorders, paralysis, and treating nausea due to cancer treatments (if a patient is not too weak). I connect small clips attached to an E-Stim machine onto acupuncture needles that have been inserted into appropriate points. Carefully and slowly, the dials are turned until a light electrical impulse is delivered to the needles at varying frequency and intensity. The patient feels a little pressure, and then a comfortable "buzz" on the needles. The electrical current stimulates the cells and tissues, and because it is attached to the inserted needle, it takes the healing beyond the surface level. This stimulation can positively effect the entire system, since the acupuncture points are chosen for both their local action and wide range action.
“I began acupuncture treatment for an acute gout flair up. The pain was so severe that I could hardly walk. I began monthly acupuncture treatments and I have not had another attack. Beth Ann has controlled my gout, relieved my arthritic knee pain and reduce my back pain. She is personable and has a great bedside manner and she truly cares for her patients. I am a physician and I refer my patients to Beth Ann.”
Moxibustion: Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means "acupuncture-moxibustion." The purpose of moxibustion is to warm and stimulate the meridians, improve the flow of Qi and achieve optimum health.
Auricular (Ear), and Scalp Acupuncture: Reflective of the Chinese Medicine tenet, "The part reflects the whole," outer Ear and Scalp Acupuncture offer access to the entire body system using only one area of the body. Specific points on these microsystems can be stimulated by inserting tiny needles or applying ear seeds or press pellets that can be worn up to a week. I am a NADA certified specialist by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) and have had advanced training in auricular therapy. I find Auricular acupuncture to be most effective for mental health issues such as OCD, stress, addiction, anxiety and depression, though I often use it with body points to treat insomnia, headaches, constipation, and pain.
Scalp acupuncture as a formalized technique is relatively new. It uses thin needles inserted at horizontal or oblique angles (just beneath the skin) to stimulate certain areas of the body. Often, the person moves the intended body area to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood. This can be significantly helpful for neurological disorders such as MS, Parkinson's, stroke and neuralgias. I find Auricular and Scalp acupuncture fascinating and exciting in their healing potential.