The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

In addition to needle insertion along the meridians, Dr. Vaelli offers many modalities in the tradition of Chinese Medicine including cupping, moxibustion, dry needling, auricular therapy, herbal medicine, gua-sha, tui-na, shiatsu, pediatric shonishin and mei zen cosmetic acupuncture.

Herbs can be effective on multiple levels, are non-addictive, present few adverse effects compared with pharmaceutical medicines and are suitable for all ages.

Dr. Vaelli is trained in both western and Chinese herbal medicine and enjoys finding a constitutional herbal formula for her patients that is specific to their needs. She believes when taking herbal medicines and/or supplements that “less is more.” Often people are taking too many herbs and/or supplements. It is easy to read about the benefits of one product or the other and before you know it you are on a myriad of herbs and supplements. With too many herbs and supplements, your body gets easily confused and overwhelmed and the therapeutic benefits of each product are diminished. Let Dr. Vaelli help you find the formula that is right for your specific constitution. She also helps her patients rotate their herbal formulas throughout the seasons, supporting their specific health needs at different times of the year.

Medical nutrition therapy is a dietary intervention that is used to prevent or treat health conditions that are caused by or made worse by specific eating habits.  It’s hard to ignore the link between nutrition and health. You may follow the standard American diet, appropriately abbreviated as SAD, regularly consuming foods like pizza, burgers, fries, ice cream and soda OR you may follow a vegan diet, eating only organic foods… Both may cause gastro-intestinal upset and other imbalances in your body. 

Dr. Vaelli’s form of nutritional therapy centers around three things:

1. Food Sensitivity Testing and Elimination

(learn more about our food testing here!)

2. Gastro-intestinal health and integrity of the gut mucosa so that your food can be well digested and absorbed

3. Eating according to your specific constitution and according to the seasons

For meal planning and recipes, specific weight loss plans and individualized nutrient evaluation – Dr. Vaelli will refer out.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are 5 elements – Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. Every person can fit, for the most part, into one of these 5 elements. Every one of us could become healthier and bring our bodies out of dis-ease and into ease and balance when we consume more of the foods that are specific for our constitution and less of the foods that are harmful for our constitution. It’s that simple!

The seasons are also reflected in the 5-element system. Eating according to the seasons will bring about improved health and vitality. Learn how. Schedule an appointment today.

There are also foods that are both beneficial and harmful for specific conditions you may be experiencing including blood sugar imbalances such as diabetes or hypoglycemia; gastro-intestinal disorders such as IBS and Celiac; blood disorders such as anemia, poor circulation or menstrual disorders; and other conditions including cancer, arthritis, asthma, MS and skin disorders.

Visit our Specialized Laboratory Testing page HERE

Results that you can expect from Cosmetic Acupuncture:

• reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
• leveling of deeper wrinkles
• a more balanced, vibrant complexion
• reduction of acne or rosacea
• lifting of the beginnings of jowls
• increased elasticity and tone of your skin

Additional health benefits include:

• reduction in hot flashes
• reduction in mild anxiety or depression
• better digestion (important for lustrous skin)
• more restful sleep, reduction in insomnia
• mental clarity and renewed focus

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture is the true anti-aging medicine. It is based on prevention. It focuses on preserving a youthful appearance and internal wellness at all ages. Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture is therefore perfect for people in their thirties who want to preserve their youthful appearance and for women and men over 40 because it reduces wrinkling, increases skin tone, improves the jaw line and much more!  By improving the skin’s health and elasticity as well as improving the state of your overall health, Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture revitalizes you from the inside out.  It will make you look and feel younger! 

The Cosmetic Mei Zen Facial combines the 45 minute acupuncture treatment with a soothing and revitalizing facial and massage.

In a typical cupping session, glass cups are warmed using a cotton ball soaked in alcohol that is placed inside the cup. This removes all of the oxygen, which creates a vacuum.

The cup is then placed over a specific area of the body, most often the back, neck and shoulders but can also be placed on the chest for respiratory conditions, the stomach for digestive disorders and the thighs and legs for pain syndromes. The vacuum that is created anchors the cup to the skin and pulls the skin upward on the inside of the glass as the air inside the jar cools. Drawing up the skin has the effect of opening up the skin’s pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, break up obstructions and create an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. It allows the layers of tissue – the skin, fat, fascia, muscle and bone – to separate from each other, breaking up adhesions and scar tissue and creating space between the layers to promote the movement of blood and Qi and to alleviate pain.

Depending on the condition being treated, the cups are either left in place for 5 to 10 minutes (stationary cupping) or will be moved around the area by the practitioner (running or gliding cupping.)

Cupping may be used to treat tight and/or painful areas in your body; respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, colds and flues; arthritis; gastrointestinal disorders; and is used as a general detoxification treatment. It has also been shown to alleviate depression and anxiety, treat insomnia and increase over-all energy and well-being.

For our team members, click HERE

For team members, click HERE