Services

Acupuncture

Acupuncture enhances the body’s ability to heal itself. This safe, natural, and effective form of holistic medicine can help physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual imbalances. Regular acupuncture sessions help to maintain harmony within the body, mind, and spirit and empower patients to take control of their health and wellness.

Cupping

Cupping is sometimes utilized congruently with acupuncture treatment or as a stand-alone treatment to address areas of stubborn stagnation. Static and moving glass fire cupping are the methods used at Sea Wellness Acupuncture. Cupping addresses issues including bronchitis, asthma, congestion, muscle pain, and more.

Auricular Acupuncture

Acupuncture is performed on the ears as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with acupuncture sessions. Acuseeds or needles are used. With hundreds of points located on the ear alone, auricular acupuncture can be performed in such a way that treats a myriad of conditions from musculoskeletal, functional, endocrine systems, and more.

Certified by the National Auricular Detoxification Association, I am also an AcuDetox Specialist trained to provide a 5-point ear protocol known as NADA that specifically helps with addiction/cravings/cessation, trauma, stress, sleep, shock, anxiety, and general detoxification. The NADA protocol focuses on returning the body-mind-spirit back to a balanced state.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, moxa, is a heat therapy technique that involves burning a dried herb called mugwort to stimulate the effects of an acupuncture point, smooth the flow qi and blood, expel cold and stagnation, and promote healing in the body. Moxa can be used in a variety of ways including direct cone moxa or indirect moxa sticks, needle moxa, and moxa boxes.  With direct moxa, moxa is formed into a small cone and placed on an acupuncture point on the skin.  The moxa is lit with an incense stick, burnt down, removed and extinguished, creating a pleasant warming sensation for the patient.  When using a moxa stick, the stick is lit at one end and either held at an acupuncture point until a pleasant heat sensation is felt or moved around a larger area of the body creating a warming sensation over the area.  When using needle moxa, a needle is inserted at an acupuncture point and moxa is placed at the tip of the needle and lit, creating a pleasant warming sensation that penetrates the skin through the needle.  The scent of moxa is distinct and many patients find the aroma to be therapeutic and relaxing state.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha (pronounced gwah sha) is a healing technique involving the use of a hard, smooth, curved tool to rub the skin. This creates redness to appear on the skin caused by blood and qi stagnation. The redness in some cases may look/feel like light bruising.  However, this stimulates a healing response in the body, relaxes tense muscles, and releases toxins to restore proper flow and blood and qi. Gua sha is used to address the common cold, flus, respiratory conditions, skin issues, musculoskeletal pain, asthma, and more.

Electroacupuncture Stimulation (E-Stim)

Electroacupuncture stimulation is provided by a machine that pulsates a mild electrical current between two points to further stimulate the flow of qi.  E-stim is used as an enhancement to the traditional manipulation of a needle.  The frequency and voltage are adjustable and will always start at the lowest setting.  Tingling and vibration will be felt, however, there should be no pain.  If you feel any discomfort or pain, or start to feel nauseous or dizzy, the current is too strong and you must tell your acupuncturist immediately so the voltage can be adjusted. E-stim is not used on patients who are pregnant, have heart disease, have had a stroke, have a pacemaker, experience seizures or have an epileptic condition, or have any metal in their bodies (screws, plates, rods, etc.)

Acuseeds

Acuseeds are small Vaccaria, metal, or ceramic seeds (depending on the variation) held in place by a small piece of adhesive tape. They are applied to acupuncture points, most commonly on the ears, to stimulate body’s energy in a similar way to acupuncture needles. Acuseeds can mirror the effect of acupuncture needles and can be left in place for up to a week to prolong the effects of treatment. Acuseed therapy can be used to relieve stress and anxiety, improve sleep, mood, and energy, and increase overall wellbeing and is an approved modality through NCCAOM and supported by the University of Maryland Medical System. Full body treatments can be performed with acuseeds and was pioneered by Dr. Colleen Curran, LAc. who successfully integrated it into the treatment and care of patients within the Kauffman Cancer Center at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbalists focus on supporting and maintaining overall health and the root cause rather than soley treating symptoms of a disease. Herbs and botanicals do not “fix” the body, rather they nourish your body’s intrinsic capacity for healing. Herbalists do not follow a one size fits all approach; they are trained to provide individual herbal formulas, along with lifestyle and dietary recommendations from a Chinese Medical perspective. A large part of the practitioner-patient work will focus on learning to listen and respond to the body’s signals. This emphasis on self-care encourages patient’s to develop a deep connection with their body.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is the most widely practiced herbal tradition in the world. It has a rich and sophisticated system of diagnosis to address a variety of conditions. According to the oldest text, herbal medicine can be used for three reasons: to alleviate specific symptoms (the lowest level of treatment), to rectify imbalances in the body (the middle level), and to promote longevity (the highest level). This ancient perspective is within the practice of Sea Wellness Acupuncture as creation of herbal formulations will help to address the complexities of the whole person.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic Acupuncture has become an increasingly sought after treatment due to highly effective, natural, and safe procedures to reduce the signs of aging. The practice itself has actually been around for centuries. Cosmetic Acupuncture can offer many benefits for those who want to revitalize the look and rejuvenate their skin. It builds collagen, tones muscle, improves circulation, and stimulates blood flow with no risk of scars, infections, rashes, or toxic build-up of chemicals.

Unlike traditional cosmetic surgery, Cosmetic Acupuncture uses a holistic approach change the energy flow throughout the entire body, allowing for better sleep, increased energy, and better digestion. When the body is at a more rested, healthy state on the inside, the outside reflects this state with a healthier and more youthful appearance.

Cosmetic acupuncture cannot be done on those who have unmanaged high blood pressure, diabetes, active herpes or acne breakout, or any other active skin condition flare-up, and women who are pregnant. Please let your practitioner know prior to treatment if you have ever had botox, fillers, or any facial surgeries. You must wait at least 4 weeks after botox. Cosmetic acupuncture may cause the effects of botox to wear off.

Microneedling and Nanoneedling

Microneedling treatments are a highly effective, natural, and safe way to reduce the signs of aging that revitalize and rejuvenate the skin. Like cosmetic acupuncture, microneedling builds collagen and elastin without the downtime or risks associated with surgeries or injections.

The AcuLift™ MicroPen used during treatments are safe for all skin types and ages and helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne marks, stretch marks, and improves complexion.

Nanoneedling is less invasive than microneedling and can be done within a cosmetic acupuncture or microneedling session, between microneedling sessions and/or as a standalone treatment. It can be done closer around the eyes and lips. Where nanoneedling shines is by enhancing serum absorption by 97% and gives you that instant glow!

Microneedling can not be done on clients who are on blood thinners, undergoing chemo/radiation, those who have moderate to severe skin conditions, active breakouts, or who get keloid scarring, and women who are pregnant Please avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication, drinking alcohol, or taking fish oil tablets for 48-72 hours prior to your appointment, as this will minimize bleeding.

Facial Gua Sha and Cupping

Facial Cupping and Gua Sha are performed at the end of a cosmetic acupuncture treatment or offered as a standalone treatment.

Facial Gua Sha (pictured) is a technique in which specially crafted handheld pieces of smooth jade are used to invigorate the skin, increase blood supply and circulation, smooth out wrinkles, help to detoxify the face and improve inflammation. It can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as acne, Rosacea, and dark circles and helps to address wrinkles, sagging, and puffiness. By providing increased blood flow to the face, the skin is better nourished and healthier.

Facial cupping is painless and increases local circulation to the face, bringing nutrients to the surface and enhancing absorption of lotions or serums. It also increases blood flow, drains stagnant fluids, eases puffiness, and helps the skin regain its youthful appearance. 

Facial cups are small and can come in various shapes. After applying a special cupping oil, a small cup is either held in place for a few seconds over a deep wrinkle to increase blood flow to the area, or it is moved along the face and down the neck to drain lymphatic fluid and stimulate blood flow. This brings collagen to the surface, thereby reducing puffiness & dark circles, diminishing lines, and draining nasal sinuses and the lymphatic system. The increased local blood supply will bring nourishment to the muscles and skin to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin.