Acupuncture

Acupuncture balances the body's "qi" or vital force, to optimize its flow. Thin stainless steel disposable needles are inserted into specific points along the body's energetic pathways or meridians. Most people find the treatments relaxing and energizing. Chinese herbal formulas help prolong and enhance the benefits of acupuncture treatments.

Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago and is presently used as a primary health care modality throughout the world. Thin, sterile, disposable, stainless steel needles are used to direct and stimulate energy flow (known as Qi) to create balance in one's natural energetic patterns. Traditional Chinese medicine views disease as the result of an imbalance or blockage in the body's natural energy flow. Such imbalances manifest in physical, emotional, and psychosomatic stress-related disorders. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture disperses blockages in the energy flow, allowing the body/mind/spirit to function optimally, enhancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Also included in traditional therapies are nutritional and lifestyle assessments, as well as suggestions for supportive herbal or homeopathic remedies, Oriental massage techniques, and moxibustion (technique of stimulating acupuncture points with heat). Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes that aches, pains, and other disease conditions are only symptoms of a deeper, underlying imbalance and takes the whole person into account (not just the symptoms) in developing individualized treatment plans.

Acupuncture has been found useful in treating the following chronic and acute disorders, as acknowledged by the World Health Organization:

Computerized Health Assessment

An exciting new approach to health assessment is revolutionizing the way health care practitioners work with clients. Computerized Health Assessment (also known as Electrodermal Screening) is a safe, highly individualized method of measuring the body's electrical conductivity at acupuncture "endpoints" on the fingers and toes. Using this method, the health of all organs, glands and tissues can be evaluated. Furthermore, the body's response to a remedy can be measured before administering it. This minimizes unpleasant reactions and helps identify key solutions that direct the body's healing processes. The test is quick, painless and you don't even have to get undressed!

One particularly useful application of this new technology is sensitivity testing. A large array of foods and environmental allergens can be tested quickly and accurately allowing the individual to either avoid the allergen or begin allergy elimination treatment.

Many chronic health problems may be the result of underlying toxicity. Computerized Health Assessment uncovers the core causes of today's health concerns. Disorders such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic fatigue, depression, hormonal imbalance and recurrent infection are often dramatically improved once the underlying toxin is identified and detoxification begun.

Treatment may include:

• Nutritional or lifestyle adjustment
• herbal remedies
• flower essences
• homeopathy
• nutritional supplements
• digestive enzymes

Fertility Enhancement

Research studies have shown that acupuncture can successfully treat both female and male infertility.   Acupuncture can be beneficial whether you are trying to conceive naturally or with Assisted Reproductive Technologies like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Chinese Medicine can enhance one’s fertility in a number of ways.  First, it can improve ovarian function and strengthen the quality of a woman’s eggs.  Second, it can balance hormone levels and regulate the menstrual cycle thereby improving a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant.  Acupuncture can also help increase blood flow to the uterus and support the implantation of a fertilized egg.  In addition, acupuncture can help sustain a healthy pregnancy, significantly decreasing the risk of miscarriage.  Finally, the treatments are so relaxing that they can relieve the stress, anxiety, and depression often associated with trying to conceive.

The treatments are painless.  An acupuncture needle is a solid, stainless steel, sterilized, disposable instrument, as thin as a strand of hair.  Needles are placed at specific points on the body, restoring balance to the body, mind and spirit.  The treatment is an energetic process that stimulates the life force in our cells, organs, bodily fluids, and, by extension, the instruments of creation – our hormones, eggs, and sperm.

The treatments complement Assisted Reproductive Technologies such as In Vitro Fertilization or Intra Uterine Insemination.  Here at Meridians, we work with you and your physician to enhance the chances of a healthy pregnancy, adding an acknowledged, centuries-old Eastern approach to the wonders of modern Western fertility therapy.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Meridians and ask for an initial consultation with Njemile Carol Jones, L.Ac.  (pronounced “n-jeh-MEE-lay”).  Njemile is a licensed acupuncturist, specializing in Fertility Enhancement. Phone 301-977-7762 or send an email to: info@meridianshealth.com  

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Hypnotherapy

Through the proper use of hypnosis, one has the ability to access the power of the subconscious mind, that place that stores and holds our true desires. Most people are truly unaware of how much power the subconscious mind contains. Outwardly, we state that we want changes in our lives, whether it is the desire to stop smoking, lose weight, increase our self-esteem or confidence level, or to be happy and loved. Subconsciously, however, this may not be true. We may subconsciously hold on to undesired weight as it keeps us safe or protected. What, we say, how can this be so? I would never want that. Consciously, no, we would not. This is where the proper use of hypnosis is very valuable. How wonderful and powerful it is to reveal what truly exists in the subconscious mind. One cannot change what one does not know.

Hypnosis is a safe, relaxed way of assisting an individual to create their desired result. Hypnosis can never make one do something they are not ready or want to do. While under a state of deep relaxation, one is always aware of what is being said and shall remember what was said by the hypnotherapist. During this relaxed state, one can experience heightened awareness and concentration because the subconscious mind is alert and responsive. It is extremely effective in assisting an individual to break unwanted habits and build self-confidence, self-esteem or stay calm and centered during times of stress.

The results of hypnosis vary with each individual. Often, within the first visit, clients will experience a shift. However, for most people, positive suggestions and affirmations need to be reinforced. Sometimes there is a need to adjust the technique. NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) helps to re-enforce positive habits and helps the body/mind to remember the subconscious programming. This is particularly effective with phobias. Eye movement, a hypnotic technique used while awake, helps keep the conscious mind active, while the therapist directly works with the subconscious mind, using positive affirmations and suggestions.

So the question remains, can hypnosis work for you? Yes, it can. Hypnosis has been proven to assist clients in smoking cessation, weight loss, and other unwanted habits, such as nail biting. It can help manage stress and improve one's self-confidence and self-image. Hypnosis can be used to improve memory retention and learning skills, resulting in better grades and higher education. Or hypnosis can be used to simply calm the spirit and bring the inner be-ingness into balance.

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Lymphatic Drainage

Utilizing a device known as the Light Beam Generator, photon beams of light are directed into key "ducts" in the lymphatic system to "declog" the channels and enhance vital immune functions.

For more information, visit www.lightbeamgenerator.com.

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Massage Therapy (Swedish & Deep Tissue)

Massage is a therapeutic approach to healing that applies different massaging actions to the soft-tissue structure of the human body. Some strokes are long and soothing to reduce stress and tension held in the body. Other techniques, like deep tissues massage, are very helpful in reducing pain and deeper muscle tension. Massage can help the body remove toxins, deliver nutrients to tissues and cells more efficiently and recover from strains and trauma more quickly.

Therapeutic massage has many physical, mental and emotional therapeutic benefits. It encourages well-being and optimum functioning by promoting relaxation, improved circulation and mobility of joints

Blood and lymph circulation are also increased due to the mechanical hand movements applied during massage. In addition to helping nutrients reach their target cells in the body, increased circulation helps the body remove toxins more efficiently.

Massage also improves range of motion in the joints as well as overall mobility. Friction strokes are extremely effective in breaking down adhesions, particularly following sprains, fractures or other injuries where scar tissue may form.

Massage promotes relaxation through the release of endorphins and enkaphalins. These neurochemicals are dubbed “the body’s natural opiates, “ or painkillers, due to their ability to induce relaxation and reduce pain. While stress has been shown to impair the functioning of the immune systems, making one more susceptible to disease, massage can alleviate and counteract its damaging effects

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Foot reflexology works on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet which
correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. Reflexology is a
gentle pressure on these reflex areas to: relieve stress and tension; improve blood supply and promote the unblocking of nerve impulses; help the body normalize
overactive and underactive glands and/or organs.

Reiki —Energy Healing

Reiki is a gentle, noninvasive, yet powerful "laying on of hands" healing technique that enables the practitioner to channel healing energy to the recipient.

The knowledge that an unseen energy flows through all living things and directly affects the quality of health has been part of the wisdom of many cultures since ancient times. The existence of this "life force energy" has been verified by recent scientific experiments, and modern day medical doctors are considering the role it plays in the functioning of the immune system and the healing process.

The Japanese word REIKI (ray-key) means Guided Universal Life Force Energy. Reiki is one name for this energy that exists within all life. It can be drawn through the hands by an experienced practitioner. Reiki incorporates a series of attunements that the practitioner receives, and techniques that the practitioner uses, to transmit this energy to themselves and others. A REIKI treatment is a wholistic experience that will effect changes within the body, mind, and emotions. REIKI is often used for stress reduction and relaxation, to improve health and the over all quality of life.

Thought to have originated in Tibet thousands of years ago, it was rediscovered by a Japanese Monk in the mid-1800's. Since that time it has been successfully used on thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the world.

A REIKI treatment is deeply relaxing and soothing. A treatment feels like a wonderful warm radiance that flows through you and surrounds you. It creates many beneficial effects including feelings of peace, security, happiness, and well being. It can be used to helping to restore vital energy levels, heal illness and ease discomfort. It has also been widely used to successfully aid the body and mind in quick and easy recovery. With each treatment and with each person it is a unique experience. All you need to do when receiving a treatment is to relax, have an open mind and heart.

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Special Energy Therapies


BioGenesis® Energy Session

BioGenesis is a Quantum healing technique that uses first level energy and the eight rotational energy transformations to treat disharmony at the mind, body and spirit levels. The BioGenesis Energy is held in glass tools and wheels. Clients hold the wheels or place them on areas of their body and the BioGenesis tools assist the energy field to accept the energy and utilize it for creating harmony throughout the mind, body and spirit. Clients may choose to carry wheels of certain energy in their pockets after sessions to allow for continued assistance between sessions. (Please note: We have seen several interesting outcomes with this work and are aware of some impressive clinical anecdotes. In the small usage in our practice we have been very encouraged. We are conducting our own clinical case studies in 2003 using volunteers for further testing.)

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Medical Thermal Imaging

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Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Is an acupressure therapy that involves your tapping sequentially on acupuncture meridian endpoints on your body while addressing a distressing thought, feeling, or craving. Developed by a psychologist thirty years ago, EFT can help with anxiety, anger, fears, phobias, focus problems, weight-loss, physical pain and many other conditions. It is successful in reducing, or alleviating, cravings and addictions of all kinds, especially to cigarettes, foods, harmful habits, etc. It can improve work, school, sports, and arts performance. EFT is easy to learn, does not involve drugs or equipment, has long-lasting effects, and benefits most people. Once learned, it becomes a valuable life-skill to be used in many circumstances. In a 90 minute individual or family session, you will: understand the philosophy and science of EFT, learn the tapping sequence, customize EFT for your own issues, and learn its many uses.

Two hour classes of 4 or more participants are occasionally offered, TBA.

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FootSpa® Session

An innovative machine called the FootSpa® safely draws internal toxins out through the feet as they rest in a lined tub of warm saltwater with an ionizing device called an array. This procedure creates an ionizing efect that draws bodily toxins out of different systems of the body through the feet. The water will turn various shades of brown and will contain residues like tobacco, toxic chemicals of all kinds, heavy metals, yeast, mucus, and more. The FootSpa® is a valuable adjunct to your personal  wellness program. Its benefits include: reduction of bodily toxic load, strengthening of the immune system; raising the pH to a more alkaline level; and it often creates a sense of well-being. It is also beneficial to have a handbath which may help with arthritis symptoms by removing toxins in the joints. Having any kind of holistic, relaxing body work beforehand like Reiki, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, reflexology, etc., will help the body to more readily release toxins during a FootSpa® session. Sessions take 35-45 minutes.

Contraindications to having a FootSpa® session are if you: are pregnant or nursing; have artificial hips, knees or bodily pins (you may feel discomfort); are an organ donor recipient;  have had blood clots or are on blood-thinning medication;  have an open wound on your foot. People with diabetes or congestive heart failure do well with a footbath because it helps their bodies internally cleanse, a task that is sometimes hindered by those diseases.

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Natural Health Consultation

A natural health consultation provides a client with educational information to support them in their healing quest whether it be for disease prevention or to address an existing health issue. The philosophy of complementary medicine is that we all have innate, natural healing abilities within us if we provide ourselves with a basic healthy lifestyle that includes wise nutrition, adequate exercise,  sunlight, fresh air, and plenty of pure water. If one or more of these aspects is missing or deficient in our lives, we may become out of balance on either the mental, emotional or physical levels. Homeostasis is the desired level of harmony and balance that allows us to experience more happiness, joy and satisfation in our lives, and to withstand the stresses that are associated with daily living.

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