SERVICES

Treatments Offered

• Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
  
• Pain Relief
  
• Harmonizing the body
  
• Regulating Fertility
  
• Facial Rejuvenation

Occupational Therapy

• CranioSacral
• Visceral Manipulation
  
• Neurological Treatment
  
• Sensory Integration
• SAMONAS Auditory Intervention
• Kinesio Taping®

Physical Therapy

• Manual Therapy
• Back Rehab Program
• Neuro-developmental Therapy
• Joint Mobilization
• Gait Training

Massage Therapy

Download Price List

SERVICES / Acupuncture

A natural therapy developed around 5000 years ago as part of Oriental Medicine. Research shows that Acupuncture improves blood flow in the local area and decreases sensitivity of the brain to pain. Acupuncture is effective for backaches, knee pains, sports related injuries, stress, blood flow, cramps, headaches, regulating hormones, reproductive dysfunctions, side effects of cancer treatments, nausea, and inflammation. Oriental Medicine principles can be applied to techniques that do not require needles. GuaSha is a scraping of the skin, dermal bleeding helps to release toxins. Cupping is applied to improve local blood flow. Magnets, pressure points, TuiNa and manual techniques are also available.

Nutritional and Herbal Support
Eating the right foods to support nutritional needs can make a big difference in health and wellness. Chinese Nutrition, Food Energetics, individualized education for food selection, herbs and supplements are tailored to support healing. Natural

Treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese medical theory incorporated geomancy, herbs, acupuncture, Qi-Gong, astronomy/astrology, Tui-Na, diet/lifestyle, and moxabustion to address imbalances of the five elements and eight principles. Each of these modalities can also be categorized into the elements and the three levels of heaven, man and earth.  These treatments fit into the Ba Gua Hexagrams of the I Ching, one system fitting into another one, neatly and seamlessly. These are brief overviews of the modalities available to the traditional practitioners of Chinese Medicine.

Eight modalities and Ba Gua

1. Elemental Fire- Moxa
Moxabustion is the use of heat as a healing modality originating from the north of China where the cold is a constant environmental factor. Medical texts of Ma-Wang-Tui from 168 A.D., was the earliest mention of burning mugwort plants used for cauterization of the skin. Huang Ti Nei Jing mentions the use of moxabustion as the first choice of treatment to move Qi and blood in treating stagnation. It was part of a treatment plan for systemic illness, such as cold in the uterus for infertility. Heat infused into the meridians via the points can clear channels, nourish Yang energy when depleted, and expels cold. Using rolls of cigar shaped mugwort, the practitioner can either reinforce the Qi by pecking motion or reduce by using a sweeping motion. Moxabustion has been expanded to include sunshine, heat lamps, and medicinal substances mixed with mugwort to minimize the smoke. Moxabustion is reported to promote longevity, vitality, and health. In America the use of moxabustion is held over an acupuncture point or burned on the top of the acupuncture needle to infuse heat deeper into the meridian. Direct moxabustion is not usually used due to the burns it causes. Another common instrument of moxa heat is the TDP lamp invented by a physicist named W. B. Gow. In the 1970’s, discovered that ceramic factory workers did not suffer from arthritis, or cancer and appeared to have a longer life span than expected. He researched the factory using a spectrometer. He detected a spectrum wavelength of 2 to 25 micrometer, a frequency of 33 known trace elements and 43 chemicals bonded to a black clay deposit. Today, the TDP lamp is one of the most common methods of transmitting heat treatments in Chinese medicine (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf2/k020851.pdf).

2. Elemental Metal-Acupuncture
Acupuncture was not always made of metal implements. It was thought that the first puncturing device was made of stone called Bian stone. A crude stone with a sharp end to lance boils, released pus from skin, and served to exorcise the evil spirits from the victims. Literature from the early records noted arrows that were used to kill evil spirits, implying a sharp tool. Meridians for the path of Qi within our bodies were first noted in the second century B.C. and mentioned in the Huang Ti Nei Jing as three hundred holes located along lines of the body. These lines and holes differ in the Nan Ching. Modern research using electrical conductivity has verified the presence of these meridian and points were acting as electrical signal transmitters. Dr. Z. H. Cho, the inventor of the PET scan used it to demonstrate the wide impact the sensory feedback of acupuncture has on brain function and hormone release. Today, acupuncture is acknowledged by the World Health Organization as being beneficial in treating over 45 different diseases.

3. Elemental Earth-Foods
Diet is one of the earliest and most primitive forms of natural healing. Most of the world and throughout history, having enough to eat was a diet. There was not a choice until methods of storage, drying, fermenting and preservation were developed. The functions of food, besides caloric, were formally studied along with herbs. The two are so closely related there is little separation except for herbs that are used specifically for medicinal purposes and never casually as sustenance. In the T`ai-Su version of the Huang Ti Nei Jing, there is a chapter on foods characterized into colors as yellow, green, black, red, and white. Flavors were also noted as sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and acrid. The actions of the foods within the body were also specified for hardening, collecting, dissipating, calming, and moistening. The Su-Wen version also added the thermal influence of warm, hot, cool, and cold properties to food. These foods were categorized according to the five elements and Yin Yang qualities. Guidelines were provided to regulate the intake of these foods with appropriate increase during illness or limit according to the symptoms.
 
4. Elemental Wood-Herbs
Herbs were studied as they were applied to wounds and injuries and as for supplying the body with necessary substances for longevity. Ch`in Shis Huang Ti, the first emperor of China heard reports of an herb reported to allow commune with the gods, impart immortality, and even revive the dead. An expedition was sent to the East to obtain this illusive herb, but no further results were recorded. The mythical figure of Shen-Nung was the “Devine Husbandman” and the father of herbs. It was thought that he originated the planting of millet, grain, wheat, barley, and rice. The Chinese were the first recorded civilization that invented the seed drill to retain seeds, the plow, and irrigation. It was Shen-Nung that tasted the different plants and herbs to discover the flavors, actions, and medicinal properties of over 300 herbs. His original works have been lost, but there are references to Shen-Nung in 206 B.C. The categorizations of herbs into functions are not by species or family but rather by energetic properties. Modern investigations of herb functions have verified the chemical properties and actions of over 300 of the herbs commonly used in Chinese herbal formulas. Effectiveness and appropriate use are verified in research in Western and Chinese pharmacology with hundreds of references in the well known database of PubMed.

5. Elemental Water-Tui Na
Tui-Na means to push and pull. The Tui Na modality is categorized as a water element due to the medium of the body being 75% water. This may be lower percentage than average as most Americans are chronically dehydrated. Asian body work was mentioned as a treatment in the medical texts unearth from 168 A.D. at the Ma-Wang-Tui graves. Massage treatment is inseparable from the basic theory of Yin, Yang, Five Elements, internal and external manifestation of organ diseases. Tui Na is the manual movement of the meridian’s Qi and blood to balance the five elements within the organ systems. It is used for trauma, regulate stagnation and release excess. Using over 100 different techniques from tapping, pinching, rolling, kneading, grasping, and pulling to name a few, Tui Na specialists are experts in using their body as instruments. The daily routine of practitioners includes Qi-Gong to protect them and to gather Qi. Herbal liniments are often used to treat blood and Qi stagnation and to facilitate healing.  Tui Na is the theoretical basis for Shiatsu and acupressure, of which Reflexology is the most well known. It is the modality of choice for children and effective for common colic, fevers, and digestive problems.

6. Heaven-Astrology
Consulting the Heavens is a specialty of medicine practice since the beginning of time. The original explanation of disease attributed to unseen spirits that harried the people. Shamans were consulted for divination. The Chinese were the earliest astronomers and plotted the skies long before the Western world discovered the world was round. They theorized the body followed circadian cycles and timed the cycle to various organ systems. They linked women with the Yin of the moon and the menstrual cycle, a fact noted by the Chinese by 206 B.C. in the Huang Ti Nei Jing. Out of a complex integration of the I Ching and the astrology chart of the heavens, came a theory of open acupuncture points according to the person’s sky chart at the time of birth. There are also specific points called Window of the Sky which links heaven to earth, letting spirits in or out of a person, and treating emotional diseases of spirit possession.  Tibetan healers put so much faith in astrology charts that all health and disease is linked to the individual person’s birth charts. Diseases ebb and flow according to the time of the organs, season, stars, individual’s chart, and time of treatment.

7. Earth-Geomancy
Geomancy was better known in America as Feng Shui which means wind and water. Having the perfect location was priceless in real estate, even more so for a farmer to have adequate water and open space for a good harvest. The science of locating a home, a gravesite or a farm depends on several factors. The placement of the mountains to the north, the availability of water to the south, wind breaks on either side, to provide a sheltered yet open area which was an ideal location. Originating during the demonic era, professional geomancers were often consulted to locate just the perfect spot to bury one’s parents, or loved ones. Elaborate measurements and use of compasses detailing hundreds of factors are used to line up the magnetic lines. Consultation of the stars, measuring of the trees and brush, sighting of the flow of the sun across the land are all taken into account before a decision can be made. Sometimes the geomancers would require changes to correct the bad signs or hanging of trinkets to entice the wind and Qi to abound. A good location could bring fortune, peace and happiness to a family whereas a poor location could mean strife, misfortune, and poverty. Early geomancers used reference to spirits, and animals to represent to quality of the positions rather than semantic of seismology. Historically, the Chinese are the first to discover magnetism and invented the magnetic compass. It was also known that there are natural magnetic resonances from the ground that can be detected by people sensitive to energy. As more people are becoming aware of energy healing, they are increasingly aware of energy in the environment. Feng Shui has enjoyed resurgence in America recently since Grandmaster Lin Yun began teaching it in Hong Kong and the United States in 1973.

8. Man-Psychology
Proper relationship to each other was vital to a healthy society, taught Confucius. In many respects, he was correct in that man’s relationship to man can cause great suffering or great joy. The names and titles he formulated for Chinese society still prevails today in Asian cultures all over the world. His was the Yang version to the Yin of Lao Tzu’s Tao to be one with everything. Confucius taught that man was above woman, he was the head of the household with the first born son and subsequent sons after in ranking order. The titles given specified which side of the family and in which birth order you were in relation to another person. Respect and responsibility fell into place accordingly. Propriety in behavior meant that each person had to behave in accordance to the position they held. Fidelity meant being true in speech and in action as the family name and a reputation was affected by each individual’s actions within the society. Benevolence was to have compassion for all. It was not tolerance for misconduct, but an honorable, person to person compassion, irrespective of rank, wealth, education, or cultural background. Confucius taught that you should do unto others as you would have them do unto you, on the other hand, if they mistreated you, an eye for an eye applied.

One can argue that this paternalistic view of family dynamic was the stuff of psychotherapy, the source of teenage rebellions, and fosters abuse of power and sexism. Confucius would argue that a lesser man who was unenlightened would lean toward that path but the upright man would strive for honor and correct relationships. He was an optimist who believed the nature of the Emperor would dictate the nature of the people. In believing in the status quo, and the balance of societal control, he depended on the character of the rulers to define the behaviors of the people. If the Emperor was base in behavior and abused his power, he believed chaos would reign in society and a reform must take place.

Kung Fu Tzu was credited with saying: The mark of a benevolent people is that they are reluctant to speak. They know that they themselves could not follow. The mark of a wise people is that they are free from anxiety. They know how they should live, and they live as they know; so they have no cause for anxiety. …Help others to discover their own abilities and virtues; help them find the goodness within their own souls. Help them to suppress that which is bad within them.

Download Price List

SERVICES / Tailored Solutions to Chronic Aches

If you suffer from muscle and joint problems, Vital Points Therapy is here to help. Our team is skilled in treating a wide variety of problems, including sports-related injuries, arthritis, and back, neck, knee, and shoulder pain. Muscle and joint pain can severely limit you and affect your quality of life. Exercises, manual therapy, body work or acupuncture might be the solution to your pain.

Over 80 million Americans suffer from back and neck pain. Many wait an average of 6 months to a year before seeking help and, by that time, a nagging pain becomes a chronic irritant, sapping energy and increasing the stress of life.

What you may not know is that inflamed trauma to the soft tissues is often be the root cause of chronic pain. Injuries, even old ones, can cause inflammation, poor structural alignments, adhesion of the connective tissues in the body, and poor circulation.

A slip on ice, a twisted ankle, a car accident, surgery and infections can affect your balance and movement. Instead of going away quietly, these imbalances tend to have far ranging and varied symptoms.  Your chronic neck pain may have its source in a fallen arch or a knee that was injured years ago.

Physical Therapy can correct your physical alignment.  Total Motion Release, exercises that correct connective tissues, might be the solution to your pain. We also offer orthotics to correct the biomechanics of the foot. Manual Therapy facilitates the healing of the connective tissues, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic system, allowing the body to heal naturally. Focusing can be utilized to assist the Mind/Body interaction and improve awareness of emotional aspects of pain.

Acupuncture improves blood flow and nervous function and has been shown to bring relief to back pain sufferers. We recommend Acupuncture for pain relief and neurological training so the can body to react to stress in a more efficient way.

Our Occupational Therapy staff is trained in Manual Therapies like CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and Lymphatic Drainage.  These techniques relieve physical symptoms to restore your ability and function. Instruction in adapting daily routines can make the difference between being independent and having to hire help, giving up a favorite activity, or returning to work.

At Vital Points Therapy, we assess the whole body, taking into account your posture, your muscular and skeletal structure, your health history, and your lifestyle.  Don’t wait any longer to get pain relief.

Download Price List

SERVICES / Headache and Migraine Pain

The most common type of headache is a tension or muscle contraction headache, which most people experience at least once a year. Some clients may experience tension type headache every day. About 18% of the population suffers from migraine headache, a type of neurovascular headache in which pain can be severe and disabling. Migraine is a throbbing or pulsating headache, usually felt on one side of the head. It may be accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or noise and may last from 24 to 72 hours, often causing major disruption in a client’s career and family life. All types of headache are caused by a complex combination of impaired structural alignment, biology, hormones, diet, lifestyle, sleep, and stress. Headaches are often a result the liver being overloaded with toxins.
 
At Vital Points Therapy, we believe the best treatment for headache pain is a comprehensive approach.

• Education
• Exercise
• Massage
• Manual Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Herbs and Nutrition
• Relaxation training
• Lifestyle modification
• Purification Program

Our dedicated team can work with your physician and in conjunction with any medications your doctor may have prescribed for you.

Download Price List

SERVICES / Cancer Complications / Lymphedema

Treatment options for women diagnosed with breast cancer vary per individual case. Procedures may include lumpectomy, lymph node removal, partial or full mastectomy with or without reconstruction. Cancer patients may also undergo radiation and chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan. Two possible complications of the above treatments are frozen shoulder and lymphedema.

A frozen shoulder is often painful and results in loss of functional use of the upper extremity. Lymphedema is persistent swelling in the arm and often the chest region which can limit function. Lymphedema is a lifelong problem which if addressed appropriately is very manageable. Both of these complications are well managed by specialized physical therapy. Treatment consists of an individualized combination of manual therapy, modalities, exercise and education. Compression bandages and/or garments are also recommended for individuals with lymphedema.

Surgery, Chemotherapy and radiations may also leave survivors weak, scarred and literally burned out. A gently program of Manual Therapy, Acupuncture and Nutrition can begin that road to recovery by addressing the need to speed healing, remove toxins, improve circulation, and restore balance.  
 
Because you deserve a well-rounded program, Vital Points Therapy has Integrative Manual Therapists specializing in lymphedema and an oncology-based rehabilitation program for cancer treatment-related impairments.

Download Price List

C-Section - Cesarean Sections and Side Effects of Adhesion

One in four women who give birth in the United States will have a Cesarean Section (c-section), however, of these surgeries; no less than 50 to 85 percent will develop adhesions related to the scar. When a laboring mom has a c-section, there usually is already a flood of hormones. Heightened emotions, possibly adrenal, cortisol and other bio-chemical mix in the milieu at the time of surgery contribute to scar formation.  A c-section cuts across the connective tissues of the skin, peritoneum linings, protective layers of the abdominal muscles, past the lining of the omentum, and the muscular body of the uterus, revealing the newborn. Each layer of organ and connective tissue must heal separately if they are to migrate back to their original positions. Structurally, the uterus recedes back into the pelvis from the abdomen. All the layers of the abdomen slide past each other to allow for the traffic as individual organs and tissues complete this postnatal dance. These adhesions can cause further complications that are not recognized as a single cause.

What happens over time is even more alarming than the short term scar. The adhesions respond to increased tension as the adhered uterus attempts to slide back behind the bladder. At times, it will pull the layers of the abdomen with it, folding into a visibly puckered shelf. As the connective tissues continue to pull and tighten over time, the myofascial train is affected. A Myofascial train is a group of connective tissues that translate pressures in sequence to protect the body much like the arches transfer load to the pillars. A pressure or stress can travel along these lines to protect the body from a strain that is concentrated in one area. This process also transfers the stress and creates referred pain distal to the site of injury. The body naturally tries to encapsulate an area of injury with a membrane, increase fat layers, and lay down tougher fibers. The resulting adhesion limits the tissue’s ability to move lymph, exchange cellular metabolism, and bio-chemical regulations. Fibroids, cysts, and tumors may be the results of the connective tissue’s protective response. One study indicated that 25% of people with a region of adhesion may develop tumors over several years.

Some subtle sign of systemic problems are:

• As these pictures illustrate, poor posture
• Spinal, neck or back pain
• Sleep apnea related to increased angle of the throat
• Poor digestion due to decreased motility of the intestines.
• Shallow breathing,
• Headaches
• Teeth grinding and TMJ problems
• Hormones out of balance and become less effective due to poor tissue movements
• Scar in the abdomen clearly shows the fold of adipose
• Poor emptying and frequent urination.
• Coughing or any exertion can cause leaking of urine.
• Changes with the menstrual cycle
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea
• Increased incidence of fibroids, cysts, tumors
• Nerve pinching and numbness

How then should we treat adhesions and scars?  Manual therapy, medical Qi Gong, acupuncture, nutrition, and gentle stretching will start to untangle the mechanical stress, relieve the systems most burdened, and feed the tissues to allow cellular repair. Seek a specialist trained in Visceral Manipulation, CranioSacral, or Integrative Manual Therapy to address the structural adhesions. Like the picture of the wooden dowels rearranging themselves after being given slack, our connective tissues will reorganize with the right technique. Tensegrity is the principle of correct tension creating the form and structures of our bodies. Gently releasing the tension allows the body to self correct. These insidious adhesions impact multiple systems and create symptoms that may be very far from the original trauma, but the damage can be corrected with consistent and persistent treatments over time. Better posture, improved digestion, better breathing, regulation of the autonomic and hormone system, better circulation, and improved nervous system function are all possibilities with the correct gentle techniques, exercises, and diet.

References:

Paoletti, Serge, 1998, The Fasciae, English edition 2006, Seattle, WA, Eastland Press, Inc.

Calias-Germain, Blandine, 2003, The Female Pelvis, English edition, edited by Blandine Calias-Germain and Allan Kaplan, Seattle, WA, Eastland Press, Inc.

Visceral Manipulation , Jean-Pierre Barral and Paul Mercier, Eastland Press, Seattle,1988.

Trauma, An Osteopathic Approach, Jean-Pierre Barral, Alain Crobier, Eastland Press, Seattle, 1999.

Atlas of Human Anatomy, 2nd Edition, Frank H, Netter, Novartis, East Hanover, New Jersey, 1997.

Anatomy Trains, Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists, Thomas Myers, Harcourt Publishers, London 2001.

Download Price List

SERVICES / Digestion / Nutrition

Vital Points Therapists are dedicated to educating you on simple changes that can save your future health and that of your family. Come in and learn how nutrition can change your energy level, digestion, elimination and your ability to concentrate. Acupuncture and visceral manipulation are offered to address digestive functions. We offer individual coaching and help you make connections between the diet and lifestyle. Our therapists will assess the mechanical state of the digestive system to improve bowel function, improve stomach and gastro-intestinal movements, and regulate the sphincters.

What role does nutrition and diet have in these problems? The standard American diet or SAD includes 1-3 servings of vegetables and fruits per day, 2 to 6 (12 oz.) of syrup, food coloring, caffeine and preservatives, hydrogenated fats in every meal, and 4000 mg of sodium with 6 to 10 grams of fiber fortified with iron, calcium, and folic acid. Half of the things we consume are not in a state that is recognizable to our digestive systems. We need better foods to nourish our gut in order to produce blood, energy, grow, and repair our cells, DNA, and detoxification.

Over 40% of Americans are classified as obese. We are one of the world’s most abundant producers of foods, lacking nothing in choices and selection in our grocery stores, yet our nation is one of the unhealthiest in the world for obesity related diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Side effects of medications to control the diseases mentioned above includes multiple musculoskeletal pains, fatigue, poor sexual libido, insomnia, and brittle bones.

Our youth are not immune to this problem of poor nutrition and unhealthy diets. It is estimated that over 60% of young adults are obese and will be the first generation to have a shorter life expectancy than we, the parents. For the first time in statistics keeping of this sort, we will see our children die of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, kidney failure and other obesity related illnesses. 

Acid reflux and GERD may be related to poor mobility of the stomach, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. Mobility of the gut also influences the ability to eliminate waste resulting on chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. The gut produces 90% of the serotonin for our brains. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter than helps us to enjoy life, relax and experience joy. A happy gut produces a happy child.

Zantac, Pepcid, Axid, or Tagamet are some of the common medications that are prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for reflux, a condition given a name as intimidating as GERD or gastric esophageal reflux disease. Psychotropic medications and stimulants, such as Ritalin, use among children less than 20 years old showed a 606 percent increase in use (from 0.36 percent in 1987 to 2.54 percent in 1996). The use of stimulant for children as young as 2 years old has tripled over the decade. Multiple diagnoses of depression, behavior disorder and eating disorders are also being treated in addition to attention deficit. Incidence of Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome has increased 1500 percent in 20 years. Something is wrong in our lifestyle.

Download Price List

SERVICES / Stress Management

75%-95% of all visits to doctors are the results of "reaction to stress" as estimated by The American Institute of Stress.  The accumulated effects of stress range from minor aches to major health concerns, such as heart disease, digestive disorders, respiratory and skin problems.   
 
Oriental Medicine teaches that the Seven Emotions are related to organ functions and blocked energy related to those meridians can contribute to illness.  Stress is often caused by conflicting thoughts and feelings that get lodged in one's subtle energy system, including fear, worry, doubt, anger, and anxiety.  Medical research has determined that continual stress can block the body's natural ability to repair, regenerate and protect itself.   
Vital Points Therapy offers both group classes and one-on-one instruction to treat the whole person: body, emotions, mind and spirit.  These services, including Focusing, Reconnective Healing, Acupuncture, CranioSacral Therapy, and Meditation classes, all have many beneficial effects and work in conjunction to relieve stress and promote recovery.  So if it's relaxation and a feeling of peace, security and well-being you are looking for, call us and we'll help you find the therapy or class that is right for you. 

Download Price List

SERVICES / Infertility

If you're having trouble getting pregnant, it can feel like you're all alone, but in actually one in ten couples seeks infertility treatment. At Vital Points Therapy, we can give you the holistic support you are looking for. Our Acupuncturist and Therapists have been successful in working with many couples in treating infertility.  Both men and women are treated with gentle acupuncture protocols and nutritional counseling. Treatment can take place along with IVF/IUI in conjunction with your physician, and unassisted with acupuncture and herb formulas to aid your body in conception.

Our Physical and Occupational Therapists are trained in manual techniques that can relieve the pain of adhesions, surgery, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and prolapsed uterus. Research shows that 60 to 90% of post surgical patients develop scars and adhesions. A history of infections, ruptured cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disorders can cause adhesions that interfere with the body’s ability to conceive. Manual Therapy has been shown to help with pelvic adhesions, unblock fallopian tubes, improve alignments, visceral motility, circulation of blood, lymph, and hormones, to restore function and improve chances of fertility.
Acupuncture has been reported to increase endorphins, the "feel good" brain chemicals. It has also been reported to improve success rates of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), by improving egg quality, regulating hormonal response, increasing the uterine lining, and decreasing the anxiety associated with fertility treatment. 
 
If you have difficulty conceiving, integrating conventional reproductive medical therapy with manual therapy, nutrition, lifestyle modifications and acupuncture may significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Regulation of menses, lowering stress levels, and suggesting exercises appropriate to your lifestyle are our primary focus in supporting your efforts to become pregnant.  

Download Price List

SERVICES / Pregnancy and Post-Partum Care

Pregnancy can put tremendous stress on the body and often results in painful conditions in the back, pelvis or upper body. Sometimes problems can persist after delivery. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are often unable to take medications.  
Our program offers individualized treatment of the pregnant or postpartum woman consisting of exercise, manual therapy, body mechanics training, nutrition, and education designed to reduce pain and improve function. Our Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy utilized Manual Therapy services that are effective in treating common pelvic pain and dysfunctions often experienced in a pregnancy.  Acupuncture and herbal therapy, may also provide support for managing hormone related depression (post-partum depression or “baby blues”), anxiety, and other emotions that often accompany pregnancy and new motherhood. 
 
Our team includes CranioSacral and bodywork specialists who are trained to address the special concerns of the pregnant client.  We also offer Nutrition, Infant Massage Classes, Baby Wearing Classes, and one-on-one personal training for both pregnant women and "new moms" wanting to get and stay fit.

Download Price List

SERVICES / Pediatrics

Vital Points Therapy offers an integrative approach to health care based on modern western medicine and scientifically-grounded alternatives, including nutrition, functional medicine, Physical, Occupational, Speech Language Therapy and Acupuncture. Our therapists are pediatric specialists who are Early Intervention Specialists.

Pediatrics in TCM: Pediatric clinics in China today use these traditional methods to treat everything from colds to epilepsy, digestive upset to mental retardation. Chinese Medical Pediatric Healthcare is effective for:

• digestive problems, constipation, diarrhea, improving appetite, and food allergies
• asthma and respiratory allergies
• upper respiratory tract infections, cough, colds and flu
• earaches and sore throat
• emotional disorders, sleep issues and stress
• nocturia and enuresis
• attention disorders and learning disabilities
• maintaining general health and well being, and developing immunity

In addition, Chinese Medical Pediatric Healthcare is a helpful adjunct to standard medical treatment for such situations as:

• juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• epilepsy
• traumatic injuries
• mental and physical developmental disorders

In traditional texts, children are considered deficient in: 

• Spleen Qi: susceptible to GI illness and nutritional problems; 
• Lung Qi: susceptible to exterior insult (cold, dampness, etc) and frequent lung problems (URI’s, etc.)

There are 2 main modalities within Chinese Medical Pediatrics: Pediatric Tui Na and Pediatric Herbal Medicine. In addition, Chinese Medical Pediatrics includes diet and lifestyle consultation.

The Acupuncture meridian system and many of the Acupuncture points, as used in an Acupuncture treatment received by an adult are not fully developed in young children. The meridians begin to mature at about 12 years of age, and become fully mature in the teenage years, therefore many of the acupuncture points that are often used for treating adults are not as effective when treating children. Traditional Chinese Medical Pediatrics as it is taught and practiced in China today very rarely uses Acupuncture treatment in young children, and then only for severe and/or difficult conditions. 
 
Pediatric Tui Na is a specialized massage technique that is applied to specific reflex zones on the limbs and torso of the child. The treatment effects positive changes in the physiology and psychology of the child being treated. Pediatric Tui Na treatment directly stimulates individual organ systems, eliminates pathogens and activates the immune system, facilitating the body’s own natural healing abilities.
 
In the case of infants and toddlers, these reflex zones are primarily located on the fingers, hands, and lower arms. As the age of the child increases, acu-points and reflex zones on the legs, torso, and head may be used as well. 
 
Chinese Medical Pediatric Tui Na is convenient, safe and effective. Infants and young children respond particularly well to this treatment.  
 
Chinese Medical Pediatrics also includes the use of Herbal Medicine. Herbal treatment in Chinese Medicine is extremely complex, with hundreds of natural substances being used to create customized formulations. These formulations vary greatly in their uses and applications and are created based on the constitution and the presenting symptoms of the child being treated.

Pediatric Acupuncture: In general, acupuncture is of limited use in children due to needle phobia and pain. Interestingly, a recent study3 showed that after first session most children (ages 6-18 yrs) described their acupuncture experience as “weird” but not uncomfortable.  
 
When compared to acupuncture in adults, pediatric practitioners use small, solid needles (36-40 Gauge), fewer needles per session, an in-and-out technique (instead of keeping needles in place). Non-invasive techniques such as acupressure, massage and various brushes and scrapers may be used as alternatives to needles on the same points. Many techniques can be taught to parents for home use. Emphasis is also placed on diet and herbal therapies.

What to Look For in a Pediatric Practitioner

Look for a licensed acupuncturist with at least one year experience in pediatrics who treats at least three children a week. Credentialing and licensure can be verified online at NCCAOM.ORG. Our Vital Points Therapy acupuncturist has treated children for over 20 years both as an Occupational Therapist, mother, an Oriental Medicine Practitioner, and most recently as a grandmother.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services:

Sensory Integration: Our senses include touch, hearing, sight, taste, smell, gravity, joint and muscle movement. SI is a neurological process that provides us with the ability to combine all of these senses and enables a child to appropriately interact with people and their environment. Sensory integration is a part of normal development for most children through play and everyday activities. In children who lack the integration we see development delays, learning deficits, feeding difficulties, and behavior problems. These deficits may occur due to their inability to process sensory information appropriately.

CranioSacral: A gentle form of manipulation that facilitates the movements of the cranium, spinal column and the sacrum to improve circulation, restore balance and improve biological function. CST is effective for colic, headaches, restoring cranial shape from a traumatic birth, decreasing hyperactivity and sensory sensitivity.

Visceral Manipulation: A gently technique taught by French Osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral to facilitate correct relationship between organs and the connective tissues, Visceral Manipulation is specific placement of soft manual forces to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues. These gentle manipulations can improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.

Neuro-Developmental Treatment™ (NDT): NDT is the primary treatment technique for individuals with central nervous system impairment such as children with cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury. NDT evaluates a person’s movement to determine the focus of therapy. Therapeutic handling is used to assist in the facilitation of typical movement to gain function.

SAMONAS Auditory Intervention: SAMONAS is an auditory stimulation program using scientifically and artistically structured music and sound. This individualized program uses the auditory system to stimulate and organize all other senses and the brain’s response. The results are improvement in auditory processing, communication, social skills, sensory integration, self-regulation, motor planning, attention, memory and writing skills.

Kinesio Taping®: This involves the use of a special type of tape that is applied to the skin over a specific muscle or joint. This tape can be used for several purposes, but its most common use is to facilitate an increased use of the proper muscles to perform specific movements for an extended period of time. Due to increased use of the muscle, strength increases and the quality of movement improves.

Pediatric Speech Language Therapy:

Oral Motor/Intensive Feeding Therapy: Due to medical complications, many children do not develop oral skills required to coordinate sucking and oral exploration during early development. A lack of oral skill development often leads to difficulties in feeding. We work with feeding on all levels from enteral to oral feeds. Some children are not born with feeding issues but develop feeding problems due to sensory impairments, sensory-motor impairments, or failure to thrive. These children may have oral aversion, limited food choices, poor appetite, poor intake or weight gain. After an extensive evaluation, the best individualized treatment approach is chosen and implemented.

Cognitive Therapy: Children with speech/language impairments may also have cognitive deficits. Cognitive impairments may present areas of weakness in memory, perception, reasoning/judgment, attention, and problem solving. Speech-language pathologists work with children to improve their overall “thinking” skills.

Fluency/Stuttering Therapy: Persons who stutter can be taught to use fluency enhancing techniques to reduce or eliminate the occurrences of stuttering during spontaneous speech.

Vocal Therapy: May involve correcting abnormal pitch, loudness, resonance, and/or quality of voice that interferes with communication.

Language Therapy: Children may have difficulties comprehending and/or using spoken and written communication. Deficits may be identified in the form, content, and function of the language system. Functional language approaches focus to improve the child’s ability to communicate basic wants and needs. Improving the overall use of spontaneous communication, social skills, vocabulary improvement, syntax, and grammatical understanding and use are also commonly treated.

Articulation/Phonological Processing Therapy: This treatment corrects inappropriate productions of standard speech sounds due to incorrect placement of the lips, tongue, teeth, velum, and pharynx.

Pediatric Physical Therapy:

Orthotics: Custom fitted orthotics support and correct biomechanical foot function in young children with low tone, flat feet, foot pain, and improve athletes’ performance.

Manual Therapy: Children often have pains, Torticolis, scoliosis and poor coordination that can be treated with manual therapy. Manual Therapy releases restriction in connective tissue, to uncover protective mechanisms and heal the underlying issues. Any symptom tells us that the body has tried to adjust and protect itself as best it can. Pain happens where pressures and forces and tensions collide - often from those same accommodations. We help the body release those restrictions, uncover the protective mechanisms, and heal whatever the body is protecting.  

Total Motion Release: Total Motion Release follows a basic principle of trusting what the body wants to do – trying not to stir up resistance. The body knows what its doing, even in producing symptoms.  So wherever possible, we want to follow the body's wisdom. If there's an ache, soreness, stiffness or tightness in the body, or if you have unevenness in range of motion,  can find a movement that is easier, less painful, or has more range on one side than the other, the TMR exercises – done on the good side – can help. The exercises are equally applicable to the young and the restless. It worked with one extremely gifted high school soccer player, and the improvement in his range of motion, ease of play and stamina was very fast.

Download Price List

SERVICES / Massage Therapy

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing.  Massage therapy is often referred to as bodywork or somatic therapy, refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular and soft tissues of the body, which includes applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using hands, forearms, elbows or feet.  All of the techniques are used to benefit the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body.

Physical and Mental Benefits

Asian Bodywork

Asian bodywork is a general term that describes multiple forms of bodywork that originated from Asian countries and/or cultures. Some of the better known forms of Asian bodywork are Shiatsu, TuiNa, Medical Qi Gong and Thai Massage.  These techniques incorporate the Oriental Medical system of meridians, balance of the elements, energies and emotions of the different organ systems.

Download Price List

SERVICES / Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives.  Occupational therapy assists people in developing the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives.

Services typically include:

• Improve ability to perform daily activities
• Home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
• Performance skills assessments and treatment
• Adaptive equipment and training
• Guidance to family members and caregivers

Some of the health conditions that benefit from OT include:

• Low back problems
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Limitations following a stroke or heart attack
• Neurological deficits
• Arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis/chronic conditions
• Birth injuries
• Learning problems
• Developmental disabilities
• Mental health
• Behavioral problems
• Alzheimer's
• Post-traumatic stress
• Substance abuse recovery
• Eating disorders
• Burns
• Spinal cord injuries
• Work-related injuries
• Hand injuries
• Splinting needs custom made
• Vision or cognitive problems

Sensory Integration: Our senses include touch, hearing, sight, taste, smell, gravity, joint and muscle movement. SI is a neurological process that provides us with the ability to combine all of these senses and enables a child to appropriately interact with people and their environment. Sensory integration is a part of normal development for most children through play and everyday activities. In children who lack the integration we see development delays, learning deficits, feeding difficulties, and behavior problems. These deficits may occur due to their inability to process sensory information appropriately.

CranioSacral: A gentle form of manipulation that facilitates the movements of the cranium, spinal column and the sacrum to improve circulation, restore balance and improve biological function. CST is effective for colic, headaches, restoring cranial shape from a traumatic birth, decreasing hyperactivity and sensory sensitivity.

Visceral Manipulation: A gently technique taught by French Osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral to facilitate correct relationship between organs and the connective tissues, Visceral Manipulation is specific placement of soft manual forces to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues. These gentle manipulations can improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.

Neuro-Developmental Treatment™ (NDT): NDT is the primary treatment technique for individuals with central nervous system impairment such as children with cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury. NDT evaluates a person’s movement to determine the focus of therapy. Therapeutic handling is used to assist in the facilitation of typical movement to gain function.

SAMONAS Auditory Intervention: SAMONAS is an auditory stimulation program using scientifically and artistically structured music and sound. This individualized program uses the auditory system to stimulate and organize all other senses and the brain’s response. The results are improvement in auditory processing, communication, social skills, sensory integration, self-regulation, motor planning, attention, memory and writing skills.

Kinesio Taping®: This involves the use of a special type of tape that is applied to the skin over a specific muscle or joint. This tape can be used for several purposes, but its most common use is to facilitate an increased use of the proper muscles to perform specific movements for an extended period of time. Due to increased use of the muscle, strength increases and the quality of movement improves.

Download Price List

SERVICES / Physical Therapy

Manual Therapy:

Manual Therapy releases restriction in connective tissue, to uncover protective mechanisms and heal the underlying issues. Connective tissue is found everywhere in the body – the ECM, the walls of arteries, through tendons, ligaments and fascia to bone. Restrictions are caused by trauma, but also by the body trying to protect an organ or body part. Any symptom tells us that the body has tried to adjust and protect itself as best it can,. Pain happens where pressures and forces and tensions collide - often from those same accommodations. We help the body release those restrictions, uncover the protective mechanisms, and heal whatever the body is protecting.

Neuro-developmental Therapy

Joint Mobilization

Gait Training

Download Price List