Acupuncture
Acupuncture is Melea Alexander’s primary modality. Her tools are sterile, single-use, stainless surgical steel filaments that are as fine as a human hair. A typical treatment includes 5-10 points, mainly on the limbs and extremities; after points are placed, you may expect to rest on the table for 20-30 minutes. Most folks drift off into a peaceful meditative space, or even nap on the table while the needles work their magic.
Moxibustion (moxa) is another component of Chinese medicine. It is a warming technique applied to acupuncture points; it helps relieve muscle tension, increase circulation, and calm the nervous system. Moxa is made from compressed herbs, mainly mugwort, which is a member of the Artemesia family of plants. I use several different types of moxa, depending on diagnosis and other factors. The room smells faintly of “campfire” after the application of moxa.
Cupping and Gua Sha are soft tissue therapies used to help the body recover from injury, illness, or overuse. They are especially helpful where there is chronic tension or pain from physical trauma. Both leave marks called “petechiae”; they are simultaneously therapeutic and diagnostic, so if there is no tension or injury, there will be no petechiae.
Melea also uses botanical and nutritional therapies. Both Eastern and Western herbalism have a place in Botanical Therapy. She utilizes locally sourced single herbs as infusions, or “simples”, per the Western tradition, and include both Classical and Modern Chinese herbal formulae in my practice. Pre-made herbal formulas are all from companies who practice third-party testing for adulterants and contaminants. Nutritional Therapy is based on Eastern principles, drawing on the wisdom of Earth-based cycles: eating whole foods that are fresh, local, seasonal as much as possible, and protecting digestive health by avoiding overly rich, spicy, or cold foods. As healthy digestion is the root of all wellness, these nuances often positively & strongly affect overall health.
Melea Alexander offers acupuncture and these additional Chinese Medicine therapies.