SERVICES

Chiropractic

When properly aligned the body functions optimally: muscle tone is balanced, movements are smooth and effortless, circulation is unobstructed, nerve function is unimpaired and Qi flows freely. When there is misalignment, movements are painful and restricted, muscles are overstretched or contracted, swelling and circulatory problems can occur and muscle weakness results if nerve function is impaired.

Through postural analysis, palpation, muscle testing and traditional orthopedic and neurologic examination the function of the joints of the spine and extremities can be evaluated and areas of restriction and impaired function located. Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy can then be applied to correct any misalignments and restore musculoskeletal balance.

Because the soft tissues of the joints are affected (tendons, ligaments, fascia, etc.) specific therapies must be applied to these tissues to fully restore joint function. Trigger point therapy, soft tissue massage and myofascial release are some of the techniques combined with the osseous adjustments. Specific stretches and corrective exercises are then used to maintain the corrections and prevent recurrence.

Cox Technique® (Flexion-Distraction)

This is a Chiropractic technique that utilizes a special table that can distract (stretch) the spine while putting each vertebra through a gentle range of motion. It is a manual technique performed by the doctor with the assistance of the table. A step by step protocol is followed to determine what the patient can tolerate and then this very gentle but very effective treatment is applied to the spine. This technique is excellent for treating all types of back pain complaints and is especially effective for treating lumbar and cervical disc problems, spinal stenosis and post-surgical back pain.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on the premise that the free flow of life energy, called Qi, and Blood are the key to vitality and health. Anything that impairs the flow of Qi and Blood or affects the quantity or quality of the Qi and Blood will result in imbalance and illness. Because what we eat and drink and how we deal with stress (emotional or physical) will affect our well-being: all of these things must be considered in evaluating a patient and developing a comprehensive treatment plan. As a holistic practitioner, the acupuncturist will address all of these factors in assessing and treating each patient. The treatments consist of the inserting of very fine needles along the energy channels of the body to balance the flow of Qi and Blood so that health can be restored. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for neurologic, muscular or joint pain and cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urogenital and dermatological conditions.

AMMA Therapy®

AMMA Therapy® is a form of Oriental Bodywork based on the same Traditional Chinese Medical principles as Acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism. It involves the manipulation of the energy channels and their points using circular digital pressure and point pressure (acupressure). As a holistic treatment, it aims to balance the body’s energy and restore and maintain health through specific hand techniques and dietary, exercise and lifestyle recommendations. AMMA Therapy® can provide a wide range of effects on many levels, from deep relaxation, to reducing swelling and muscle spasm, to improving blood, lymph and Qi circulation, to promoting proper organ function. This therapy is effective in treating headaches and joint pains (neck, back, shoulder, knee, etc.) as well as respiratory, digestive and urogenital conditions. The practitioners at NSWG have special training in this form of energy balancing bodywork and have many years of clinical experience in providing this therapy.

Therapeutic Massage

The healing power of touch is well documented. We all instinctively rub an area that is has been injured, to provide physical and emotional relief. Therapeutic massage is the application of various hand techniques on the skin, fascia, muscles and other soft tissues of the body that assist with relaxation and can help treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems. Massage is an effective treatment to reduce swelling and muscle spasm, promote blood and lymph circulation, restore range of motion and relieve pain. The licensed massage therapists at NSWG are trained in both European and Oriental massage techniques and specialty treatments like Reflexology and Pregnancy Massage.

Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release

The craniosacral rhythm of the body is generated by the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The rhythmic pumping of the fluid produces a cyclic movement of the cranial bones and sacrum through their meningeal attachments. This rhythm is then transmitted through the entire body via the myofascia- the connective tissue which surrounds every muscle, bone and organ in the body. Physical and emotional trauma is absorbed and held in the myofascia producing pain, stiffness and loss of function. By assessing the speed, quality and symmetry of the craniosacral rhythm one can detect imbalances and restrictions in this system. Gentle hand techniques are then used to restore and balance the rhythm and remove the myofascial restrictions. Chronic pain conditions, chronic stress conditions and many musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions respond well to this therapy.

Trigger Point Therapy

Over exertion, over stretching, chronic stress or tension and exposure to cold can all lead to the development of painful “knots” in muscles. These knots are actually localized areas of inflammation and swelling within the muscles fibers. These trigger points lead to the weakness of the muscle, reduced range of motion of the associated joint(s) and referred pain. Deep manual pressure is applied to these tender points to push the swelling out and allow fresh blood to flow into the area. This is followed by gentle stretching to restore normal muscle function. When properly applied, this treatment produces an immediate reduction of pain and an increase in the range of motion in the restricted joint(s).

Nutritional Counseling

Foods provide us with nutritional sustenance and well as emotional comfort. They supply the basic materials for all of our bodily functions and provide signals that control the expression of our genetic potential. What we eat will directly affect how we feel and how healthy we are.

Nutritional counseling provides an individual with the information they need to make the right food choices so that they can experience the healthful benefits and satisfaction that a healthy diet provides. Some foods can promote inflammation and stress the immune system: others can turn off inflammation and regulate the immune system. Learning about the nutritional values of foods, how to read food labels and develop a healthy menu is essential to understanding what and what not to eat. This information combined with an understanding of one’s metabolism and specific nutritional needs can lead to a new perspective on health, wellness and proper eating which can result in incredible improvements in chronic degenerative conditions like arthritis, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Diet analysis and testing for body mass index, body fat percentage and hydration status are used to determine certain excesses and deficiencies. Food allergy testing, comprehensive stool analysis and nutritional blood analysis can also be used to determine specific dietary and supplement recommendations to correct any imbalances.

Functional Metabolic Testing

The body is a complex of interrelated organ systems whose functions are integrated to maintain homeostasis. Imbalances can be corrected, dysfunctions resolved and injuries healed when everything is functioning properly.

Metabolic testing provides insight into how theses various systems are functioning and what is necessary to correct any problems. Testing involves blood, urine, saliva or stool samples which can be assessed for carbohydrate and fat metabolism, vitamin status, liver function, neurotransmitter levels, oxidative damage and intestinal dysbiosis. An imbalance in any of these parameters can lead to a number of clinical complaints including headache, fatigue, arthritic pain, allergies, irritable bowel, general toxicity and a host of other chronic conditions. Lifestyle changes and specific nutritional and supplement recommendations can be made to address any abnormal test results and lead to the resolution of any health complaints.

Facial Rejuvenation Treatments

This treatment regimen includes a series of acupuncture treatments as well as dietary and supplement recommendations to increase the flow of Qi and Blood to the face, remove wrinkles and improve overall health. Sometimes referred to as “cosmetic acupuncture” or “acupuncture face lift”, the treatment is a more holistic approach offering both men and women an alternative to surgical procedures and chemical injections.

In addition to the health promoting benefits that acupuncture provides,

Facial Rejuvenation Treatments also produces positive changes in the outward signs of aging that appear on the face. It can help with wrinkles in the face and systemic imbalances in the body affecting the skin. When the body is more balanced, there is a state of well-being and a healthy glow. Some of the helpful effects of Facial Rejuvenation Treatments are:

Improving facial muscle tone
Reducing fine lines or wrinkles
Reducing bags or puffiness around the eyes
Decreasing acne or dryness in the skin
Lifting sagging cheeks, jowls or drooping eyelids
Improving circulation to the face

Facial Rejuvenation Treatments are an effective, less expensive approach to improving one’s appearance. As surgical and chemical approaches can leave permanent disfigurement, acupuncture is a safe alternative to creating a more vibrant and healthier state of well-being.

Infertility Treatments

This is a holistic approach to correcting infertility problems using lifestyle and dietary changes, AMMA Therapy®, stress management techniques, acupuncture and herbal or vitamin/mineral supplements. The National Institute of Health cites studies showing over 50% success rates for use of acupuncture for infertility. The use of acupuncture combined with other holistic methods can offer significant outcomes for women trying to conceive. Acupuncture improves hormonal balance, improved ovulation rates, menstrual regularity in women as well as an increase in sperm count and motility in men.

Holistic approaches can be used in combination with other medical infertility treatments to enhance the effectiveness of conception and pregnancy.

This approach may provide the following benefits:

Improved hormonal balance thereby increasing opportunity for conception and sustaining pregnancy
Correction of breech position of the baby
More comfortable labor and postpartum experience
Ease of anxiety of birthing process
Reduced morning sickness