ACUPUNCTURE

Energy circulates throughout the body along defined pathways, called meridians. Points on the skin along these meridians are energetically connected to specific organs and functional systems. If this energy circulation is disrupted, optimal function is affected, resulting in pain or illness. Acupuncture points are stimulated to balance circulation of energy, which in turn influences the health of the whole person.

Research has shown that acupuncture regulates many systems, including the nervous, digestive, immune, respiratory and endocrine systems.  The World Health Organization (WHO) states acupuncture is effective in the treatment of over 50 conditions, and the National Institute of Health (NIH) has cited acupuncture to be useful in the treatment of chronic painful conditions.

Because acupuncture needles are quite thin, about the size of a hair, solid, and nothing is injected through them, acupuncture is a painless process. Blue Ridge Acupuncture uses the highest quality needles which are both sterile and disposable, and Torrey is very skillful at insertion. Most patients don’t feel insertion.

In some cases it is not necessary to use needles at all. When treating children or sensitive adults there are other effective techniques. If you have any concerns please call our office.

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is an important part of Oriental Medicine.  In fact, in contemporary China, internal medicine is the prescription of Chinese herbs.

Many conditions are most effecticvely treated when combined with Chinese herbs.  Since ancient times, acupuncture and chinese herbal medicines have been used in conjunction to significantly augment the effect of the other.

Many of the formulas we use in our office are modern adaptations of formulas used successfully for thousands of years.  Because the Chinese herbal formulas are designed to treat the root cause and not just treat the symptom, they are prescribed based on a Chinese Medical diagnosis, according to an individual’s tongue and pulse assessment.  Oriental Medicine is not a “one size fits all” medicine.

Blue Ridge Acupuncture and Herb Center only use companies whose manufacturing processes meet or exceed international standards for safety and are made to pharmacological standards rather than supplements, which do not come under the same stringent regulations.

 

HEAT THERAPIES

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion or “moxa”  is an Oriental medical heat therapy used to strengthen weak organs. It  Involves burning an herb, Chinese mugwort, over specific acupuncture points.  Moxa can also be used for certain types of pain syndromes.  It plays an important part in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet and Mongolia and is believed to pre-date acupuncture.

INFRA RED HEAT THERAPY

Teding Diancibo Pu, which roughly translates as special electromagnetic spectrum, is better know as a TDP lamp. The TDP mineral lamp emits below visible light emissions across a mineral plate coated with a blend of 33 trace elements that are also found in the human body. This increases micro circulation and loosens fascia to accelerate the natural healing process of the body.

Clinical evidence confirms that far infrared heat therapy reduces inflammation, calms pain, improves micro circulation, and balances metabolism.

 

NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENTS

After years of clinical experience, Torrey has found that many patients with chronic conditions have underlying nutritional deficiencies. Every tissue needs specific nutrients to heal and regenerate. Naturopathic and mainstream research is used to guide individualized nutritional protocols.

Nutritional Assessments we offer:

TISSUE MINERAL ANALYSIS

Hair analysis is an invaluable screening tool which allows an individualized program of diet and supplementation to be designed.
Minerals are involved in almost all enzyme reactions and activate neurotransmitters and hormones. This screening provides a blueprint with scientific accuracy.

Hair analysis can identify:

• Trace element deficiencies.
• Heavy metal toxicity
• Cellular energy levels
• Kidney and liver stress
• Adrenal and thyroid activity
• Trends for over 30 health conditions

 

FUNCTIONAL BLOOD CHEMISTRY

Functional blood chemistry (F.B.C.) is preventative medicine at its best. F.B.C. can             detect inflammation and disease on average two years before the arrival of symptoms.  Reference ranges in conventional blood work are often based on a bell curve of the US population, which the World Health Organization continually rates as having one of the lowest general health indexes of any industrialized nation.

Functional ranges indicate a healthy range, which is determined by modern research.  This is vital because many health problems can be prevented or resolved with natural medicine and early detection.

 

 

SALIVA TESTING

Saliva testing can give us valuable information into how well your body is function. It does not require a blood draw and there are no risks to patients. Saliva collections are convenient and can be done at work or at home.

Why is it important to test hormone levels?

Hormone production is the natural method by which endocrine glands control much of the body’s function. Their function may be weakened or increased, disturbing the body’s balance and function. Appropriate testing of hormone levels can identify these disturbances and provide bases for remedy.

How accurate is saliva testing?
With an accuracy of 92-96%, saliva testing is more accurate than blood testing. The free, rather than the protein-bound, hormone  is considered to be the active component; hormone levels in saliva will reflect free hormone concentration.

Female Hormone Panel:  Useful for Detection of Luteal Phase Defect and Estrogen Dominance, which are characterized by a progesterone/estrogen imbalance, and associated with PMS, infertility, and fibroids.  Also used for cycle irregularities (painful or heavy periods or following the use of birth control pills), early pregnancy problems, migraines, cystic ovarian disease, early osteoporosis.

Adrenal Stress Index:  The adrenal gland does not secrete its steroid hormones at a constant level throughout the day, rather released in a cycle known as the circadian rhythm.  Abnormal rhythms influence many functions of the body, including energy production, muscle and joint function, bone health, immune health, sleep quality, skin regeneration, thyroid function, and grain intolerance and stress response.

Food Intolerance Panel:  Food intolerance (or sensitivity) is an abnormal response in the intestine to certain foods, resulting in inflammation, and may increase risk of autoimmune diseases and cancer, as well as accelerate aging.        Gut manifestations of food intolerance include:  Diarrhea or loose stools (most common symptom), constipation, gastro-esophageal reflux (acid reflux or GERD), malabsorption (inability to benefit from the food we eat), and changes in intestinal wall integrity (allowing foreign bodies access beyond the gut which normally does not occur).  Malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies:  mouth ulcers, nausea/vomiting, gas, and IBS. Symptoms beyond the gut affect the skin (hives, dermatitis, rash, eczema), respiratory (runny nose/congestion, asthma, sinusitis), Heiner Syndrome, headaches/migraines, sleeplessness, irritability, and others.

 

Gastrointestinal Health Panel:   Presently, the risk of being infected or infested by pathogenic organisms through food and water is ever-increasing.  This is due to a variety of reasons including:  immigration, frequent overseas travel, importation of vegetables and fruits, lack of a health policy to screen food handlers, outdoor excursions, agricultural pollution, and pets at home.  Panel includes:  pathogen screening for bacteria, fungi, yeast and various parasites, and various tests to evaluate gut health.