Services

The following are services Heather Ellsworth L.Ac. provides. Your treatment protocol may include a few of these modalities. Any technique we use will be further described to you in person if it is deemed beneficial for your condition.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM is an integrative health care system that combines thousands of years of Chinese medicine theory, diagnosis and technique into a standardized system. It includes the use of acupuncture, moxibustion, chinese herbal medicine, massage, cupping, gua sha, dietary and lifestyle advice.
Acupuncture Involves the insertion of hair-thin, sterile, single-use needles into acupuncture points on the body. The acupuncture points are used as gateways to influence the body's qi (pronounced 'chee') or vital energy.
Moxibustion Moxa is another name for the herb Artemisia vulgaris also known as Ai Ye or chinese mugwort. Moxibustion is the use of moxa on or over specific areas or acupoints of the body. It is a warming therapy used to tonify the yang energy of the body and is also very useful in tendon and ligament injuries.
Cupping Uses glass cups to create a vacuum which is applied to the skin. It feels like a massage and acts as a myofascial release.
Chinese Herbalism A 3000 year old system of diagnosis, disease treatment and prevention using natural substances. Herbal formulas are individualized to the patient's unique pattern diagnosis. In my clinic I use either individually formulated granule formulas (powdered herbs that dissolve in water) or patent medications (pills) because patients find these forms the easiest to incorporate into their daily routine.
Zen Shiatsu A Japanese massage technique, the word 'shiatsu' translates as 'finger pressure'. Sessions are performed in light, comfortable clothing. Gentle and direct pressure is applied using fingers, thumbs, elbows and palms on acupressure points and meridians in the body. Satisfying stretch positions are used when appropriate. Therapeutic and relaxing.
Gua Sha Massage using a smooth, round-edged instrument in stroking motions to break up muscle adhesions and release fascia. Increases circulation to the area to relieve pain and stiffness. .
Nutritional & Lifestyle Counseling Coaching in areas of the diet and lifestyle that can optimize health and aid in speedy recovery from illness. Making reasonable goals for improvements.

Specialties

Women's Health and Pain Management.

Women's Health Heather Ellsworth L.Ac. has completed extensive post graduate training in women's health: obstetrics, fertility and gynecology. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective techniques for treating women's health throughout the lifetime. Heather is passionate about providing women a natural option for their common ailments. Women's health conditions treated with Chinese medicine: Menstruation: Amenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, cramps, endometriosis, fatigue, fibrocystic breast syndrome, infertility, irregular menses, painful periods, pelvic pain, PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), stress, uterine fibroids. Fertility: Either on its own or working as a complement to assisted reproductive technology (IUI, IVF) acupuncture has been shown to enhance fertility in men and women. Increases blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, regulates hormones, reduces stress, decreases uterine contractility post IVF embryo transfer. Pregnancy/ Postpartum: Low back pain, constipation, morning sickness, heartburn, anxiety, cervical 'ripening' and labor preparation, pubic symphysis dislocation or pain, scar therapy, postpartum recovery. Change of Life: Perimenopause/ Menopause: Hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, night sweats, menstrual irregularity, fatigue.

Pain Management: Acupuncture is well known for it's effectiveness in treating pain and musculoskeletal disorders. As a long-time dancer and dance teacher Heather Ellsworth L.Ac. has considerable experience and understanding of body mechanics and how misalignment, injury or overuse can cause pain. Heather combines acupuncture with shiatsu massage, cupping, gua sha and moxibustion to provide a wholistic approach to pain management. Pain conditions treated by acupuncture: Motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries Low back pain, neck pain, shoulder tension, muscle weakness/fatigue, muscle tension, numbness and tingling, tennis elbow & frozen shoulder Arthritis and joint pain Headaches, migraines