Our bodies have the capacity to heal themselves, and sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge. Through careful attention, counseling, and examination, our providers determine the root cause of disease and incorporate naturally based modalities to energize and restore the body’s innate capacity for health.
If you’re new to Vitalize, prepare for your appointment and let us check if your insurance provides coverage for the service you chose.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used as general care for most conditions, from colic to cancer.
We offer a variety of acupuncture services, including TCM acupuncture, 5 element acupuncture, trigger point/ dry needling acupuncture, NAET acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage, Mei Zen and Facial Rejuvenation cosmetic acupuncture, moxibustion, facial cupping, body cupping, and more. Inquire with your provider as to which might be the right fit for you and your health.
Western Biomedical Perspective
The needles create tiny micro-traumas which stimulate a healing response. This healing response is expressed by increased circulation, increased endorphins, relaxed muscles, and reduced stress.
Eastern Biomedical Perspective
Pain and dysfunction in the body are caused by a blockage in the flow of Qi (oxygen, function, metabolism) and blood in the body, as well as poor communication between organ systems.
body Cupping & Gua Sha
Cupping is similar to a massage in sensation, as well as its actions on the muscle and fascia layers. Cups are applied to create strong suction, pulling muscle and fascia away from the bone, causing them to release tension, blood, and body fluids from the areas. This allows fresh blood to flow in and nourish. Round bruise-like marks with petechiae are left behind for 0-10 days.
Cupping is also used to break up phlegm in the lungs during a common cold. For this condition, cups are placed on the back or chest. Cups can be left on for 5-30 minutes, depending on comfort and need.
Gua Sha is a topical scraping technique used by physical therapists and acupuncturists to break up scarring and rope-like muscle or tendon. It is excellent for plantar fasciitis, back pain, IT band tension, neck pain, etc.
Massage
1Our bodies are wrapped in a thin connective tissue called fascia. When muscles are used too much or too little, the tension in the fascia layer can form. During injury, the fascia can also be damaged.
Massage is one of the best ways to release tension from the fascia and has a therapeutic effect on both the fascia and deeper muscle layers. Often times patients have a combination of deep tension and superficial tension or injury. Acupuncture can assist the deeper layer, while massage often has a much more intense effect on the superficial layer. Cupping and other massage techniques also provide relief.
We find massage to be a great treatment for motor vehicle accident injuries, de-stressing from the Portland lifestyle, working through aches and pains after intense workouts and training sessions, parents-to-be, and pregnant women.
Pregnancy Massage allows parents-to-be to be comfortable face down on our pregnancy table.
Aesthetics, IPL, LASER
Skin rejuvenation, anti aging treatments, body slimming/contouring, permanent hair removal, personalized nutrition and weight loss support. * coming soon
cosmetic acupuncture
Facial Acupuncture Facial rejuvenation acupuncture has a long history in China. Our 90-minute protocol involves acupuncture points on the body and face as well as gentle facial cupping and qua sha. Acupuncture points are selected for their ability to enhance blood flow to the face, improve muscle tone, balance hormones, and reduce inflammation, as well as target any specific areas of concern. Not only is this great for helping your skin have a healthy glow, but it can also be fantastic for symptoms like jaw pain or sinus congestion.
*Facial cupping and qua sha feel divinely relaxing - and no marks like you may have seen with cupping on the body. Just lustrous, glowing skin!