Shen Dao Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi, or 'vital energy' that flows throughout the body. Energy flows may become blocked or depleted due to physical, emotional or environmental factors. These imbalances can manifest as pain, lack of energy, lowered immune system and/or illness. Very fine single-use, stainless steel disposable needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. The points stimulate nerve fibres which carry electrical impulses back to the brain. This increases blood flow, triggers neurotransmitters and the release of hormones such as endorphins and serotonin. Thus, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.

The benefits of acupuncture include stress and pain relief, improved emotional well-being, stabalized mood, regulated hormones, improved immune system, improved digestion, reduced inflammation, improved sleep, improved circulation, increased energy and overall wellbeing.

Cosmetic acupuncture is a natural and effective approach to rejuvenate your skin’s vitality, giving you a radiant glow. It reduces the visible signs of ageing by triggering a self-repair response in the skin, stimulating collagen production and elastin proteins. This helps to smooth and tighten the skin, decreasing wrinkles and eliminating fine lines. Ultra-thin needles improve blood flow, lymphatic drainage and skin cell micro-circulation helping to relax tension in the face, improve muscle tone, decrease puffiness and lift sagging.

Treatments are based on a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and address the forehead, eyes, cheeks, mouth, jawline and jowl area. Internal imbalances are also addressed helping to improve anxiety, sleep, digestive issues and whole body balance. Each session begins with a gentle organic facial cleanse followed by a blend of face and body needles, botanical oil, gua sha and/or jade roller massage.

Cosmetic acupuncture has a cumulative effect and treatments are best applied in a series of 6-10 treatments, spaced once or twice a week. If you have had botox or filler it is recommended to wait 4 weeks post-treatment before receiving cosmetic acupuncture.

Maara is certified in the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System and has completed advanced training under Dr. Martha Lucas.

BENEFITS

• Reduces stress and tension in the face

• Reduces wrinkles and eliminate fine lines

• Improves facial muscle tone, skin texture and complexion

• Improves blood flow and decreases puffiness, inflammation

• Stimulates production of collagen and elastin proteins

• Smoothes and brightens skin

• Helps lift sagging around eyes, cheeks, jowls, chin and neck

• Reduces the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation

• Prevents and clears acne, decongests the skin, decreases inflammation

• Improves blood flow, lymphatic drainage, skin cell micro-circulation

• Increases exfoliation and elimination of toxins

• Tightens pores and softens scars

• Improves anxiety, sleep, digestive issues

• Whole body rejuvenation, relaxation and balancing

*Cosmetic acupuncture treatments are not recommended during pregnancy.

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is a gentle, hands-on treatment that supports nervous system regulation and the body's innate capacity for healing. It is based on the subtle, rhythmic movement within the craniosacral system – the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

The practitioner listens to and engages with the expression of the craniosacral rhythm and fascial system to detect tension patterns held in the tissues and central nervous system. It encourages the gentle release of these restrictions, allowing space for your nervous system to shift out of the ‘fight or flight’ response into a state of stillness where the parasympathetic nervous system (‘rest and digest’) takes over. This slows the heart rate, relaxes muscles, and promotes digestion, bringing the body into a state of balance and reorientation towards health.

Craniosacral therapy is especially effective in treating overwhelm, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, post-concussion syndrome, TMJ pain, headache, migraine, sleep disturbances and trauma recovery.

Auricular acupuncture involves the placement of small needles into specific points of the outer ear. It helps to regulate the nervous system, promote relaxation, calming of the mind and support mental health. It is also beneficial in the treatment of addiction recovery and trauma support.

Cupping is a Traditional Chinese Medicine modality that involves the application of suction cups on the skin to reduce muscle tension, increase blood flow, help clear stagnation, inflammation, and toxins. It is frequently used in combination with acupuncture for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

Moxibustion involves burning of mugwort, a Chinese medicinal herb used to stimulate circulation, warm acupuncture points, counteract cold and dampness in the body, promote smooth flow of qi and blood along the meridians.

Diet is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Since food is one of our primary sources of energy, it has great potential to influence our health. TCM food therapy considers the energetic qualities of the foods and how it can restore and enhance long term health. Dietary recommendations are based on TCM and western medicine nutritional content according to your body’s needs.