Intuitive Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
in San Rafael and Oakland CA
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive group of treatment and diagnostic modalities dating back over 2,000 years ago. It is widely practiced in the United States and around the world, and is generally accepted as a safe and effective treatment alternative and complement to Western medical therapies.
Balance is the core underlying belief and practice in TCM therapies. Acupuncture works along the body's meridians, which carry vital substances and energy throughout the body. By regulating and balancing these meridians and organ systems we help to restore the body to its' finest working condition, and by doing so we facilitate the body's ability to heal itself.
Dr. Kim practices in San Rafael, CA Marin County serving local Marin County residents of San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Ross, Larkspur, Greenbrae and other cities in the Bay Area. Her practice focuses on Acupuncture and other energetic medicines and therapies, she also offers cupping, dry needling, trigger point therapy, gua sha, moxibustion, electro acupuncture, herbs, supplements and lifestyle coaching. By helping you see and understand the root causes of imbalance in your system, she can help you to clear the blockages, pain, illness and dysfunction that keeps you from experiencing life in its' utmost potential and joy.
Balance is the core underlying belief and practice in TCM therapies. Acupuncture works along the body's meridians, which carry vital substances and energy throughout the body. By regulating and balancing these meridians and organ systems we help to restore the body to its' finest working condition, and by doing so we facilitate the body's ability to heal itself.
Dr. Kim practices in San Rafael, CA Marin County serving local Marin County residents of San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Ross, Larkspur, Greenbrae and other cities in the Bay Area. Her practice focuses on Acupuncture and other energetic medicines and therapies, she also offers cupping, dry needling, trigger point therapy, gua sha, moxibustion, electro acupuncture, herbs, supplements and lifestyle coaching. By helping you see and understand the root causes of imbalance in your system, she can help you to clear the blockages, pain, illness and dysfunction that keeps you from experiencing life in its' utmost potential and joy.
Complimentary Exploration Call
How can I help you? Let's have a chat about it! Select a complimentary exploration call to have a chat about what you're seeking help with and working on and how I may be able to help you! A 15 minute call can be done over video or phone where you can ask questions and I can help you understand what my remote offerings are and how they may help you.
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Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting very fine, single use disposable needles into the skin and muscle tissue to stimulate acupuncture points and meridians. Acupuncture needles are just one way of accessing the Qi of the body, our inherent life-force energy and helping to bring this vital substance into balance. The system of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine views all disease, illness and discomfort as an imbalance somewhere in the body ,mind or spirit and by receiving an acupuncture treatment we can balance these subtle energies and improve the body's own wisdom and healing potential.
The needles are inserted and often manipulated to produce a certain sensation of energy in the body. The needles are then retained in the body for anywhere from 15 - 45 minutes, depending on the conditions being treated. Most patients find acupuncture treatments to be quite pleasant, experiencing a sensation of deep relaxation once the needles are placed. Although there can be some discomfort with the needling procedure, it is minimal and well tolerated.
These hair thin needles are placed throughout the body depending on the individual patient's constitution and chief complaint - we treat YOU as an individual, not relying on set point prescriptions or protocols, Dr. Kim makes sure every treatment is unique to her patients so that you can experience the deepest level of healing with acupuncture in San Rafael.
The needles are inserted and often manipulated to produce a certain sensation of energy in the body. The needles are then retained in the body for anywhere from 15 - 45 minutes, depending on the conditions being treated. Most patients find acupuncture treatments to be quite pleasant, experiencing a sensation of deep relaxation once the needles are placed. Although there can be some discomfort with the needling procedure, it is minimal and well tolerated.
These hair thin needles are placed throughout the body depending on the individual patient's constitution and chief complaint - we treat YOU as an individual, not relying on set point prescriptions or protocols, Dr. Kim makes sure every treatment is unique to her patients so that you can experience the deepest level of healing with acupuncture in San Rafael.
Commonly Treated Conditions
Conditions in bold are conditions Dr. Kim has had particular experience and positive responses with, click the yellow text to read more about how acupuncture may help this condition!
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General Wellness
Circulatory Disorders
Pediatric Patients Teenage Patients
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gynecological / Genitourinary Disorders
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Addiction
Emotional, Mental & Spiritual
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders
Respiratory Disorders
Dermatology / Cosmetic Acupuncture
Immune Disorders
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Photo: www.acupuncture-treatment.com
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Acupuncture needles are metal, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Some people feel the initial pinch of the needle insertion while others do not, certain point are also more sensitive than others, such as those on the fingers and toes versus those on the abdomen. After needles are inserted it is common to feel a tingling, buzzing, tickling, heavy or pulling sensation at the needle site, this sensation is called "De Qi" and signifies the arrival of vital Qi to the area.
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When Can I Expect Results? |
Most people will feel some effect from the treatment almost instantaneously, this effect can be as simple as relaxation to a more dramatic relief of pain or other symptoms. Every patient and every treatment is different, so there is no hard and fast rule as to what your results will be. Results can often be more dramatic in the first few treatments but fade away more quickly, this is why follow up treatments are key to acupuncture therapy. With follow up treatments we can ensure the benefits of your treatment will last longer and be more effective. Again, everyone is different and Kim will discuss your treatment protocol at your first appointment.
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Is It Safe? |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.
Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. |
HypnoPuncture a Combined Hypnosis & Acupuncture Treatment
A deeper way to heal
Hypnosis taps into the natural flow of our daily brain states, particularly the Theta brainwave state, contrasting with our conscious Beta brainwave thinking. Everyone experiences a hypnotic state upon waking and falling asleep, enabling access to the subconscious by circumventing critical thinking.
In the hypnotic state, you remain consciously awake, though your critical mind temporarily subsides. Leveraging hypnosis, we aim to align your conscious and subconscious minds. The conscious mind logically seeks solutions, while the subconscious moves in an unknown direction. Through suggestion in the hypnotic state, we temporarily bypass the critical mind, altering negative associations and steering both minds toward your desired outcome. Repetition ingrains this shift, allowing your subconscious to synchronize with your conscious goals for successful outcomes.
HypnoPuncture is the combination of acupuncture with an induced hypnotic state which is tailored to your specific intentions and goals for the treatment. It's an incredible way to take your healing to a deeper level, experience more relief and learn tools to help you manage symptoms on your own time.
In the hypnotic state, you remain consciously awake, though your critical mind temporarily subsides. Leveraging hypnosis, we aim to align your conscious and subconscious minds. The conscious mind logically seeks solutions, while the subconscious moves in an unknown direction. Through suggestion in the hypnotic state, we temporarily bypass the critical mind, altering negative associations and steering both minds toward your desired outcome. Repetition ingrains this shift, allowing your subconscious to synchronize with your conscious goals for successful outcomes.
HypnoPuncture is the combination of acupuncture with an induced hypnotic state which is tailored to your specific intentions and goals for the treatment. It's an incredible way to take your healing to a deeper level, experience more relief and learn tools to help you manage symptoms on your own time.
Pediatric Acupuncture
Pediatric acupuncture is simply - acupuncture for pediatric patients. While the treatments are similar in many ways to traditional acupuncture for adults and teenagers, there are a few differences in the treatments compared to a treatment for adults; including the time frame, method and mechanisms of the treatment.
Pediatric acupuncture appointments are appropriate for children under age 13. After age 13 the body has more fully formed the meridians and points and needling is generally well tolerated, if your child is 13 years old or older we recommend choosing a regular First Time Acupuncture treatment instead of a Pediatric First Time Acupuncture appointment. We can treat children of any age, even 1 month old babies! Treatments are adjusted accordingly to the child’s age, condition and tolerance to treatment modalities.
Pediatric acupuncture appointments are appropriate for children under age 13. After age 13 the body has more fully formed the meridians and points and needling is generally well tolerated, if your child is 13 years old or older we recommend choosing a regular First Time Acupuncture treatment instead of a Pediatric First Time Acupuncture appointment. We can treat children of any age, even 1 month old babies! Treatments are adjusted accordingly to the child’s age, condition and tolerance to treatment modalities.
What Do Kids Get Acupuncture For?
Children can receive acupuncture treatments for any and all of the same issues adults might get acupuncture for. Most often we see younger patients for stress and anxiety, depression, any type of pain - in particular pain from sports or injury and migraines, fatigue, menstrual issues and more. Acupuncture is an amazing additional treatment to help your child experience more peace and ease in their life. With Dr. Kim's work as a meditation instructor and hypnotherapist she also provides a lot of insight in the underlying potential causes or issues surrounding your child's issue at hand, she love to work with kids and help them learn to regulate their emotions and stress through simple mindfulness practices.
Mental, Emotional & Spiritual Wellness
One of our specialties is supporting patients with mental, emotional and spiritual health. Acupuncture may not be a commonly though of 'go-to' for emotional health treatments, but it is an incredibly supportive and transformative tool that you can use in your healing journey. Acupuncture goes far beyond the treatment of pain and dysfunction in the physical body, and Acupuncturists are trained to see their patients holistically, this means that your symptoms don't exists in a vacuum alone, they are simply one aspect of you as a whole, and your emotional, mental and spiritual well being play a role in your physical healing.
Dr. Kim employs the use of multiple styles of acupuncture, alongside her abilities as a medical intuitive to help patients open up their awareness to their own wellbeing, healing and unique nature. This work can help to ease emotional and mental health symptoms, help you navigate big changes or troubling times and most of all help you step forward into who it is you know you are meant to be in this lifetime.
Dr. Kim has specific success helping patients with:
Dr. Kim employs the use of multiple styles of acupuncture, alongside her abilities as a medical intuitive to help patients open up their awareness to their own wellbeing, healing and unique nature. This work can help to ease emotional and mental health symptoms, help you navigate big changes or troubling times and most of all help you step forward into who it is you know you are meant to be in this lifetime.
Dr. Kim has specific success helping patients with:
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Emotional, mental and spiritual health can be addressed in any treatment type that we offer, however more specifically, those following treatments types and associated intentions are a good reference point
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Modalities Used
Electro-Stimulation Acupuncture
Electro-Stimulation is applying small electrodes to needles inserted in the body to complete a circuit. Small scale electricity is run through the points which effects the muscles underneath. E-stim can be used to heavily stimulate points on the body to create a greater effect from the acupuncture, or it can be used at higher frequencies to actually reduce nerve sensitivity and thus block pain (e-stim acupuncture is actually used in China for anesthesia!) E-stim also has an immaculate effect on those affected by paralysis, specifically chronic Bell's Palsy.
Cupping and Gua Sha
Cupping utilizes cups with suction either by vacuum created by heat or by a pump to suck onto the skin, once cups are fized to position they may be left on the body or moved around in a massage like manner with a liniment to help move out stagnation. You'll always recognize someone who's had cupping done by the red/purple circle marks left behind by the cups!
In a similar fashion Gua Sha may also be used - Gua Sha is one of Kim's favorite techniques, which is a scarping style massage utilizing a gua sha tool or soup spoon and liniment. This technique often looks quite awful with the temporary marks it leaves behind but most clients find it actually FEELS great, like an intense massage.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the application of a smoldering herb, Mugwort, to acupuncture points on the body. The herb can be applied in many forms: stick moxa - the herb is tightly wound in paper, similar in shape to a cigar, and the smoldering end is held over the point on the body; and loose moxa - the fluffy dried herb is rolled into pyramidal shaped cones of a variety of sizes and either placed on a surface on the body, such as a slice of fresh ginger, or rolled into very small rice grain sized cones which are placed directly on the skin.
The warm sensation felt in the body is very relaxing and can have a dramatic effect on long standing conditions, chronic fatigue, pain associated with weakness, fertility and even the common cold.
NET - Neuro-Emotional Technique
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NET, or Neuro-Emotional Technique is a mind-body technique that uses a methodology of finding and removing neurological imbalances related to the physiology of unresolved stress patterns. Emotional responses are 'hard-wired' into the body. A stimulus happens, we respond, and then the body should return to normal. Occasionally, however, emotional trauma in the presence of a neurological or meridian deficit can cause a physio-pathological pattern the body that does not resolve itself. NET seeks to normalize this pattern by a physiological change; a result of a physical intervention that is made through cutaneous or spinal accesses to the nervous system.
Patients find this treatment to be particularly powerful, experience a release of emotion or a shift in consciousness that allows us to see our problems in a new light or release our attachments to a specific outcome, thus creating a greater sense of inner peace. It is safe, non-invasive and can even be performed on children. Click HERE to read research on the brain changes in cancer patients who received NET treatments. |