Breath of Life Acupuncture
Services & Rates
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine available anywhere.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (energy) flow through the natural pathways of your body (meridians). Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve your Qi flow. The many benefits of acupuncture include:
- Pain reduction
- Stress and tension relief
- Increased energy levels
- Stronger digestion
- Relief from bad habits and addictions
- Greater sense of overall health and well-being
Chinese Herbology
Chinese herbal medicine is a 2,000 year old tradition using naturally occurring substances — including herbs — to enhance one's health and vitality. As opposed to Western medicine, the foundation of this approach is to support the body's natural self-healing mechanisms and abilities.
Since each patient has different needs, I carefully select and combine a variety of herbs that will synergistically blend together to achieve optimal results for your unique situation. I prescribe high-quality, professional-grade herbal medicines that are available only to qualified licensed professionals.
Acupressure
Acupressure is based on one the most ancient principles of healing — that simply touching a specific point on the body will release stress and improve health in the body. In an acupressure session, I apply firm pressure directly to these "points" on your body, which relieves your muscle tension and improves your circulation. This simple and powerful technique has been shown to very effective in treating headaches, backaches, and even insomnia.
Cupping
Cupping has been a part of Chinese Medicine for over 2,500 years. It relieves aches and pains, improves circulation, and also helps with respiratory and digestive issues. I simply place a specialized "cup" onto specific points on your body, and then use suction to draw your skin up into the cups. It doesn't hurt — it simply draws fresh blood to that area of your body, which facilitates the cleansing and strengthening of your Qi (energy). The end result is a greater overall sense of health and well-being.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture is a highly effective holistic treatment for pain, nausea, and chronic ailments. In practice, it is actually very similar to traditional acupuncture. Using the exact same system of Chinese Medicine, I insert very thin and sterile needles into specific points along the meridians of your body. I then attach the needles to a device that delivers gentle electrical pulses between two points. This helps restore the healthy flow of Qi (energy) through your body, removing any blockages and clearing out stagnant areas, thus creating a stronger and clearer experience of health and well-being.
Gua Sha
Although Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique used by Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years, it is relatively unknown in the West. It is recognized throughout Asia as a highly effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, and a host of other ailments.
First, Gua Sha oil is applied to a specific meridian (energy pathway) on your body. I then use a smooth round-edged object (such as a spoon) to apply short brisk strokes to that area. This creates red patches of skin (called "Sha"), detoxifying your blood and restoring the healthy flow if Qi (energy) to the area. There is no pain involved, and the Sha will fade in 2 to 3 days. But the sense of health and vitality you experience from it will last much longer.
Pulse Diagnosis
One of the most common questions that patients ask about Chinese Medicine is: "Why does my practitioner check my pulse?" Pulse diagnosis is actually one of the most complex and important diagnostic techniques we use in Chinese Medicine. Through feeling and evaluating your pulse, I obtain an accurate diagnosis of your overall constitution, Qi (energy) flow, and internal organ health, among other things. I then synthesize all of this information into a highly effective and individualized treatment plan for your specific needs.
Tai Chi
Originally developed in ancient China as a system of self-defense, Tai Chi is now a highly refined art that combines slow flowing movements with focused breathing techniques to strengthen your overall health and well-being. Practiced by millions of people worldwide, the benefits of Tai Chi are well-documented, and include not only a stronger physical body, but also a more focused and clear sense of awareness and attention. For more information about Tai Chi in general, click here.
I am a level 2 ranked member within the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association. My teacher is Carl Meeks of Louisville, KY, and I have been involved in Yang family Tai Chi since 2007. He is himself a student of Han Hoong Wang of Michigan.
Initially, lessons will focus on learning the 103 posture form. More intermediate/advanced lessons may include push hands practice, the 67 posture sword form, and the 13 posture saber form. Instruction will be given outside at a local park with a location that is convenient for both the student and myself, regardless of outside temperature.
I currently only offer private or group lessons in Yang family style Tai Chi in the Hopkinsville/Oak Grove area. If you live in the Louisville area and you are interested in lessons, contact me for information on my instructors located there.
Hung Gar Kung Fu
Hung Gar Kung Fu is a southern style of Chinese martial arts descended from the Shaolin temple. It is characterized by strong, low stances, few kicks, and short range in-fighting techniques. There are traditionally no sashes, belts, or ranks in this system. For more information about Hung Gar Kung Fu, click here.
I have studied Lam family style Hung Gar under the instruction of Sifu Mike Marshall of Louisville, KY since 2007. Sifu Mike Marshall has given numerous interviews, has been featured in many publications, and is himself a student of Buck Sam Kong of California.
Initial lessons taught by me will consist of physical conditioning, flexibilty training, empty hand forms, and self defense applications of the forms. Advanced lessons may also include weapon forms, bone conditioning, and internal/external Qi Gong work. Lessons will be tailored to the needs and goals of the student. Instruction will be given outside at a local park with a location that is convenient for both the student and myself, regardless of outside temperature.
I currently only offer private or group lessons in Lam family style Hung Gar in the Hopkinsville/Oak Grove area. If you live in the Louisville area and you are interested in lessons, contact me for information on my instructors located there.