Services
Style - Aunty Miko treats one patient at a time because every patient has different needs. She feels building a connection with each and every patient is important for healing. She likes to combine acupuncture with other methods such as Tuina massage, moxa, and cupping. The combination of these techniques together often lengthens the effectiveness of treatment.
Acupuncture (AKA - Kitty Whisker)
Acupuncture can be done at any age. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the skin. Children respond quickly to acupuncture and start to feel better right away. These needles are inserted into acupuncture points on the body. The points lie along meridians and are pools of energy that are known to produce healing. Aunty Miko uses a very gentle technique when inserting needles into the skin and performs a shallow insertion of those needles. Retention time of needles varies with each individual patient. The use of needles is optional: if you or your child is uncomfortable with needles, we can use another effective non-needle technique.
Shonishin (AKA- Sweeping)
This is a Japanese acupressure technique that is well suited to babies and young children. Acupuncture points and channels are stimulated with a light stroking or pressing technique with small tools, sometimes even shells or stones. It can be used to treat all the typical childhood complaints such as colic, digestive problems, rashes, colds, etc. It will calm them down, help them sleep better, and boost their immunity.
Moxa (AKA - Warmy Stick)
Moxa is a form of heat therapy made of an herb, dried mugwort. We use a chrome device that holds moxa incense, which is safer than using directly on the skin. This device allows Aunty Miko to adjust its heat level. Moxa has the ability to deliver deep penetrating heat, thus helping to warm the body from deep inside for cold or deficient conditions.
Pediatrics Tui Na / Chinese medical massage
This is a special massage for children and has been practed in China for at least for 700 years. It works by influencing a child's energy flow in the same way as acupuncture.
Light therapy (AKA - Blinky Light)
Light therapy uses low-energy laser beams to influence the flow of energy at acupuncture points. It stimulates the energy flow, similar to the way acupuncture needles do. The beam is placed at a point for about 10-15 seconds. Kids may report some tickling or fuzzy sensation, but the majority of them don't feel anything.
Ear seeds (buttons)
Small seeds from vaccaria plant are secured with a little piece of adhesive tape over specific acupuncture points. The seeds stimulate the point by exerting mild pressure. The patient can rub or press on them for an added effect. Aunty Miko often gives the kids "homework" by asking to press the "buttons". They can stay in place for up to a week.
Tincture and Chinese medicine pills
Aunty MIko sometimes prescibes Chinese medicine (in tincture or pill form, depending on what your child can handle). Combined with acupuncture (non-acupncture), this can speed up the healing.