KARUNA ACUPUNCTURE              

Herbal medicine has historically been a major component of Chinese medicine, along with acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, dietary therapy, qigong and meditation techniques. Herbal formulas can help support your energy to shift in between acupuncture appointments. However, to benefit from herbs, you must take them as prescribed, often 2-3 times a day. Some traditional formulas, if taken as a tea or decoction, may have an unpleasant taste. In my practice, I have found that people often have difficulty taking herbs as recommended in order to get the most benefit.

I have found that essential oils are a more pleasant, yet no less effective way to benefit from the medicinal properties of plants. Essential oils are steam-distilled from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds of plants. The essence (or in Chinese, the "jing") of the plant contains its most powerful healing components.

Essential oils can be inhaled as in aromatherapy, applied topically through massage, or ingested (if medical grade). Just as with an herbal formula, a blend of essential oils can be prescribed that fits your individual energetic diagnosis. By applying your essential oil blend to specific acupuncture points, you can combine the benefits of both.