What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing modality that has been practiced for over 2500 years. Fine needles are inserted to stimulate specific points and areas on the human body. Acupuncture taps into the meridian system that runs through the human body. The meridian system is a network of energetic pathways that run externally to the skin and muscles and internally to the organs and tissues. This explains why needling points on the surface of the body are able to affect complex internal processes. Acupuncture can be used to aid in the heath of almost any condition as it at root works to restore dynamic harmony in all systems of the body. It is a great tool to be used in adjunct with western biomedicine and other healing modalities.

Acupuncture can be used to treat:

Headaches and migraines
Menstrual pain and gynecological conditions
Orthopedic pain (Back pain, Joint pain, Myofascial pain)
Nausea and side effects of chemotherapy
Gastrointestinal disorders
Mental-Emotional conditions (Anxiety, Depression)
Asthma
Allergies
Postoperative pain and recovery
Neurological disorders (Stroke recovery, Parkinson’s)
Autoimmune conditions
Addiction
Stress reduction

What to Expect

During an acupuncture session, needles are inserted into the skin at various acupoints at a depth of .25-1.5 inches depending on the area of the body. Acupuncture needles are fine needles about the width of a strand of hair. The sensation of needling can vary from person to person. It is generally a gentle feeling, but it can be accompanied by sensations of pinching, heaviness, aching, or light throbbing. These sensations generally fade as the treatment progresses. Most needles are left in for about 30 minutes or more as the acupuncture session finds a harmonious conclusion.

An acupuncture session may be accompanied by other techniques used in traditional Asian medicine such as:

Moxibustion: the burning of Ai Ye (mugwort herb) directly on the skin or above the skin for warming or for acupoint stimulation
Cupping: the application of small globe shaped cups to the skin applied with suction to provide relief for areas of muscular tension and other conditions.
Gua sha: Repetitive gliding of a small rounded edge tool on the skin used to release excess conditions of the fascia and muscles as well as certain internal conditions.
Tuina: Chinese body work technique involving the pressing, pushing, and stretching of muscle and soft tissue for relief of orthopedic issues performed with the patient fully clothed.

About Facial Acupuncture and Microneedling

Facial Acupuncture

Facial Acupuncture is a safe and gentle way to naturally treat wrinkles, acne scars, and sagging skin. It increases circulation and flow to the face improving skin elasticity and muscle tone. Facial acupuncture is performed in a series of treatments depending on your age and treatment goals which are discussed in your first session. A minimum of 8 sessions is required. They are spaced weekly or twice weekly with results often being seen in 4-6 weeks. Monthly maintenance sessions maintain progress and slow appearance of aging on skin. In a session, facial acupuncture is combined with body acupuncture and finished with facial cupping and gua sha.

Microneedling

Microneedling gently and effectively treats fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, improves skin color and texture while dramatically improving the effectiveness of skincare products. Visible results may be seen days after your first treatment and continue for weeks as collagen continues to build. Microneedling is performed in a series of 4-6 monthly treatments. Results can last for up to 5 years with complimentary lifestyle choices and skincare. Microneedling is combined with body acupuncture to treat internal causes of aging and organ imbalance which often appear on the skin. In a microneedling session body acupuncture points are inserted and then microneedling is performed for about 20min. You should come prepared with a clean face free of make up or product.

Meet Maria Spangler, LAc

Maria Spangler is the owner of Heart Path Acupuncture. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) and Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAcOM) She incorporates many techniques into her Chinese Medicine practice which include Acupuncture, Tuina (bodywork), Moxibustion (heat therapy), Cupping, and Herbal Medicine.

From a young age, Maria has been drawn to healing systems that extend beyond the mainstream medical paradigm. The notion that health in the individual is absolutely dependent on the harmonious interplay of the mind, body, emotions, and spirit is a truth that has always resonated with her. This strong connection led her to explore many healing modalities, including massage therapy, Reiki, folk herbalism, and Shamanic Healing. In addition to practicing Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, she is a Reiki Master, Shamanic Energy Practitioner and Herbalist.

In her work, Maria listens closely to what the client’s body is saying to reveal the strong but often unacknowledged connection between physical and emotional health. This approach can have profound effects, shifting awareness and the physical state to reveal what ails us, that which causes us “dis-ease”. Her acupuncture style focuses on gentle techniques, including pulse diagnosis, abdominal palpation, and Japanese-style needling. Maria’s approach is helpful for most conditions, but is particularly useful for individuals seeking mental-emotional balance, and those with autoimmune disorders, chronic illness, and pain.

Core to Maria’s approach of healing is connecting to the wisdom of the Heart. In many esoteric and traditional medicines around the globe, the heart center is the bridge between our physical/earthly reality below and spirit/cosmic reality above. The Heart integrates the grounding of the body with the intangible spark of the Spirit. The path of healing by the heart’s wisdom connects us to all parts of ourselves and brings that which is disconnected into a harmonious, interactive whole.