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Therapeutic Massage and Herbal Medicine Consultations

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbs have been an integral part of medicine from the beginning of civilization. Over 80% of the worlds population still uses herbs as their primary means of healthcare. The world "herb" means a plant used for the purpose of food or medicine.

Herbal medicine is a holistic therapy integrating lifestyle, mental, emotional and spiritual levels into its understanding of human function while respecting the life force of the plants and considering the ecological aspects. Herbalists have the training and experience to treat a wide range of chronic and acute conditions. Herbalists are trained to take into account the current history of the patient any currently prescribed medication and will know whether to refer to a doctor or to another health professional. Herbalists do not simply dispense remedies. They are trained to identify the underlying cause of the disease and will treat each person individually. A cause of treatment may involve specific dietary advice, helping the individual to develop healthy lifestyle skills in addition to individually designed combinations of herbs. A single herb cannot generally be substituted for a particular orthodox drug. Herbs are used to help the body in its own healing process by supporting the systems that have become weak or out of balance.

Just because herbs are natural does not mean that they are entirely safe. Herb interactions with over the counter and prescription drugs must be considered. Often when prescription drugs are being taken the herbalist does not treat the condition but will support to recover the strength and the healing potential.

What Should I Expect from a Herbal Consultation?

The current practice of herbalism in United States focuses on supporting wellness as opposed to fighting disease. Many herbalists believe the strength of botanicals lies in their capacity to support the body as it finds the healing path. In other words, the focus is not placed on herbs fixing you but on nurturing intrinsic bodily wisdom.  

Herbs will provide daily support as you take them between consultations with your practitioner.   The self-care nature of herbalism empowers you to care for yourself and better understand and care for your body.

On the initial consultation the herbalist records a detailed description of the patients problem along with a current and past family history, medical history and review of all the bodies systems. This reveals clues to the underlying causes of the problem and identifies which of the body systems require support and nourishment. The herbalist offers the tools to support the body transform in the form of suggestions for diet and lifestyle changes as well as herbal medicines. At a follow up appointment changes will be noted the herb combination may be adjusted to suit the new condition.

How Long is the Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation takes between 1 to 1-1/2hrs. Follow up treatments 30 mins.

When Will I Feel Better?
Usually a noticeable improvement in the condition will be noticed within 3-6 weeks. Long term chronic problems may take longer. Herbs may work more slowly than drugs to clear symptoms but can effect long term relief without side effects. Symptom relief is only a small part of the approach.

Cost: The initial consultation costs $80. Follow up sessions $45

Therapeutic Massage 

Therapeutic Massage is a holistic form of healing which restores a person to a state of balanced health on all levels; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Massage is concerned with movement and flow, without which there is no life.

Massage, in combination with other therapies and a healthy diet can help relieve pain, heal some conditions and help prevent others. It works on dissolving the blocks which impede the circulation of blood, lymph and nerve impulses, which manifest on the physical level as muscular tensions, postural problems, digestive, respiratory, hormonal and circulator imbalances, possibly progressing eventually to serious illness. Massage really works to boost the immune system which helps you fight off infections and illnesses, and it helps you recover from injuries. When you are under stress, the immune system does not work the way it should. Research has shown the massage can increase the immune system's cytotoxic capacity (the activity level of the body's natural "killer cells") and decrease the number of T-cells. The deeply relaxing effect of massage upon the whole person is a powerful antidote to the stress and tensions of everyday life.

Aromatherapy/Herbal Therapy combined with massage creates a deeper more spiritual treatment balancing the body's energies. Essential oils form an important part of the treatment and have many properties, i.e. pain relief, stimulating, relaxing and vitalizing. The oils are chosen to suit the individual's state of mind and body. The benefits of aromatherapy start from the moment the aroma is inhaled. The oils are then absorbed by the skin and enter the blood stream and lymphatic systems.

Cost: Aroma-Herbal Massage Treatments $85.00/hour