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The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as Asian Medicine, dates back over 3000 years. It is time-tested system of medicine in Asia and is now rapidly being recognized in the United States.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine, sterile, disposable needles into specific points on the body along energy pathways (meridians) to balance the flow of energy (qi). At Hayes Valley Acupuncture Center, very gentle Japanese style needle technique using ultra-fine needles is used to ensure a comfortable and nurturing experience. Acupuncture needles are NOT like hypodermic needles and feel nothing like a shot or injection. Virtually painless, upon needle insertion there may be a sensation of slight tingling or warmth in different areas of the body. This means the qi has been activated, and is a positive sign of qi movement through the meridians.
Angel L. Clark, M.S., L.Ac., is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist through the State of California. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations (emphasizing Asia) from San Francisco State University in 1993, Angel began her holistic health career in 1994 as a Massage Therapist, certified through the Honolulu School of Massage in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1998 she was certified in Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage) through the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, California. She then went on to earn a Master of Science Degree in Oriental Medicine from Meiji College of Oriental Medicine, in Berkeley, California, in 2001. Afterward, she completed an internship at the Beijing University Hospital in Beijing, China in 2001. Since then Angel has worked in private practice in San Francisco, as a teacher of massage therapy, and as a volunteer at the Women’s Community Clinic and Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Cancer Clinic.
While the effect of acupuncture is symptom relief, it is far more than this. Acupuncture works with the body, strengthening and balancing energy. It improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely. Those who receive acupuncture often not only heal physically, but experience new and profound states of peace, clarity and harmony through treatment which often has lasting impact.
Most people are surprised at the depth of relaxation, the intensity of energy which occurs, and sense of well-being and healing which occurs from the rebalancing of energy. You will find you will look forward to treatment for the many benefits that are received from acupuncture.
Auricular Acupuncture - Also known as Ear Acupuncture. The external ear contains many acupuncture points corresponding to almost every part of the body. Similar to hand or foot reflexology, many conditions, symptoms and diseases can be treated wholly through auricular acupuncture. In auricular acupuncture, the acupuncturist inserts short needles into the external portion of the ear. Sometimes small seeds are applied to the ear acupuncture point to superficially stimulate the area indicated. Conditions which can especially benefit from auricular acupuncture include smoking cessation, drug detoxification, weight loss, and hypertension.
Moxibustion - A moxa stick is a tightly rolled stick of the herb Mugwort, (Folium Artemisiae Argyi) or known as Ai Ye (Melissa – I’d like Ai Ye to be in italics) in Chinese. It is burned and held near the acupuncture points. Moxa is used to warm and penetrate the meridians and acupuncture points and enhance the effect of the acupuncture treatment. Moxibustion is very safe and effective, and feels very pleasant. Moxibustion can be helpful in treating conditions of internal cold, chronic pain and in many other circumstances.
Her intense curiosity keeps Angel constantly striving to further her knowledge in the healing arts. Angel is also trained in Energy Healing Arts such as Hands on Healing, Aura Cleansing, Chakra Balancing and Intuitive Counseling through The Church of Divine Man where she is an Associate Minister. She knows that treating the symptoms of a condition, disorder, or disease is not enough, and that the root issues need to be addressed. She firmly believes connecting the physical body with the mind and spirit is the key to creating health and wellness.
Cupping - This technique is said by the ancients to suck out the “evil qi”. A vacuum is created within the cup by a fire source and placed on the body (usually the back). Round glass cups created specifically for this purpose are used. This technique can sometimes leave marks on the body as the capillaries near the surface of the skin are affected. These disappear within two to three days. This procedure is useful for moving the qi and blood in the body, and is used in many conditions where the qi or blood is stagnant (e.g. pain), or if the body is under exterior attack (e.g. viral cold or flu).
Electro-Acupuncture – This is electrical stimulation of the acupuncture points by connecting very low levels of electricity to the needles, which are used as a transmitter or conductor. Electrical stimulation through the needles opens energy conducting pathways throughout the body. It is a very safe, effective and comfortable treatment for many conditions, especially benefiting chronic and intractable pain conditions.
Herbal Therapy - Chinese and Western herbs and herbal formulas are composed of plants, animals and minerals and are used to reestablish balance to a body’s system. Herbs are used by the body to affect the flow of qi and blood, restoring the balance of yin and yang in the body. They can be used to strengthen the body, increase immunity, fight viral infections, decrease excessive conditions, and much more.
At Hayes Valley Acupuncture Center, herbs are available in pill form or in powdered granules. These herbs and formulas are prescribed specifically for each particular person’s needs. For instance, although two persons may have the same condition; “asthma” for example, the herbal formula prescribed to these two persons may be vastly different. Herbs are prescribed using traditional formulas or by using individual herbs mixed into a formula made specific to your needs. The herbs are usually taken one to three times per day, depending on your individual constitution and condition. Chinese medicinal herbs are easy and very safe to use, with virtually no side effects.
Allergies Anxiety Asthma Back pain Chronic fatigue Circulation issues Common cold Constipation Depression Digestive disorders Fibroids Fibromyalgia Infertility Insomnia Heartburn Migraine headaches Menopausal syndrome Neck pain Parasites Premenstrual syndrome Repetitive stress injuries Sciatic pain Sports injuries Stop smoking and other addictions Stress Urinary Disturbances Weight issues Women’s disorders And much more!