Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is a method used to assist your body's own ability to heal naturally. This is done by gently inserting hair thin, sterile, single use acupuncture needles into very specific points of the body. Traditionally speaking, this process will remove obstructions, thus correcting imbalances in the body. A more modern theory is that these points have a direct effect on an individual's nervous system, causing a release of chemicals that help alleviate pain, or even stimulate the immune system.
If you are worried about what Acupuncture feels like, please know that Calabasas Acupuncture employs a very gentle technique when inserting the acupuncture needles. Your comfort is our biggest priority. Any worries or concerns will happily be discussed to help put your mind and body at ease.
Functional Labs:
Functional lab testing can be used to gather deeper insight into what might be contributing to a patient’s symptoms. These tests are often recommended when a patient is experiencing ongoing fatigue, digestive issues, mood changes, or hormonal imbalances that don’t always show up on standard lab work.
Some examples of the tests we run, like the Dutch Test, GI-MAP, and Micronutrient Panel can help identify underlying patterns such as nutrient deficiencies, hormone metabolism issues, or imbalances in the gut microbiome.
The results of these labs can be used to guide treatment, whether that’s through acupuncture, herbal medicine, supplements, or nutrition. Functional lab testing is not required, but it can offer useful information for both practitioner and patient when additional clarity is needed.
Customized Herbal Formulas:
Herbal medicine is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be used as a stand-alone treatment to support the body’s internal balance. During a session, the patient will be asked detailed questions about their physical health, as well as how they are feeling mentally and emotionally. The practitioner will take pulses and observe the tongue — all to understand the unique pattern the body is presenting.
This diagnostic process helps determine which combination of herbs will best support the patient’s needs. Rather than addressing symptoms in isolation, individualized herbal formulas work to regulate internal systems, restore function, and bring the body into a more harmonious state.
Formulas may be given in a variety of forms depending on the patient’s preferences and lifestyle. These include traditional teas (decoctions), powdered granules, tinctures, capsules, tablets, or topicals — all customized to suit the individual.
Cupping:
The use of cupping therapies has been utilized across many cultures for ages — and with good reason. By creating suction on the skin, the cups help release tension in the muscles and encourage fresh blood and oxygen to circulate through areas of tightness or discomfort. This improved circulation brings nourishment to sore, tired tissues and supports the body’s natural healing process. This process is great for exercise recovery and certain pain conditions.
Additionally,cupping can also be helpful at the first sign of a cold. When applied early, it may help reduce symptoms or shorten the duration of an illness by supporting immune function and promoting lymphatic flow.
There are different styles of cupping. In a running cupping session, oil is applied to the skin and the cups are gently glided across the area being treated. In a static cupping session, the cups stay in place for several minutes over specific points of tension or congestion.
Cupping can be used on its own or as part of an acupuncture treatment, depending on your needs.
Other Modalities:
Additional therapies may be used to support treatment goals, depending on what the body needs that day:
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Moxibustion: The gentle warming of acupuncture points with dried mugwort (moxa) to improve circulation, relieve pain, and boost immunity.
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Gua Sha: A scraping technique using a smooth tool and oil to release muscle tension, reduce stagnation, and support immune function.
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Electrostimulation (E-Stim): A mild current applied to acupuncture needles to enhance pain relief, improve circulation, and support neurological function.
These add-on treatments are used when appropriate to enhance the effectiveness of a session.