Kototama Inochi Medicine
Kototama Inochi Medicine is Traditional Japanese Acupuncture, various manual therapies, dietary/exercise recommendations and unique Japanese pulse diagnosis. Kototama Inochi Medicine is based on a unique arrangement of Oriental medicine’s Five Element theory and pulse diagnosing rediscovered and deciphered from the original documents all oriental medicine came from, the “Yellow Emperor” and the “Nei Jing” by teacher and founder of Kototama Inochi Medicine Masahilo Nakazono Sensei. Every time a treatment is done I will make an assessment via Question and Answer, traditional pulse diagnosis (unique to Kototama therapy technique), vital signs and observation. I will then decide on a treatment plan, which will generally include a 15-20 minute relaxation time with acupuncture needles, followed by a specialized form of bodywork and/or one or more of the various protocols listed below, Far Infrared lamp or Moxibustion (heat therapies) may be incorporated as well. Exercises, dietary/nutritional guidance, supplements, herbs and other self-care will be recommended as needed.
Dāo Needle Therapy®
This is a unique modality that bridges ancient Oriental techniques and modern biomechanical therapies. Dāo Needle Therapy uses biomechanical tests, patient positioning and a specialized needle to relieve chronic pain and correct postural imbalances, by grading and treating ashi points, traditional and fascial meridians. It is a specialized style of acupuncture that requires a unique type of acupuncture needle. The body of the needle is specially designed to allow for a different penetration into the skin. The mechanisms involved are similar to biomedical acupuncture where the needle creates a lesion in the soft tissue that then releases cytokine/chemokine and neuropeptides to initiate local acute inflammation which activates local blood circulation. The needle penetration is very shallow compared to other styles and is more focused on the superficial fasciae lines, ash points (tender point), and their corresponding meridians.
Acupuncture Physical Medicine™ (APM)
APM is a type of acupuncture point needling that reduces “trigger point” pain, scar tissue adhesions and muscle and fascial tissue through insertion of a thin filament needle that stimulates the healing process of soft tissues (muscle, fascia, tendons and ligaments). This techniques can be used to Increase range of motion, decrease pain and restore function. A myofascial “trigger point” is a hyper-irritable point in skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule or knot. This area becomes painful at the site and can also radiate in predictable patterns. APM needling changes the way your body senses pain, by helping the body to heal chronic muscle spasms associated with trigger points. There are also chemical changes APM needling stimulates in the treatment of the healing process. Usually insertion of the needle is not felt. The local “twitch response” may provoke a brief pain sensation that can be described as tingling, aching or a cramping sensation. Soreness can occur following treatment as a response to lactic acid release. APM addresses a variety musculoskeletal problems, including but not limited to acute/chronic injuries, headaches, neck/back pain, tendinitis, muscle spasms, sciatica, hip/knee pain, muscle strains, Fibromyalgia, tennis/golfers/painters elbow, over-use injuries, etc.
AcuSport Education Sports Medicine Acupuncture®
AcuSport treatment provides foundational sports medicine acupuncture assessment and treatment protocols. A motor point is defined as the most electrically excitable area of the muscle and represents the greatest concentration of nerve endings that follow a fairly fixed pattern of location. AcuSport uses a similar needle technique to APM. By focusing on the motor points, AcuSport resets the dysfunctioning muscle spindle that is causing abnormal muscle function and reflexive spasm, and often results in less tight and painful muscle bands.
Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture®
The purpose of Cosmetic Acupuncture is to create a younger and more vibrant appearance. An acupuncture treatment using the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System involves the insertion of acupuncture needles to the face, neck and body in order to reduce visible signs of aging. According to the theory of Oriental Medicine there are meridians or pathways of Qi (energy) that flow throughout the entire body. Therefore, it is possible for Cosmetic Acupuncture to address the energy of the entire body. This makes it much more than a “cosmetic” treatment. Your complexion reflects the result of the state of Qi in your entire body.
Osteopathic Manual Treatment for DOMs
OTM is s a set of hands-on techniques specifically for acupuncturists used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness or injury. Using OMT, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine moves a patient’s muscles and joints using techniques that include stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.
Acupuncturists without Borders
Treatments offered in the MSRP (The Military Stress Recovery Project) program are based on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear protocol, which has proven to be extremely powerful in alleviating symptoms of stress and trauma. During treatment, people sit fully clothed in a room together, often in a circle of chairs, and a licensed acupuncturist places 5 tiny needles in each ear. Recipients are invited to close their eyes and rest for 30-45 minutes as the acupuncture does its work. The NADA protocol I can be supplemented with additional ear, scalp, or body points.
Far Infrared/TDP Lamp Therapy
The term TDP Lamp is an abbreviation that translates from Chinese to “special electromagnetic spectrum” lamp. The TDP Mineral Lamp features a plate coated with a formulation of 33 minerals for your body. The heated mineral plate emits deep-penetrating, far-infrared (FIR) waves. This natural energy is identical to that generated by our own bodies, and is naturally absorbed into our tissues. The emitted FIR energy penetrates up to 3½ inches, stimulating micro-circulation and delivering higher levels of oxygen and nutrients to the injured cells, while eliminating toxins and cellular waste. When the Mineral Lamp is heated to a certain temperature, it emits the FIR (far infrared) energy, resulting in many therapeutic benefits. More here on FIR Saunas.
Other Treatment Options
• Te a Te: specialized form of therapeutic handwork
• Anma: traditional Japanese massage
• Ampuku: abdominal massage
• Auricular Therapy: ear point treatment
• Diet and Nutritional recommendations
• Pain and Injury management
• Body Alignment