Therapies

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that uses the insertion of very fine needles into various points on the body to restore the free flow of Chi/Qi (the body’s vital life force) and stimulate one’s innate healing abilities. The disruption of Chi flow leads to dis-ease.

For more information on acupuncture and what conditions it can treat, visit FAQ
To learn about Armonía’s licensed acupuncturist Lilan Hsiang Weiss, visit About Li-Lan



Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicinals, when combined with regular acupuncture and a healthy diet, can be very effective in speeding the healing process. Carefully crafted Chinese herbal formulas consist of several herbs, anywhere from four to twenty, and can be used for acute or chronic conditions. These herbal formulas are meant to be modified according to changes in the client’s signs and symptoms.

Herbal formulas come in various forms: decoctions, pills/tablets, granules, and tinctures. At Armonía, we use granule formulas processed in Taiwan that adhere to strict Good Manufacturing Practices and pills/tablets from herbs processed in the USA.

Conditions that respond well to Chinese herbs include, but are not limited to: gynecological issues, digestion problems, allergies, low immunity, fatigue, emotional issues, cold/flu, and pain.

Community Acupuncture Clinic
This is a sliding scale ($20-$40) acupuncture clinic by appointment only. It is held in the Community Classroom at Health Touch (entry is on the right side of the building). New clients are usually required to make an initial individual appointment so a thorough evaluation can be made. All acupuncture treatments in the clinic are given by Lilan Hsiang Weiss, and assisted by Martha Arizpe.

The community clinic mainly treats muscular-skeletal pain, general stress management, headaches, weight loss, anxiety, depression, menopausal/peri-menopausal support, fatigue, hay fever.

Arvigo Abdominal Massage™
The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage™ are founded on the ancient Mayan technique of abdominal massage as taught to Dr. Rosita Arvigo by Don Elijio Panti, a traditional healer from Belize. This type of bodywork involves external non-invasive manipulation that repositions internal organs that have shifted, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and Chi. Lilan has received the self-care and professional care training; she uses this technique during individual sessions and shows her clients how to perform the massage at home.

Other Oriental medicine modalities that may be used during your individual session:

• Fire cups: Suction is created inside a specialized glass cup using a flame that is inserted and removed quickly. The cup can then be placed over acupuncture points or moved up and down the back.
• Moxibustion refers to the use of burning moxa (Artemesia vulgaris) to bring warmth to specific acupuncture points. We use moxa cigars burned about 1 inch above the skin, moxa cones, or loose moxa placed over a barrier (salt, ginger). Moxa has a pleasant smell much like incense.
• Tui-na/Acupressure is a form of Oriental bodywork that helps relax the underlying tissue and stimulates acupressure points to achieve specific results. Lilan may use this method for treating children and clients who are sensitive to needles.
• Electrical stimulation is a non-invasive method of stimulating acupuncture needles. Most clients describe it as a localized vibration. Lilan uses electrical stimulation for severe pain, osteoarthritis, and on abdominal points used for weight loss.