Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, sterile needles at specific points in the body in order to promote healing. There are hundreds of acupuncture points along energetic pathways, called meridians, of which only a select number are carefully chosen to most effectively address the needs of the patient. Acupuncture works by improving circulation, stimulating hormonal and nervous system responses to restore the body to a balanced state.
The sensation is often very mild, and is often described as dull, warm, or tingly. Alexandria is sensitive to needle apprehension, and will provide gentle guidance for all comfort levels.
Alexandria routinely uses other complementary services during her treatments, such as cupping, moxibustion and lifestyle and nutritional counselling.
Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years in conjunction with acupuncture, food therapy and lifestyle modifications. There are over 500 herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica, consisting of various plant, animal, and mineral substances that have been collected, dried and processed in many ways to treat a wide variety of conditions. Chinese herbs can be made into teas, taken as concentrated powders mixed with water, or in pill form - as tablets. They can also be made into pastes and washes to be applied topically.
Alexandria uses only the highest quality Chinese herbs in her practice, and ensures that they are free of pesticides, sourced ethically, and organic if possible.
Chinese food therapy
“Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” - Hippocrates
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, all foods have specific thermo-properties - some foods are warming, like red meats and the spices cinnamon and nutmeg, and some are cooling, like many raw fruits and vegetables. Some foods are drying to the body's fluids, such as some beans and legumes, and some are heavier and damp-forming, like dairy products and rich desserts. Ideally, it is important to eat a diet comprised of all the flavours and energetic states so that the body does not accumulate too much of a certain property. However, when the body is out of balance and there is illness, pain, or discomfort, it is important to be eating foods to support the treatment process and avoiding the ones that may aggravate the condition.
Alexandria offers food and diet therapy in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments.
hormone balancing, fertility and pregnancy
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers unique guidance and support for those considering expanding their family. Whether you have just decided to start the process of preparing the body for conception, or have been trying for many years, Alexandria will meet you at any stage of the journey.
As a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, Alexandria has undergone rigorous testing and training in the field of fertility, and is sensitive to the wide range of emotions and variety of experiences that you may be facing ahead. She provides gentle support and professional knowledge to accompany you during this time.
Once pregnancy is achieved, acupuncture is a very safe and effective method for treating many of the conditions associated during this time, including morning sickness and fatigue, constipation, indigestion, hip, pelvis and back pain, as well as is especially effective for labour preparation and post-partum care.
