Healing and Wellness
Herbal Medicine
At Heart & Soul Wellness Institute, herbal preparations and other supplements are often used as a treatment modality. For thousands of years, holistic and indigenous practitioners have known of and employed a vast array of herbs with exceptional medicinal properties. Western pharmacology now acknowledges these natural counterparts: aspirin from willow bark, penicillin from fungus, digitalis from foxglove. Herbal formulas can be extremely effective in unblocking stagnations and in fortifying the internal organs, and, when used properly, act without the harmful side effects of many allopathic drugs. Herbs may be prescribed in the form of teas, powders, capsules, pills, tinctures, creams, syrups or plasters. We use the highest quality pharmaceutical-grade herbs, both Chinese formulations and Western herbs.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the philosophy that each person is a seamless unity of body, mind and spirit. This unity is a reflection of, and is dependent upon the natural world and external conditions in which it exists. We acknowledge this connection by conducting an evaluation and examination that go far beyond one’s basic medical history. By doing so, we get to know and treat the whole person – the root of the problem – not just the symptoms of the illness. This is the basic tenet of TCM as well as the ancient wisdom of Indigenous Medicine Systems from around the world. At Heart & Soul Institute, we recognize and embrace these traditions of nature within our scope of practice. The patient’s whole being is closely observed, allowing us to design a specific treatment program that is tailored to the patient’s unique clinical profile.
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
While TCM and indigenous medicine practices are embraced, we also recognize the need for the use of modern Western medicine, given the trends of modern illness and disharmony in our society. We therefore offer integrative services including blood work and other lab work evaluations, consultations and communication with other doctors and practitioners of various disciplines. This embodies the atmosphere of teamwork in fostering wellness for each individual.
Functional Clinical Nutrition
In restoring function to the body, nutrition plays a critical role. After consultation and evaluation, we will make recommendations for nutritional supplementation, dietary improvements, cleansing/detoxification, and/or further testing. We use “whole food nutrition” – we prefer not to use isolated synthetic “vitamins” but rather full food versions, from natural and organic sources.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a branch of TCM that has been in use for over 2,000 years. Its basic principle is to access the body’s meridians and organ systems that carry the life-force energy known as Qi (chi). When the Qi flows smoothly through the meridians, there is health and wellness. If the Qi becomes stagnant in the meridians and/or organs, disharmony and disease develop. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. As this flow of qi returns to normal, health and well-being are gradually restored. We use only the finest, sterile, stainless steel acupuncture needles. Within this modality of treatment, we also use moxibustion, myofascial release, cupping, and other therapeutic methods as modalities of body treatment.
Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. As this flow of qi returns to normal, health and well-being are gradually restored.
Wellness Coaching and Support
We are available to work with patients every step of the way in meeting and supporting health and wellness goals. We offer programs and packages that include consultation/evaluation, cleansing/detoxification, nutrition, acupuncture, herbal medicine, movement/exercise, meditation and/or spirit medicine. Programs may be tailored for individuals or groups.