ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture has developed a heterogeneity of styles and techniques in several cultures over the past several millennia.

The acupuncture practiced at Mark Thompson Acupuncture draws from many approaches, from those based on classical Chinese considerations to modern, biomedically-oriented strategies. We emphasize Kiiko Matsumoto-style and other Japanese influences, as well as integrating motor and trigger point release when appropriate in addressing each person's individual presentation.

Our approach is well suited to the full spectrum of patient constitutions, working with those who are needle sensitive to those who are enthusiasts of vigorous techniques.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
When appropriate, Mark incorporates physical therapy modalities into acupuncture treatments, such as structural assessment, mobilizations, myofascial re-education, and stretching. When addressing musculo-skeletal issues, patients often benefit from additional education in the form of self care techniques, such as exercises that are taught to aid in maintaining strength and range of motion.

Those patients who would benefit from full physical therapy sessions are encouraged to speak with our colleagues at Cynergy Physical Therapy.

CHINESE HERBS
The practice of herbology is a high art is East Asian medicine. The act of ingesting a substance for its health benefits ranges from simply eating your vegetables to taking pharmaceuticals for specific complaints. Eating a well-balanced diet falls on the ordinary, every day maintenance end of the spectrum. Taking a concentrated drug that has been identified down to a specific chemical that reacts with specific receptor sites in the body can be said to represent the other end of the scale and is the hallmark of Western medicine. Herbs fall into the middle way between these two polarities: herbal decoctions are more targeted and potent than dietary therapies but less interventionist than pharmaceuticals.

In the practice of Chinese herbology, specific herbs are selected and grouped together for their mutually enhancing and balancing qualities. The effect is two-fold: to impel the whole person toward homeostasis and optimal function, as well as to ameliorate specific symptoms.

To ensure herbal quality and safety, we rely on a select number of pharmacies and distributors. Please turn to the following websites for specific information about the pharmacy and distributor we use most:

http://www.kamwo.com
http://www.suntenglobal.com

TUI NA
Tui Na is a form of Chinese hands on therapy that is used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment or employed at the end of a session to help better integrate the treatment as a whole.

REIKI
Nancy further enhances her practice of acupuncture and tui na with reiki, a form of touch therapy from Japan.