Karla Hale Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Welcome! Having evolved over thousands of years, acupuncture is one of the oldest continually practiced medical modalities in the world. A treatment involves the insertion and manipulation of flexible, hair-thin needles at specific points along the body's meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body’s energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, chemical-free way to promote the body's remarkable self-healing abilities. It is used to prevent and treat disease, relieve pain, balance mood, enhance athletic performance, increase fertility, and improve overall health and wellness.

Conditions Treated

Acupuncture What is Acupuncture? Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating needles at specific points on the body, I am able to return the body to its natural balance and promote the body's ability to heal itself. What Does Acupuncture Feel Like? Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when I insert them. When I gently stimulate the needles they may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically. How Many Treatments Will I Need? The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 10 to 15 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis. Is Acupuncture Safe? Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. I have passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and am licensed by the state. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety. Your First Visit When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.

Chinese Herbs Throughout human history, herbal medicine has been served as a primary form of medical care. Chinese herbs are often used in conjunction with acupuncture for added therapeutic effect. While many cultures have herbal medicine traditions, the sophistication of Chinese herbal medicine is unsurpassed. Chinese herbal medicine has a long history reaching back several thousand years, and the resulting system is now used to treat everything from the common cold to certain types of cancer. Herbal Medicine is a highly powerful method to treat specific pathological conditions. Each individual herb has different properties (hot, cold, sweet, bitter, sour etc) and enters info different channels or meridians. A herbal formula is usually comprised of 6-14 herbs which work together. For example a formula for a chronic dry cough will contain herbs which act to stop the cough as well as strengthen and moisten the lungs. Herbal formulas are prescribed according to the individual Chinese medical diagnosis for each patient. Very often the formula changes over the course of treatment as symptoms and conditions change. The herbs can be used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment or alone. The herbs come in different forms and can be taken as pills, capsules, powders and teas. There are thousands of herbs in the Chinese materia medica, of which about 300 are commonly used. You will generally receive a mixture of several different herbs in a formula that has been tailored to your condition. Chinese herbs are extremely effective and normally have only mild side effects, however it is very important to tell me about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking so that we can avoid any unwanted interactions with your formula.

Other Modalitites Moxibustion Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb (known as moxa). Moxibustion stimulates circulation, counteracts cold and dampness in the body, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi. This safe, non-invasive technique may be used alone, but it is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. Tui Na Tui na means "pushing grasping," and is a powerful form of Chinese medical bodywork. Based on the same Oriental medical principles as acupuncture, tui na seeks to improve the flow of qi through the meridian channels. Tui na is particularly effective for conditions involving muscles, tendons and joints, such as structural misalignment, orthopedic problems and sports injuries. It can also be used to treat internal diseases. Cupping Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping brings fresh blood to the area and helps improve circulation. Traditional cupping, sometimes referred to as “fire cupping," uses heat to create a vacuum-like suction inside of glass cups. In modern times, cups that use a small pump to create suction have also been introduced. Apitherapy (Bee Sting Therapy) Bee Acupunctire or Apitherapy, is an alternative healing modality where bee stings are used as treatment for various conditions and diseases. Apitherapy, which was first practiced in China, has developed as a popular alternative healing method throughout the world. Karla has been a certified Apitherapist for the last 8 years and was a member of the American Apitherapist Society while living in the USA. She utlizes bee venom therapy for a variety of disorders and incorporates the knowledge of Chinese Medicine and the point and meridian system with this alternative treatment.

About Karla Karla Hale is a Kiwi girl who graduated from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine In New York City in 1997, where she received her Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine and Science. She is a NY State Licensed Acupuncturist and Board Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). In addition to running a busy private practice in Manhattan she also worked with cancer patients in an acupuncture research project at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, NY. Karla was a member of the Professional Acupuncture Rescue Team (P.A.R.T.) working with FEMA's (Federal Emergency Management Association) medical relief efforts and immediately following the 9/11 attack set up a 24 hour onsite clinic for the treatment of Firefighters, Police and Rescue Workers from all over the country. The results were so positive that P.A.R.T. worked with FEMA in many other disaster relief operations and later worked with Firefighters and Police Officers with post traumatic stress disorder. Prior to her Masters Degree in 1997, she was a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Api Therapist (Bee Venom Therapy)which she still incorporates into her practise along with Nutritional Counselling. Karla returned to New Zealand and is practicing Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in Mt Maunganui and Rotorua - catering to the Bay of Plenty area. She is excited to be part of a health care system where the patient is an active participant in their healing process. You are invited to call her office today and learn how you can benefit from Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Nutritional Counselling and Api Therapy.