M.Ac., L.Ac., MQP
Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength,
mastering yourself is true power.
— Lao Tzu
I am a licensed acupuncturist as well as a registered nurse and Medical Qigong practitioner. I have been practicing acupuncture at Ruscombe Mansion since 1988, after graduating from Tai Sophia (now Maryland University of Integrative Health or MUIH) in Columbia, Maryland and have been involved in health care for over 30 years. In addition to my private practice, I have been on the faculty of MUIH since 1990.
Acupuncture is a wonderful, ancient healing method which looks at how energy, or qi nourishes and balances your body. Hair-thin needles are inserted into specific acu-points in the body, re-directing the flow of your qi and allowing your own vital energy to heal you. This medicine works on all levels of your being: body, mind, and spirit. In this way, it can treat the deepest source of an illness, allowing the body/mind/spirit to become more balanced and whole again. Acupuncture looks at “dis-ease” as a lack of ease and wholeness in the body/mind/spirit. I have found, through the years, that many symptoms respond well to acupuncture including: headaches, sleep disorders, stress-related issues, musculo-skeletal problems, arthritis, fibromyalgia, digestive issues, respiratory problems, ob/gyn issues, and many other issues.
More recently, I have become a Medical Qigong practitioner. Medical Qigong is one of the four branches of Chinese Medicine. While acupuncture, herbs, and medical massage are better known by the public, Medical Qigong has a long history in China in promoting health and wellness. “Qi” means lifeforce energy, and “gong” means skill, so Medical Qigong is therefore the skillful practice of applying lifeforce energy. Medical Qigong is a complete system that addresses the needs of the whole person, targeting the root of the disease while promoting balance and harmony for the patient.
During a Medical Qigong session, the practitioner uses his or her ability to emit qi to improve the functioning of the patient’s energy system. The treatments can enhance the functioning of the immune system, reduce blood pressure, reduce pain, regulate hormones, regulate the internal organs, reduce stress and emotional upset. Following is a patient’s description of a MQ treatment:
Heather has been my acupuncturist for a number of years. I was intrigued when she told me about Medical Qigong and feel grateful to have experienced this type of treatment. As the treatment is happening, I am able to feel energy shifting within me. Sometimes there is a feeling of release; other times a sensation that my energy has been enhanced or is flowing more freely. At times, I am able to sense a color along with the movement—and always there is a knowing of deep peace that accompanies these treatments. I am able to breathe with greater ease in the hours and days following treatment. Even just writing this brings me into the space—and spaciousness that comes with a deeper awareness of my work with Heather.
I also bring to my practice my knowledge of health from my background as a nurse. This allows me to see health issues from several perspectives, helping to explain the interface of the two modalities to my patients, as well as allowing me to determine when an issue needs to be referred to a western physician.
If you have any questions, I would be glad to have a phone consultation with you about your concerns: 443-831-9901
Credentials:
LAc (Maryland)
MAc (TAI)
Dipl.Ac (NCCAOM)
RN (Maryland)
AA (CCB)
MQP
| ACUPUNCTURE ASSOCIATES Ruscombe Mansion Hill House 4801 Yellowwood Avenue Baltimore, MD 21209 Please call 443-831-9901 for your acupuncture appointments. |