Our Services

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At Meridian Health, we offer specialized therapies tailored to your unique needs. Our integrative manual therapy approach often combines techniques like gentle spine manipulation and sports medicine acupuncture to find the most effective path to relieve pain, restore function, and enhance your overall well-being. 

Overview:

• Acupuncture (ACC Registered)
  • Sports Medicine Acupuncture
  • Pregnancy & Conception Acupuncture
  • Internal Medicine & General Wellness
• Integrative Manual Therapy
  • Pain Therapy (Integrated Approach, including gentle spine manipulation)
  • Tui-Na Medical Massage
  • Lymphatic Drainage Massage
• Other Therapies & Add-ons
  • Cupping Therapy
  • Infrared Heat Therapy
  • Electro-Acupuncture
  • Qigong Exercise Techniques
  • Herbal Medicines

Balancing Your Body's Natural Energy & Promoting Healing 

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points to stimulate specific physiological structures to promote natural healing, reduce pain & inflammation, balance energy (Qi), and improve nerve function. It can be a standalone treatment for acute injuries or part of our integrated Pain Therapy approach. Booking under Acupuncture is required for ACC injury claims.

• What it helps: Acute injuries, torn ligament or muscle, tendonitis, numbness/tingling,  sciatica & nerve-related pain, muscle spasm, muscle imbalance, post-operative pain, sports-related injuries affecting performance, pregnancy related complaints, and assisted conception (IVF).
  • How it works: Treatment begins with a detailed assessment, questions and observations including muscle testing, ROM assessment, palpation, and potentially pulse & tongue diagnosis. Based on these findings, a personalized plan is created, integrating techniques such as:

• Specialized Applications:
  • Balance Method Acupuncture: An ancient acupuncture technique used to reduce or completely eliminate the perception of pain anywhere in the body.  Works best for inflammatory pain such as muscle tears, ligament sprains, or joint arthritis. Most commonly used in ACC Injury treatments.
  • Sports Medicine Acupuncture: Tailored to athletes for treatment of specific problem muscles, repetitive muscle injury, muscle imbalance, enhancing muscle function, and optimizing performance. Often integrated with Manual therapy or Electro-therapy.
  • Pregnancy & Conception Acupuncture: Gentle, supportive care throughout the fertility journey and pregnancy, helping regulate cycles, support conception, manage symptoms (nausea, pain), and prepare for labor.
  • General Wellness & Internal Medicine Acupuncture: Addressing stress, anxiety, sleep issues, digestive complaints, low energy, and other internal conditions, potentially including Dietary Advice, Herbal Medicine and Lifestyle Advice.

Our integrative manual therapy approach focuses on addressing the root causes of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. These hands-on therapies aim to improve circulation, promote relaxation, and restore optimal function.

Pain Therapy (Integrated Approach)

• Addressing Complex Musculoskeletal Pain at its Root: This is our primary approach for persistent or complex musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and dysfunction, especially when other treatments have provided limited relief. It's designed to go beyond symptoms and address the underlying causes through a combination of advanced assessment and targeted therapies.
  • What it helps: Chronic neck & back pain, persistent joint restrictions ("stuck" feeling), sciatica & nerve-related pain, SIJ pain, postural pain, lingering issues after injury, sports-related restrictions affecting performance.
  • How it works: Treatment begins with a detailed assessment to identify specific biomechanical restrictions and neuromuscular imbalances. Based on these findings, a personalized plan is created, integrating techniques such as:
    • Vector-Guided Release (VGR): Our specialized manual therapy using precise feedback points and guided active patient movement to safely correct specific joint restrictions, particularly in the spine and pelvis. This is a form of gentle spine manipulation when applied to spinal structures. [Read more about Vector-Guided Release: A Precise Approach to Musculoskeletal Pain.](Link to your VGR page)
    • Acupuncture: Often used adjunctively to modulate pain, reduce inflammation, and address related energy imbalances.
    • Electro-Acupuncture: May be used to enhance pain relief or stimulate tissue repair.
    • Local Manual Techniques: Incorporating Tui Na or Lymphatic Drainage principles to address associated muscle tension or swelling around the primary issue.
    • Infrared Heat Therapy: To relax tissues and improve circulation.
    • Herbal Medicine / Ointments: May be recommended to support healing and pain management.
  • Best for: Individuals seeking a comprehensive solution for stubborn musculoskeletal pain by addressing the root mechanical and energetic factors simultaneously. (Note: For ACC claims related to pain therapy involving manual techniques, booking under "Acupuncture" is typically required).

Tui Na: Chinese Medical Massage & Manual Therapy

• Hands-On Therapy for Muscles and Meridians: Tui-Na is a form of therapeutic Chinese medical massage that uses various hand techniques along meridians and acupressure points. It works on both the physical muscles/joints and the body's energy flow / nerves and fluid circulation. Excellent for general maintenance of the muscles and joints. Provides deep relaxation and relief from from general muscle soreness/tightness.
  • What it helps: General muscle tightness and soreness, relieving tension from stress or overuse, improving circulation, addressing specific trigger points or areas of stagnation.
  • How it works: Incorporates techniques like kneading, rolling, pressing, and stretching to release muscle tension, improve joint mobility (when appropriate), and promote the free flow of Qi and blood. May include passive stretching, myofascial release, and infrared light therapy. Often integrated within Pain Therapy or alongside Acupuncture.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LDM)

• Gentle Support for Detoxification and Fluid Balance: LDM is a specialized manual routine using light, rhythmic strokes designed specifically to encourage the natural movement and drainage of lymphatic fluid.
  • What it helps: Reducing swelling (edema), puffiness, and feelings of heaviness; supporting detoxification processes; relieving sinus congestion; promoting relaxation; assisting post-surgical recovery (when indicated).
  • How it works: This is a specific therapeutic routine, typically taking around 50 minutes to complete. Treatment usually begins at the neck (key lymphatic drainage points) and progresses towards the periphery, focusing on lymphatic zones and pathways often associated with the Yin channels. The patient is comfortably draped with a sheet throughout the session. Gentle, specific strokes stimulate lymphatic vessels to help clear metabolic waste and excess fluid, supporting immune function and reducing stagnation.
  • Holistic Support: Following the session, relevant advice may be provided on supportive lymphatic exercises, dietary considerations, and optional herbal medicine to further enhance lymphatic health.

 To further enhance your treatment, we offer:

• Cupping Therapy: Uses suction cups to lift tissue, promoting blood flow, releasing muscle tension, and aiding recovery. (Often added to Acupuncture or Tui Na sessions, no extra charge).
• Infrared Heat Therapy: Gentle, penetrating warmth to relax muscles, improve circulation, and soothe pain. (Complimentary add-on for acupuncture or integrative manual therapy).
• Electro-Acupuncture: Electrical stimulation applied via acupuncture needles to strongly modulate pain or stimulate tissues. (Often used within Pain Therapy or Sports Medicine Acupuncture, no extra charge).
• Qigong Exercise Techniques: Guidance on simple breathing and movement exercises can be provided during sessions to support your self-care and body awareness. (Group classes may be offered separately in the future).
• Herbal Medicines: Traditional Chinese herbal formulas may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, particularly for internal conditions or supporting pain management. (Charged separately per course).

An initial assessment is the best way to determine the most effective treatment plan for you. We'll discuss your needs and recommend the right combination of therapies.