MSIHT Therapeutic Programs

Shiatsu/Acupressure
Using the feet, thumbs, elbows and palms the practitioner presses the Traditional Chinese Acupressure/Acupuncture meridians of the body stimulating the flow of "Qi" (life force) to the organs for rejuvenation. The massage is both medically therapeutic and a deep relaxation for the muscle meridians. The client can remain fully clothed or request a combination of Shiatsu and Swedish for the 1-1 1/2 hour massage.
$65 / 1 hour

Swedish
This massage is the most widely practiced by the professional spa and is the basic muscle rub using scented or unscented oils on the skin in a nurturing and therapeutic rub that can be light, moderate or deep into the muscle tissue. Trigger point therapy using medium to deep pressure on specific muscle sites are often incorporated in the treatment for muscle spasm release.
$65 / 1 hour

Lymphatic
This massage is especially beneficial for the detoxification of the lymphatic system as the techniques deeply and gently coax the lymphatic drainage through manipulation along lymphatic pathways. The client is encouraged to drink lots of water and take a hot herbal or epsom salts bath following the massage to further facilitate flushing of the lymphatic system. This massage is highly recommended for those following a dietary and eliminative cleanse program.
$65 / 1 hour

Raindrop Therapy
This wonderful treatment makes use of high grade essential oils along the spine to facilitate neutralization of virus and other toxic substance in the spinal system. The oils are applied withlight strokes in layers and hot moist towels are placed on the back for deeper penetration.
$75 / 1 hour

Deep Tissue
This masssage offers a deep layer myofascial stretch to the muscle and connective tissue using long slow strokes with minimal lubrication. The technique is recommended for long standing pain and stiffness that has resisted relief. By stretching the connective tissue in slow strokes the compression can be released to allow proper blood and lymph lubrication to regain flexibility.
$75 / 1 hour .

Trigger Points
Not a separate massage in itself the trigger points are added within the massage routine to specific areas for release of spasmed muscles. Trigger points can be pressed for 15 seconds or an electric stimulator can be applied to send the message to the intelligence center of the muscle allowing it to release. Best as an add-on technique within swedish or shiatsu massage.

Foot Reflexology
Both feet are massaged using strategic thumb and finger pressure stimulating all major organ reflexes of the body.
$35 / 1/2 hour, $65 1 hour.

Qi Gong

The Chinese term "Qi" translates to: vital energy or life force. The term "Gong" translates to: train or culture. Qi Gong is a set of exercises that train or enhance the vital energy and life force. Qi Gong is a comprehensive therapy program for individual self healing using movement, breathing rhythms and meditation on acu-energy points and pathways, organs and Qi centers. Qi Gong is widely practiced in China by many people early in the morning before work. The exercises are used in treatment regimens in hospitals and clinics. There are many styles of Qi Gong that have been handed down from generation to generation for over 3,000 years.

Benefits of Qi Gong
Lower Blood Pressure
Decrease Anxiety
Relieve Pain
Soothe Asthma
Normalize Appetite
Reduce Stress
Increase Engergy
Rejuvenate sexual vigor
Enhance Immune System
Develop Intuition
Stimulate Circulation
Improve Well Being

Acupuncture Initial Treatment $85 Subsequent treatments $55

The practice of acupuncture originated in China approximately 5,000 years ago. Today acupuncture continues to provide comprehensive health care to a significant portion of the world's population. In modern China acupuncture is practiced alongside Western medicine in most hospitals. It is an integral part of traditional Oriental medicine which diagnoses, treats and prevents disease through techniques that include acupuncture, acupressure, herbology, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle counseling. The concept underlying acupuncture is the presence of energy flow in meridians throughout the body. This energy must flow freely for health to be maintained.

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points of higher electrical conductivity. These points are located along pathways through which our body's life energy flows. The goal of each treatment is to activate the body's self-healing mechanisms, resulting in physiological and emotional balance.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

The World Health Organization states that more than seventy diseases can be treated with acupuncture. In clinical practice acupuncture has been used successfully in the following areas:

Gynecology: menstrual disorders, PMS, hormonal imbalances, infertility.

Respiratory: asthma, colds, allergies, bronchitis, sinus infection

General Medicine: fatigue, tinnitus, hypertension, diabetes, immune deficiency

Gastro-Intestinal: bowel disorders, ulcers, digestive dysfunction

Neurology: headaches, sciatic pain, trigeminal neuralgia, Bells's palsy, post stroke paralysis

Urinary: incontinence, impotence, prostate problems, bladder/kidney infections

Pediatrics: asthma, bed wetting, seizures, colic

Dermatology: eczema, herpes, hives, rashes

Musculo-Skeletal: acute/chronic pain, arthritis, sports injuries

Addiction: substance abuse of: alcohol, cocaine, crack, heroin, methadone, prescription
drugs, tobacco

Psychosomatic: fatigue, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, immune deficiency

The Office Visit

An acupuncture treatment begins with a thorough medical interview and a physical exam consisting of careful analysis of the pulses, observation of the tongue and palpation of body points. This exam allows the acupuncturist to accurately diagnose the underlying energetic cause of the patient's condition and prescribe appropriate individualized treatment.
Very fine, sterile, disposable needles are inserted with minimal sensation and are left in place for five to thirty minutes. During this time most patients are able to rest comfortably and are unaware of the needles.

Instead of, or in addition to needles, your acupuncturist may utilize electro-acupuncture, laser or heat stimulation. In addition, Chinese herbs, nutritional supplements or other treatment methods may be prescribed. A course of treatment consists of ten sessions. Depending on the length and severity of the particular condition, one to several courses of treatment may be required. Acupuncture is covered by many medical insurance companies in California. In addition, Workers Compensation and Medi-Cal cover acupuncture services.

After a treatment, most people will experience a sense of well-being or relaxation. Acupuncture stimulates endorphins, neurotransmitters, enzymes, hormones and many varied chemical reactions which regulate body function.
Acupuncture is safe and virtually free of side effects.

Educational Background ~ Patrice Thiessen,O.M.D., L.Ac.
I received a Diploma in Acupuncture from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine in 1987. I continued my education at Samra University of Oriental Medicine in Los Angeles where I received a two year graduate degree with a title of Doctor of Oriental Medicine. In that graduate program I did extensive research and study in the practice and benefits of Chinese Qi Gong with a Chinese doctor from Beijing, Dr. Zhang, Yu, who was the chief Qi Gong doctor at the Xi Yuan Hospital. After completion of the doctoral thesis and program, I continued my study of Qi Gong with Dr. Zhang for a total of five years including a three week trip to China in the fall of 1993. I also completed a one year certificate program in Medical Qi Gong at Samra University with Dr. Zhang. I have been teaching Qi Gong to Licensed Acupuncturists as a Continuing Eucational provider since 1988 and hold a yearly seminar here in Mt. Shasta at Stewart Mineral Springs which is also open to the interested public.

As well as the Qi Gong focus I also did an herbal apprenticeship with Dr. Yu Juan in Santa Barbara to complete my doctoral internship requirements. Dr. Yuan was expert in creating custom formulations with Chinese herbs specific to the requirements of her patients. It is from this training that I too feel comfortable in the use of Chinese herbs and the creation of custom formulas for my patients.

California has the highest educational standards in the U.S. for acupuncture training. Following two years of college prerequisites, practitioners are trained for a minimum of three years in Oriental and Western medicine. A full year of clinical internship is required to complete the diploma program. The state written and oral/practical exam is administered by the Board of Medical Quality Assurance, which oversees all medical licensing. Continuing education units are required each year for a re-licensure.

Chinese Herbs

Until well into the twentieth century much of the pharmacopoeia of scientific medicine was derived from the herbal lore of native peoples. Herbal medicine in modern China is at once a truly traditional medicine and yet, one that continues to grow. It reveres and utilizes the past, but also incorporates innovation based on clinical experience and scientific investigation. Many of the Chinese herbal prescriptions have been in use for hundreds of years and proven themselves in clinical application.

It is my deep belief that Chinese herbal therapy is an important and valuable aid to the health and well being of all people. An herbal prescription is often a valuable adjunct to reharmonizing the body systems in a therapeutic regime. Chinese herbs are prescribed according to the diagnosis and disharmony presented by the individual versus the western approach of prescribing by the disease. Therefore, a patient may be prescribed an entirely different formula even though he/she may be complaining of the same "disease" as another. It is very important to seek the counsel of a trained herbalist before taking Chinese herbal formulas. The wrong formula may make the situation worsen.

Ayurvedic Assessment

Traditional medicine from India, Ayurveda (ayur = life, veda = knowledge) offers a unique perspective in assessing the balance and harmony in the body. There are three dynamic forces "doshas" at work in the body; Vata, Pitta, Kapha. A predominant "dosha' assessment will tell you which foods to eat, what foods to avoid, when to exercise and what kind of exercise is best suited. You will become more aware of your personality type and how to enhance and harmonize with your environment within the structure of the Ayurvedic principles. Most often a person has at least two "doshas" which predominate the underlying body type. Learn how to balance and when to balance these dynamic forces to achieve harmony and health.

Typically a questionnaire is filled out by the patient, a pulse is taken at the wrist and the doctor is able to easily assess the current condition of the body and what doshas are playing into any disharmony. Several dietary recommendations and life style habits will be reviewed. There are wonderful organic or wildcrafted herbal formulas specifically suited to reharmonize each dosha and condition presented.

Dietary Recommendations

Within the scope of an Asian Medical or Ayurvedic medical assessment lies the very important review of the the diet. Our daily medicines or toxicities often come from what and when we eat. Using information and principles from all nutritional therapies from Asian, Ayurvedic, Blood Type, and Allergy elimination protocols a diet just right for you can be found and followed easily. A healthy body reflects good digestion. An important point to remember, however, is that it is often not WHAT we eat but HOW WE DIGEST the food that really matters. Many have very "healthy" diets but their body is repelling the foods because of improper food combining, cooking or non cooking methods of preparation, food sensitivies, blood type rejections or dosha (ayurvedic) specific disharmonies. Finding the right diet can mean the difference between health and ease vs. dis-ease and discomfort. Simply removing and/or adding various foods to or from the diet can change the picture for the better.

All assessments include dietary review, recommendations, and food specific testing if necessary. Using food vials and kinesiology, the practitioner can find which food your body is currently rejecting and has become "allergic" to and using acupuncture these can be "reset" allowing better assimilation and harmony within the body.