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Starting this week I, Brenda Hatley, L.Ac, Dipl. OM, am available to give Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments right here at STUDIOMIX.

A little about me
I’m both California licensed and nationally certified to practice acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I attended the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine right here in San Francisco and I specialize in sports injuries, digestive disorders, and stress and anxiety. Outside of TCM, my other passion in life is martial arts, which I began learning when I was 11 years old. I’m a member of the United States Wushu Team and have the honor of representing the USA in international competitions. You can also find me at STUDIOMIX on Mondays and Wednesdays teaching Taichi.

New to acupuncture?
Don’t worry! TCM is tried and true. It is a comprehensive healthcare system that has been in use around the world for thousands of years to preserve health and diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. Centuries ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners discovered that pain and illness results from imbalances and blockages of “Qi” and “Blood” in the body. But how does that translate for us in a modern society? Well, it means when we are stressed, sit at a desk all day, eat poorly, and don’t exercise… we get sick! A TCM practitioner has many tools and techniques to help your body restore itself back to health, the most well known of which is acupuncture.

How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by balancing disharmonies in the body through the stimulation of specific acupuncture points with very fine, flexible needles. The practitioner uses a complex system of diagnostic methods that take into consideration the patient as a whole, rather than isolated symptoms. TCM is truly a holistic medicine. The aim is not only to alleviate symptoms, but more importantly to treat the underlying cause, increase the ability to function, and improve the quality of life.

Nervous?
Many first-time patients are afraid that acupuncture will feel like a shot. It won’t. In fact, did you know that 40 acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of one hypodermic needle? The insertion of these ultra-fine acupuncture needles can be so subtle that it is often unnoticed by the patient. After insertion you may feel a mild tingling sensation, a heaviness at the insertion site, a surge of energy, or nothing at all. Many people find the sensation of acupuncture to be so relaxing that they fall asleep during their treatment. Acupuncture relaxes both body and mind.

Is acupuncture risky?
No, the risk of side effects is low and the potential of benefits is high. Modern acupuncture needles are stainless steel, pre-sterilized, non-toxic, and single-use.

What can TCM treat?
TCM can treat a wide array of conditions. With the combination of acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle adjustments, and herbal supplements, Chinese Medicine can have a powerful impact on your health. Although many people seek treatments to speed the healing of injuries and alleviate chronic pain, Chinese medicine can do much more. It has been shown to improve digestive disorders such as IBS and ulcerative colitis, regulate menstruation and decrease PMS symptoms, alleviate the harsh side-effects of cancer treatments, improve sleep and depression, relieve stress and anxiety, and boost overall immunity to help ward off those pesky colds and seasonal allergies. I specialize in treating sports injuries, digestive disorders, and stress and anxiety.

What can I expect at my first visit?
Since you complete your intake forms ahead of time, your intake will begin immediately. To start we will review your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. Then I will take your vitals, observe your tongue, and check your pulse to help gain a full picture of your health. Once the in-depth intake is complete, I will customize a treatment plan just for you. After discussing this plan with you, we will begin the treatment.

Needles are usually retained for 20 to 40 minutes and may be accompanied by heat therapy, cupping, electric stimulation, moxibustion, and/or Tui-Na massage. When your needles are removed, herbs may be prescribed for you, depending on your condition. Although patients often feel a change after only one treatment, acupuncture does have a cumulative effect. A standard course of treatment is ten visits, however, every person is special and so are their treatment plans.

To make an appointment you can find my schedule HERE on Mindbody. Visits last one hour and are paid for at the appointment. I can’t wait to meet you!