Juniper Acupuncture is HERE!

The studios at 1445 The Alameda are growing steadily.  Constantly adding to its array of classes and offerings, labarre studios is headed into its third anniversary and a new year and we are doing so with a focus on wellness services and true commitment to our members.

With that, we have recently added our newest service provider, Juniper Acupuncture, and it is headed by the amazing Angelica Acton.

California born and raised, Angelica has been an acupuncturist, believe it or not, since she was a child!  “I was lucky enough that my dad was an acupuncturist and traveled from Boston to Japan, where he also met my mom, to pursue his calling.” Angelica explains.

“My mom and dad met in Osaka, Japan, and that is where he quenched his thirst for this knowledge; the knowledge of healing the body in a more natural way.  There are great holistic ways to heal like physical therapy” Angelica continues, “and like therapy, acupuncture helps us avoid side effects and invasive healing processes that come from medicine.”

As a kid she practiced on her dad and she “lived and breathed acupuncture.”  That is where Angelica decided this would be her passion as well.

“It is very modern, and it is instituted in hospitals, health care plans and it is very applicable.”

Her training to become an acupuncturist included complete immersion in Chinese medicine and manifested itself in a 4-year master’s degree from Five Branches University located in Santa Cruz, CA.  Because of California’s strict education laws, acupuncturists have to dive deep and learn western medicine, orthopedics, herbs, diagnosis and more. Though the entire process, Angelica was hands on, training and treating the whole way through at different levels.  Angelica’s expertise is extensive but furthering that proficiency is important to her and she looks to continue on and receive a doctorate in the discipline.  Praising its practicality and popularity, Angelica states, “It’s really a wonderful integrated medicine and we are considered primary healthcare providers.”

Practicing for over half a decade, Angelica is a veteran in her craft and has a tremendous number of hours under her belt.  This fully-licensed practitioner is experienced in how she treats patients, both in their physical and mental needs.

“I base my treatment on the patient.  I might have five different patients who come in with seemingly the same challenge, but I may have a different plan for each one.  Each treatment is adhered to individual people.  Everything is tailored to the individual.”

Angelica continues on about the benefits of acupuncture and dispels myths about it being painful or mysterious.

“It is very calming… people feel relaxed and meditative.  It’s understandable that people believe it might be painful prior to receiving treatment but once they take part in it, it’s a different story.  People tend to feel rested and rest is so important to the healing process.”

After connecting with Angelica the question that seems to be on everyone’s mind… How DOES Acupuncture work?

Explaining it perfectly, Angelica illuminated us.

“It creates a micro-trauma, a stimulus inside the skin, and it tells the body to increase circulation into that area, manipulating the body’s own capacity to heal in order to address issues we want addressed.  It increases white blood cell count in that area, and it increases the vessel capacity.   It also allows the body to pull away waste from a particular area.  It really is a biomechanical process and it is stemmed in very ancient medicine but it has a very western way that it works.”

Angelica continues, “Acupuncture has multiple benefits.  It works with stress management and digestion.  It works with abdominals and digestive points which helps circulate blood flow, working with the immune system and releasing endorphins.  People sometimes don’t realize that these areas heal the body in many ways.”

One fascinating fact that came from the conversation with labarre’s newest service provider was that facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a ‘thing.’  

“All of the channels we use in Chinese medicine… they eventually go to the face.  The face is the reflection of the body.  The glimmer in people’s eyes and their face reflects how they feel.  You can tell how someone feels simply by looking at them and acupuncture can help you look and feel better.”

If you are a weekend warrior and have nagging injuries or simply need a boost, we urge you to set up a consultation with Angelica.  If you have never tried acupuncture but are interested or if you are looking to continue on care that you are already getting, this is a great opportunity for a face to face connect with one of the Bay Area’s best.  

Enjoy the newest service from labarre and find new ways to design yourself.  Click here for more information about Juniper Acupuncture!