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This unique medical practice located in downtown Arcata, is focused on integrating acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, herbal therapy and holistic living.

Using acupuncture and herbal medicine, as well as dietary and lifestyle recommendations my goal is to help people achieve their best health and improve their quality of life. Treatments are focused on restoring balance, and maintaining health which is attained by treating the root cause of the illness to help recover one's own healing capability.

In this calm and welcoming space you can receive treatment for various medical conditions, as well as general wellness and preventative care. I provide gentle, individualized treatments, and strive to integrate the best medical knowledge of both eastern and western medicine to meet the treatment and prevention needs of patients. By applying traditional Chinese medicine principles to modern lifestyles, I help patients understand their health and encourage them to take an active part in their healing process.

 

HOLISTIC TREATMENT

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INITIAL CONSULTATION: 60-75 MIN – $100
 

INCLUDES:

Tongue Evaluation
Pulse Diagnostics
Acupuncture treatment
Herbal Recommendations as appropriate
Cupping or Gua Sha as needed
Plan for course of treatment

FOLLOW UP TREATMENT: 45-60 MIN - $85

INCLUDES:

Tongue Evaluation
Pulse Diagnostics
Acupuncture treatment
Herbal Recommendations as appropriate
Cupping or Gua Sha as needed

 

 

 

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The following is a list of conditions which the World Health Organization determined may respond to acupuncture.

Upper Respiratory Tract
• Acute sinusitis
• Acute rhinitis
• Common Cold
• Acute tonsillitis

Respiratory System
• Acute bronchitis
• Bronchial asthma (most effective in children and in patients without complicating diseases)

Disorders of the Eye
• Acute conjunctivitis
• Central retinitis
• Myopia (in children)
• Cataract (without complications)

Disorders of the Mouth
• Toothache, post-extraction pain
• Gingivitis
• Acute and chronic pharyngitis

Gastro-intestinal Disorders
• Spasms of esophagus and cardia
• Hiccough
• Gastroptosis
• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Gastric hyperacidity
• Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief)
• Acute duodenal ulcer (without complications)
• Acute and chronic colitis
• Acute bacillary dysentery
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Paralytic ileus

Neurological and Musculo-skeletal Disorders
• Headache and migraine
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Facial palsy (early stage, i.e., within three to six months)
• Pareses following a stroke
• Peripheral neuropathies
• Sequelae of poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within six months)
• Meniere’s disease
• Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
• Nocturnal enuresis
• Intercostal neuralgia
• Cervicobrachial syndrome
• “Frozen shoulder,” “tennis elbow”
• Sciatica
• Low back pain
• Osteoarthritis

The most common conditions treated effectively by Acupuncture include:

chronic pain
• neck and back pain
• migraine headaches

acute injury-related pain
• sprains
• strains

gastrointestinal problems
• indigestion
• ulcers
• constipation
• diarrhea

cardiovascular conditions
• high and low blood pressure

genitourinary problems
• menstrual irregularity
• infertility
• impotence

muscle and nerve conditions
• paralysis
• deafness

addictive Behaviours
• substance abuse
• overeating
• drug dependence
• smoking

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******CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS*****

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 

What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese medicine is a natural and complete medical system that consists of acupuncture, massage, herbology, diet and lifestyle advice.

What is a treatment like?
Acupuncture treatment will start with a health history and rather extensive questioning about all aspects of the patient’s condition. This is followed by an exam in which the practitioner feels the pulses and examines the tongue. This gives the practitioner a lot of information about the internal state of the body. The appropriate needle treatment will then be decided upon for that day. If appropriate, you will receive dietary, herbal and lifestyle recommendations to enhance the effects of your treatments.

How many sessions do I need?
Since each person is unique, the number of treatments needed will vary accordingly. Determining factors include the type of condition, and whether it is acute or chronic. Usual recommendation is between 4 and 6 treatments, although some improvement can be seen after just one.

Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes. All licensed acupuncturists today use individually packaged, pre-sterilized, disposable needles. Practitioners undergo 3-4 years of rigorous graduate level training and must pass State Board Licensing exams.

Is Acupuncture painful? Does it hurt?
No. Acupuncture needles are very fine, often described as the thickness of human hair. When the needles are initially inserted there may be occasional minimal discomfort. Patients often describe the feeling as a tingling sensation. Others describe the feeling as a numbness, heavy, dull or warm sensation.

How should I prepare for a visit?
Please show up on time. Eat a light meal and wear comfortable clothes that can be rolled up. Please do not come if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Is there anything I should do while receiving acupuncture?
RELAX. There is no standard for thoughts or feelings one might experience during acupuncture, but try to just let all of it flow through you, and enjoy!

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Get to know your acupuncturist

Alyssa attended Humboldt State University for her Bachelor’s degree. After graduation, she began to explore herbal medicine, diet therapy, and energy balancing. This led her to seeking a Masters degree in Oriental Medicine. Alyssa received her degree from the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, CA. Besides the schools’ clinic, her externships included the West Berkeley Family Practice, a low income addiction based clinic, as well as one at Alta Bates Hospital working with internal disease. She is licensed by the state of California.
As a practitioner of Oriental Medicine, Alyssa works with you to discover your constitution and the patterns that explain your constellation of symptoms. Through listening, palpation, and observation she will create a customized health plan for you with information regarding herbal therapy, dietary and lifestyle choices.
Alyssa’s approach is compassionate, non-judgmental and direct. She strives to help people discover a greater sense of awareness of themselves, improve their peace of mind, and help change the way they approach disease, discomfort and their environment.

Alyssa has been practicing in Arcata for 7 years and won Best of Humboldt Acupuncturist in 2018!

As a long time lover of Traditional Chinese Tonic herbs and Adaptogens, Alyssa founded an herb business to share these herbs with a larger community.

Follow along Alyssa’s Herb Business: Root&Bones

www.RootandBones.com

 

 

What people are saying about Alyssa:  http://www.yelp.com/biz/alyssa-melody-l-ac-m-s-arcata

“Alyssa is an excellent acupuncturist. She is kind compassionate, humble, non judgmental, and she really knows her profession. Not only is she skilled at placing needles, Alyssa has an extensive knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine. When I haven’t had time to get acupuncture she has read my tongue, taken my pulse and bagged up my remedy with efficiency. She has helped me clear up several problems and the results are immediate. I am very impressed with her skill and she will be my acupuncturist as long as I am in the vicinity of her practice. I have referred her to many without the blink of an eye. This community has been blessed with her presence.”-J.N.

”Alyssa is amazing!  Every time I go in for my appointment, I walk out feeling like a new woman.  She is easy to talk to and very knowledgeable about the body.  I highly recommend her.”-M.D.

“I’ve had acupuncture treatments with Alyssa over the past few years and I really can’t say enough about how great my experiences have been.
She has successfully treated me for everything from stress to colds to menstrual cramps.  Her grounded and non-judgmental demeanor makes it easy to feel comfortable and supported. She is always very clear and upfront about treatments and expectations.   And I love that she always has great advice on herbs, supplements and natural remedies.” -E.W.

“Alyssa Melody is efficient, attentive and very professional. She clearly knows her craft and helped me with two problems I’ve had over the last few months. One was a horrible case of bronchitis and a dry harsh cough that wouldn’t subside. Within a couple of treatments with acupuncture and herbs my symptoms were reduced more than 90%. She has also been able to keep my chronic back pain from limiting my work and sleep. I’m thrilled to have found Alyssa as I have tried other practitioners with marginal successes. Several of my friends have also found Alyssa Melody to be a tremendous asset to to their health care.” W.M.

 

 

“The sages of antiquity did not treat those who were already sick, but those who were not sick… When a disease has already broken out and is only then treated, would that not be just as late as to wait for thirst before digging a well, or to wait to go into battle before casting weapons?” – Nei Jing