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Feeling good and energetic everyday is a gift. That’s why I’m so grateful for Sherrie Matthews, LAc. – she is a licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist with an esteemed Master’s Degree from Emperor’s College Of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Southern California. And, I’ll tell you from my own experience, Sherrie is one incredibly wise and gifted woman who truly knows her stuff when it comes to great health. A couple of years ago I was experiencing chronic allergy attacks and sinus infections (four sinus infections within a six month period) – fun stuff, right?! By the way, sinus infections weren’t anything new to me – I had the pleasure of getting my butt kicked by them almost every year since my teenage days, antibiotics and all. I was about to endure rounds of annoying allergy testing and injections; then fortunately I found Sherrie. I put myself in her very capable hands and gave acupuncture a try first. Even my Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) MD said acupuncture was worth a shot, which is very refreshing to hear from a Western doctor. Well, I’m thrilled to share that it’s been about 2 1/2 years and I’ve been sinus infection and allergy attack free! Raise the roof! And, given that I live in Southern California where allergy season seems to always be in full effect, this is quite a miracle in my opinion.
My typical acupuncture treatment with Sherrie consists of lying on a cozy massage table with soft, freshly washed sheets. Salt lamps, crystals, essential oils, and healing sounds permeate the serene room. Sherrie asks how I’m feeling and what I’d like to work on which is typically my sinuses, immunity and boosting energy. She can treat a wide array of conditions including: back and neck pain, digestive conditions such as acid reflux, infertility, anxiety, depression, sciatica, asthma, colds, and the list goes on. After that she “needles” me (it doesn’t hurt at all by the way, especially with Sherrie’s velvet touch). I relax and drift off for about 20-25 minutes. Then we move on to something a bit more intense: cupping – this can be slightly uncomfortable, especially if there are a lot of toxins in your body and/or if your back and shoulders are very tight. But, it’s well worth it. See the below photo for what a cupping treatment looks like.
Here’s what Sherrie has to share about cupping: “The benefits of cupping in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to release tension and toxins that are stored in the muscles. My technique is specifically moving the cups. It is more like a deep massage as it reaches the inner layers of the muscles. It is used to tonify and harmonize all the organs and pathways. It can also be used to pull out emotional blocks as well as prevent or kick out the common cold.” That’s why, just like with a massage, you may feel a bit tired afterwards, and it’s also important to flush your system by drinking a lot of water.
When we finish that up Sherrie rubs some herbal cream into my shoulders and back, then places two ear seeds on the outer part of my ears. What the heck are ear seeds you ask? Sherrie says, “They are placed on the ear to keep the treatment in process for days after your treatment. It keeps the client actively involved in their healing process. The whole body has specific pathways which are represented in each ear. When you place the ear seeds on a specific point it continues to stimulate the acupuncture point in releasing certain chemicals to the brain to create balance and harmony, relieve pain, release seratonin, curb cravings and addictions. The most common points I use are to de-stress and regulate hormones giving optimal balance. I use gold 24 qt. ear seeds since gold is tonifying to the body. Silver ear seeds are for excess and an actual plant called Vicarria seeds are neutralizing.”
By now you’re probably asking yourself, how does acupuncture work anyways? According to Sherrie’s website: “When a needle is inserted into the body, it stimulates blood vessel dilation, which causes an immune defense reaction. This increased blood flow encourages natural chemicals to release. Acupuncturist’s use a variety of techniques to guide this stimulation to specific internal organs for healing and to release pain.” What I also deeply appreciate about Sherrie is that she’s incredibly knowledgeable about herbs, vitamins, supplements, and diet. She’ll consult with you on what foods to eat, what to avoid and which natural remedies are best for optimal health; it’s all personalized and based on your specific condition (s), of course. Sherrie even wraps things up with a little cherry on top by sending you home with essential oil bath salts for a recommended hot soak.
But wait, there’s more! if you happen to be looking for some alternative anti-aging methods, Sherrie has those up her sleeve too – she even offers Facial Acupuncture which is said to help you achieve a more glowing complexion as a result of the “increased Qi and blood flow to the face helping to boost collagen.” Sherrie says: “You will not only appear to look and feel more rested, but the appearance of wrinkles starts to lessen and skin appears more toned.” And, there’s much more to this than just the needles. I assure you this is a very relaxing treatment complete with the luxurious works: a facial cleansing, scrub, mask, and massage. Sherrie really does it up by utilizing all of the most pure, ultra natural skin care products too. So, what have we learned here? Want to boost your health, feel great, enjoy more energy, and look younger? Go see Sherrie Matthews stat! You can find her at:
Ona Spa
7373 Beverly Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90036
323.931.4442
or
Meta Bela Wellness Boutique
3401 Barham Blvd. #4
Hollywood, CA 90068
323.533.2370
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