Laura Hawley, L.Ac, Dipl Ac, Dipl CHM, MSW
My aim is to engage a person's ability to heal through the use of careful assessment and specific treatment in a calm, caring environment. A body in a state of disharmony wants to heal itself, to return to a state of balance. Because acupuncture depends on the body's genius for healing itself, it has a wide range of applications, both physical and emotional. Through the experience of acupuncture treatment, my patients often come to consider their health in a new way. People often come to acupuncture when they are in a state of transition. They seek not only my treatment, but also help in understanding and changing habits which may be undermining their emotional and physical health. I really enjoy being a part of this process.
A graduate of the New England School of Acupuncture, I have been practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine since 1996. Since then I have completed advanced study in Kiiko Matsumoto style acupuncture. I am a student of Zero Balancing, a gentle form of bodywork. I am also a student of qi gong, a traditional Chinese form of energy cultivation.
My services include: Acupuncture In my practice of acupuncture, I first assess how the body is out of balance and then find specific treatment points to help the body correct that imbalance. Energy flows along specific pathways in the body. Very fine sterile needles are gently inserted at points on the body that reflect the specific symptom pattern and constitutional imbalance of the individual patient. Stimulating these points encourages the body’s own healing processes by, for example, improving stress response, blood circulation, inflammatory response, immune functioning and relief or abatement of acute or chronic pain. Treatment often works quickly and specifically, for example to release a muscle spasm, and also globally, for example in leading to a renewed sense of well being. Herbal Medicine Herbal formulas are designed to address the patient's individual constitution and symptoms, and work as both a principal treatment method and an excellent complement to acupuncture. The herbalist assesses the patient's progress over time and adjusts the formula accordingly. Herbal medicines provide support between acupuncture sessions and augment the range of possible treatments. Herbs can be very powerful in the treatment of conditions such as menstrual disorders, endometriosis, fertility, menopausal problems, fatigue, anxiety, digestive issues, immune deficiencies, and infectious diseases. Counseling This may be a simple conversation about diet and exercise or a profound one about past trauma, present concerns or future goals. In this arena I follow the patient's lead about how I might be of service to him or her. Under this heading, I will mention that I almost always include simple relaxation instruction with my treatments. Bodywork I do some simple massage and bodywork. Referrals I think this is a vital part of any practice. I refer patients to a variety of other health care professionals if it is indicated. Sometimes we agree that formal psychotherapy would be useful. Sometimes it seems chiropractic care or detailed nutritional advice or physical therapy would supplement the treatment well. Sometimes I want the patient to see their doctor or another Western medical specialist for evaluation or care.
255 S. 17th Street, Suite 1502 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone: 215.545.7040 Email: laurahawley@yinyanghouse.com
