About
Us
Hope
Ryf, Licensed Acupuncturist, is the founder of Westlake
Alternative Healthcare Center. Hope´s vision
is to provide a safe, nurturing, healing environment where
each patient can participate in his or her own healing
journey. She offers an integrated holistic approach to
health and wellness. Blending traditional medicine and
proven alternative therapies, Hope´s goal is to
offer Hope´s patients the best possible treatment
program by customizing each individual´s needs to
the appropriate stage of treatment in their healing process.
About
the Practice
We
understand the importance of health. We are partners
with you in achieving your wellness objectives. You can
expect the highest levels of service and care at Westlake
Alternative Healthcare. We commit ourselves to meeting
and exceeding your expectations. Providing a total healthcare
experience means dedicated and friendly staff, flexible
and convenient hours and the highest quality care available.
|
Therapeutic
Massage |
Massage
relaxes the mind as well the body, encouraging a sense
of wholeness and greater well-being. Our Massage Therapists
allow time to identify and respond to your personal needs
and offer an opportunity to transport yourself from the
chaotic pace of your busy lifestyle to the tranquil rhythm
of your inner world. We´ll tailor a session just
for you--from a light and soothing touch geared toward
relaxation, or a deeper, more vigorous session that releases
tension from sore, contracted muscles and joints.
Massage
therapy is no longer considered just a luxury or a way
to pamper yourself. The therapeutic benefits include stress
and headache relief, increased blood flow and flexibility,
and accelerated recovery from injuries. Clinical studies
have shown that massage therapy promotes relaxation and
stimulates the brain to produce endorphins that aid in
the management of pain.
There
are a number of psychological benefits to massage as well
as physical. Many patients report increased energy, less
anxiety and better quality of sleep.
We
offer a variety of modalities to help you achieve optimal
wellness: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy Massage, Therapeutic
Sports Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Trigger Point Therapy,
and Reiki.
Swedish,
Therapeutic or Deep Tissue Massage
A
relaxing full body massage, this soothing light-to-medium
pressure touch will improve circulation, relieve tension
and eliminate muscle fatigue.
A
deep tissue massage customized to target specific areas
of tension, this treatment will promote healing in those
suffering from muscle pain.
Stone
Massage
This
treatment combines tension releasing massage techniques
with smooth river stones. The warm stones are placed on
the body to create an unforgettable massage experience.
Pregnancy
Massage
A
gentle, pampering massage honoring new moms or moms-to-be.
This massage will alleviate muscle tension as well as
provide relief from swelling and stress on weight-bearing
joints.
Reiki
Reiki
is the Japanese word for universal life energy. This subtle
technique will restore the body´s natural state
of harmony.
|
Acpuncture |
Acupuncture
involves inserting very thin needles into the body at
specific points. However, the term Acupuncture@ is commonly
used to describe the ancient art of Traditional Oriental
Medicine, also called TCM. TCM is a complex medical practice
that dates back thousands of years and offers a unique
analysis of ailments and disorders and involves several
different treatment therapies, one of which is acupuncture.
Hope
Ryf practices the Japanese style of acupuncture which
uses ultra fine needles and very shallow insertions. This
style is amazingly gentle and minimizes, if not eliminates,
any discomfort. The Japanese style uses needles three
to four sizes finer than the Chinese style and relies
on location, direction of needle and breadth to create
the required effect.
Japanese
style acupuncture is noted for its absolute comfort. If
ever an acupoint is uncomfortable, you should inform the
acupuncturist so that they may adjust the needle position
or location to dissipate any discomfort.
Acupuncturists
are trained in accredited three to four year graduate
programs and are licensed by most states. The National
Commission certifies acupuncturists for the Certification
of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), a national
organization established to regulate the practice of acupuncture.
After passing examinations, these acupuncturists are designated
as board certified in acupuncture.
Some
physicians offer treatment known as medical acupuncture,
a kind of mini acupuncture based on a much shorter course
of study. While an accredited masters level program in
acupuncture includes about 2500 hours or more of study,
these shortened courses for physicians offer about 200
hours. Acupuncturists who graduate from accredited programs
have completed an extensive course of study in Oriental
Medicine as well as Western biomedical approaches to illness.
Contemporary acupuncturists are prepared to work with
physicians and other health care providers to bring the
most effective aspects of Oriental Medicine into the conventional
medical clinic.
What
conditions is acupuncture effective for?
- Amenorrhea
-
Cramps
-
Endometriosis
-
Infertility
-
PMS
-
Menopause Symptoms
-
Morning Sickness
Neurological
- Bells
Palsy
-
Facial Pain
-
Headaches/Migraines
-
Parkinson´s Disease
-
Postoperative Pain
-
Multiple Sclerosis
-
Neuralgia
-
Sciatica
-
Shingles
Respiratory
- Allergy
-
Asthma
-
Bronchitis
-
Common Cold
-
Rhinitis
-
Skin Problems
-
Sinusitis
-
Tonsillitis
Autoimmune
- Chronic
Fatigue
-
Fibromyalgia
-
Lupus
-
Multiple Sclerosis
|
Digestive
- Abdominal
pain
-
Colitis
-
Constipation
-
Crohns Disease
-
Diarrhea
-
Hyperacidity
-
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
-
Nausea
Musculoskeletal
- Arthritis
-
Back Pain
-
Fibromyalgia
-
Neck & Shoulder Pain
-
Soft tissue injuries
-
Trauma
Emotional
- Anxiety
-
Depression
-
Fatigue
-
Hypertension
-
Insomnia
-
Stress
Addictions
|
Depression
A
new pilot study by researchers at the University of Arizona
confirmed that acupuncture is a promising treatment for
major depression in women.
Orthopedics
More
than 90% of all visits to physicians of various specialties
are musculoskeletal related. Acupuncture Orthopedics is
a subspecialty of Acupuncture. It has a higher degree
of clinical skills and education as it relates to neuro-musculoskeletal
disorders. It integrates the ancient wisdom and practices
of Traditional Oriental Medicine with the diagnostic and
treatment modalities of modern Western conventional medicine.
Modalities
under Acupuncture
- Moxabuxtion
-
Cupping
-
Bleeding
-
Electrical Stimulation
What
can acupuncture do for YOU specifically? ASK!
|
Women´s
Health |
The
treatment of gynecologic imbalances is a well-established specialty
in Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM). The TOM approach to
understanding illness and maintaining well being is unique;
its practice is highly sophisticated with particular theories,
diagnoses and treatments that women of all ages can benefit
from. Premenstrual syndrome, as well as many other syndromes
which are hard to classify or tend to involve multiple organ
systems, is more exactly diagnosed in the TOM system.
With
acupuncture, young women at the beginning of menstruation will
experience relief from cramps and PMS. The menstrual cycle can
be guided to be comfortable and regular so that it won´t
interfere with normal activities.
Chronic
menstrual problems respond well to more long-term care. Heavy
bleeding associated with fibroids and endometriosis, and its attendant
pain, can be restrained by acupuncture combined with herbal medicine.
For
women who are trying to become pregnant, acupuncture sometimes
resolves problems of infertility. It is not widely known in the
U.S, but traditional physicians in other countries prefer to treat
both partners if there are any conception disorders. This is a
very good idea to align and coordinate the male and female polarities.
In
the beginning of pregnancy, acupuncture and certain dietary
changes can help to reduce morning sickness, insomnia, fatigue
and mood changes; in the later stages, back and pelvic discomfort
and swelling of the lower extremities can be relieved. After
childbirth, acupuncture and herbal medicine are very helpful
in restoring and replenishing the new mother´s energy.
Post partum depression, mood changes and nursing difficulties
can also be managed.
For
women in menopause, the intensity of hot flashes and night sweats
can be greatly reduced to make this time of transition much
more comfortable. Treatment focuses on stopping excessive sweating
and restoring restfulness.
TOM
Gynecology is highly effective for treating a number of common
gynecological conditions including:
-
Amenorrhea
-
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
-
Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
-
Endometriosis
-
Menopause
-
Ovarian cyst
-
Perimenopause
-
PMS (Premenstrual syndrome)
-
Fibrocystic breast disease
-
Infertility
-
Insufficient lactation
-
Irregular periods
-
IVF Adjunctive therapy
-
Leukorrhea (excessive vaginal discharge)
-
Mastitis syndrome
-
Post-partum care
-
Sexual dysfunction
-
Stress incontinence
-
UTI (urinary tract infection)
-
Uterine fibroids
-
Uterine prolapse
Nutritional
Counseling and Supplements
You
are what you eat! The secret to good
health is achieved through right nutrition. What
is right nutrition? And how do you get it? When you can eat
nutritious foods without discomfort and assimilate their nutrients,
that food is said to be the right food. In addition, it is important
to buy fruits and vegetables, meats and fish, and other food
items that have not been diminished in nutrients due to current
manufacturing and processing techniques.
When
you experience indigestion, bloating, or other digestive troubles
upon eating certain foods, that food is not helping you function
normally. This is due to an allergy to the food. Different foods
react differently in different people. What is food for some
may be poison for others. You´ve probably heard the expression
"One man's meat is another man´s poison.
So
it is very important to clear the allergy to the nutrients.
Allergic people can tolerate food that is low in nutrition better
than nutritious food. But upon clearing the allergy, you should
try to eat more wholesome, nutritious foods. Avoid refined,
bleached food that is devoid of nutrients. Many people who are
feeling poorly due to undiagnosed food allergies may take vitamins
or other supplements to increase their vitality after they get
treated for the specific supplements. Nutritional supplements
are an important part of a balanced health regimen, as they
can provide essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
that you may not be getting from your diet.
However,
if you happen to be allergic to the nutritional supplements
you are taking, this can actually make you feel worse. Only
after clearing those allergies, can your body properly assimilate
them. So nutritional assessment should be done periodically
and if needed, appropriate supplements should be taken to receive
faster results.
|
|
