•CONTACT:
Claudia Brachtl,
M.A., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. C. H.
The
Prana Center - MAP
1605 Bath Street #4
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
USA Phone: 805-560-9727
email:
claudia@beyondacupuncture.us
web site:
www.beyondacupuncture.us
•ACTIVE
RELEASE TECHNIQUES
Active Release Techniques (also known as ART) is a new and highly
successful approach to injuries of muscles, tendons, fascia, nerves
and the surrounding soft tissues.
Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder
pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems and tennis elbow
are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly
and permanently with ART.
During the ART session, abnormal tissues are treated by combining
precisely directed tension with specific patient movements.
•ACUPUNCTURE
Traditional
Chinese Medicine maintains that there are as many as 2,000 acupuncture
points on the human body, which are connected by meridians. These
meridians conduct energy, or qi between the surface of the body
and its internal organs.
Qi
is believed to regulate balance in the body. Acupuncture unblocks
qi, thus allowing normal flow of energy to restore health to the
mind and body.
Acupuncture
is beneficial for common ailments such as:
Arthritis,
acute and chronic neck, back and shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, sciatica,
whiplash, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, menstrual disorders
and menopausal symptoms, emotional and psychological disorders (such
as depression and anxiety), chronic fatigue, hypertension, dizziness,
migraines and headaches, allergies, respiratory disorders (colds,
flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma), gastrointestinal conditions
(such as food allergies, constipation, indigestion, chronic diarrhea
and gastritis), diabetes, endocrine disorders, autoimmune disorders,
insomnia, etc.
Studies
have shown that acupuncture can help in the rehabilitation of stroke
patients and can relieve nausea in patients recovering from surgery
or chemotherapy.
•AYURVEDA
Ayurveda,
practiced in India for the past 5,000 years, is a comprehensive
system of holistic healing that focuses on harmony of body, mind
and consciousness. Ayurveda seeks to
understand and correct imbalances on many levels, physical, emotional,
and spiritual.
Ayurvedic
Consultation: Starts with an in-depth health assessment and
reading of physical and emotional patterns, as well as a pulse and
tongue evaluation. Your unique body/mind constitution will be determined
and specific areas of imbalance at subtle levels of your physiology
detected. A customized program, which includes diet, cleanses, lifestyle,
stress reduction techniques, herbal therapeutics, yoga, colors and
aromatherapy, will be recommended.
•PANCHA
KARMA
The
Ayurvedic panchakarma cleanse is a gentle yet powerful Ayurvedic
approach to rejuvenation and detoxification. The cleanse begins
at home with a diet consisting of cooked, easy-to-digest foods such
as rice, vegetables, lentils, stewed fruit,herbal decoctions, and
clarified butter. The delicious treatments start after five days
of this preparation phase: Each day consists of hours of warm oil
massages, herbal steam treatments, and body scrubs with Ayurvedic
herbs, as well as treatments that nourish body and soul and simultaneously
eliminate toxins in a gentle way.
In
Ayurveda, toxins that accumulate in the body are called ama. Symptoms
of ama accumulation are lethargy, low energy, generalized aches
and pains, lack of mental clarity, heaviness in the body, digestive
problems (such as constipation, gas, bloating, or heartburn), weakened
immune system, frequent colds and sinus infections, coated tongue,
body odor, etc.
With
the tremendous growth of industry over the past 100 years, thousands
of toxic chemicals have been introduced into our food, air, drinking
water, and almost every manufactured product. As a result, we are
exposed to a potentially huge toxic overload during our lifetime.
Regular panchakarma cleanses (one to four times a year) help the
body eliminate ama or toxins and rejuvenate, strengthen, and balance
it.
Who
Can Benefit from Panchakarma?
Panchakarma is beneficial for healthy individuals who want to stay
healthy or the following conditions: arthritis, generalized body
pain, fibromyalgia, sciatica, menstrual disorders and menopausal
symptoms, emotional and psychological disorders (such as depression
and anxiety), chronic fatigue, hypertension, dizziness, migraines
and headaches, allergies, frequent colds, flu, sinus problems, asthma,
gastrointestinal conditions, endocrine disorders, autoimmune disorders,
insomnia, stress, etc. Panchakarma can be performed as a post-treatment
for cancer to remove toxic residues of malignancies.
All
authentic panchakarma therapies and individual Ayurvedic body treatments
are available at our Prana Center in Santa Barbara.
•ABHYANGA
MASSAGE
Abhyanga
massage is a gentle but firm whole body massage from head to toe
using warm medicated oils. Oils are chosen according to the prakruti
(psychosomatic constitution). Abhyanga massage is a deeply relaxing,
rejuvenating experience as well as a treatment in certain conditions.
It protects from stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. It nourishes the
body, extends the life span, provides good sleep, improves the skin
texture, improves the vision and provides better physical stability.
•SHIRODARA
A
profound treatment using Ayurvedic oils poured in a steady stream
over the forehead and scalp. It allows the body's natural healing
mechanisms to release stress from the nervous system. This therapy
stimulates the nervous system by releasing neuro-hormones and creating
feelings of relaxation and well-being.
•SVEDANA
Medicated
Steam bath that eliminates impurities from the body, improves the
tone and complexion of the skin, reduces fat and is used in the
treatment of certain rheumatic diseases. Precious herbs and herbal
leaves are boiled and the steam is passed over the entire body.
Deeply cleansing for the body and mind.
•MARMA
THERAPY
Marma
points are connected with each other by energy channels called Nadis.
Under normal circumstances, energy should flow uninterrupted through
the Nadis while passing through the Marma points. Due to external
influences like stress, tension, lack of rest, etc. energy tends
to get blocked in Marma points. This results in symptoms of stress
and strain. Marma therapy is a very good treatment to help release
this blocked energy and aid stress relief.
•NASYA
A
specific treatment for the sinuses and head, including a head-,
scalp- and neck massage, steam inhalation and specific oils for
opening the sinuses.
•BLISS
THERAPY
A
two hour blissful experience of Abhyanga (warm oil massage), svedana
(herbal steam) and shirodhara (warm oil poured over the forehead).
A wonderful treatment that deeply nourishes body, mind and soul
and brings about a feeling of deep relaxation.
•CUPPING
Cupping
is an ancient method of healing that has proven to be especially
effective for treating acute and chronic back pain, sciatica, shoulder
pain, sprains and swellings, digestive disorders, colds and flu,
bronchitis, allergies, asthma, immune disorders, neurological disorders
and many more.
Special
glass jars, when placed on the skin create a strong pulling force
due to their vacuum effect. The suction is said to draw out toxins
and help relieve pain, by increasing blood flow and oxygen in the
tissues.
Sliding
cups after massaging aromatic oils into the muscles, creates a powerful
reverse massage. Invigorating, freeing and energizing, which serves
not only to loosen up tight muscles, but is also beneficial for
the underlying organs and the immune system. Cupping works on many
levels and patients report relief not only on a physical level but
also psychologically and emotionally.
•DEEP
TISSUE MASSAGE
I
have been using deep tissue massage together with shiatsu, reflexology,
sports massage, polarity and Esalen massage to create a strong feeling
of well being, rejuvenation, deep relaxation and increased energy.
The repeated postural and traumatic insults of a lifetime, combined
with the tensions of emotional and psychological origin, will often
present a confusing pattern of tense, contracted, bunched and fatigued
fibrous tissue.
More
often than not, a combination of mental and physical stress will
so alter neuro-muscular-skeletal structures as to create an identifiable
physical change, which will itself be a generator of further stress,
such as pain, joint restriction, general discomfort and fatigue.
Many years of experience have taught me to intuitively coordinate
the appropriate techniques for releasing tension and pain.
•NUTRITIONAL
AND LIFESTYLE CONSULTATIONS
Based on the traditional principles of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.
This is further enhanced by the latest Western nutritional research
and blood work analysis.
A
balanced diet enhanced by Chinese or Ayurvedic herbs or supplements,
regular detoxification cleanses (Pancha Karma) and life style changes
will create an environment for the body to heal, detoxify and regenerate.
Claudia
specializes in blood chemistry analysis and how to achieve changes
in abnormal levels with diet and supplements. If you have not had
blood work done by your physician within the past three months,
arrangements can be made to have the tests performed at a local
lab.
Note:Suggested
tests include chemistry panel, complete blood count, thyroid panel
and urinalysis. Adrenal
Stress, Candida and Parasite tests are also available.
•HYPNOTHERAPY
Claudia is certified in clinical hypnotherapy and offers hypnotherapy
sessions in combination with acupuncture for weight loss, tobacco,
drug, alcohol, and food addictions, chronic pain, depression, anxiety
and stress disorders. Hypnotherapy addresses the unconscious mind
and helps with reprogramming bad habits and old beliefs that no
longer serve the individual. Hypnotherapy is short-term, solution-oriented
therapy that will bring great benefits to your life - more energy,
better health, lasting peace of mind, success, and happiness.
•PRENATAL
& POSTNATAL AYURVEDA AND CHINESE MEDICINE - Healthy Mother -
Blissful Baby!
Read
the article "Oh Baby! Prenatal and Postpartum the Ayurvedic
Way" - by Gina Tolleson, Santa Barbara News-Press, July
31, 2006
Events
& Workshops - 2009
Free
Lecture on Ayurvedic Cleansing & Pancha Karma
Monday June 29, 7pm
The
Prana Center is offering an informative evening lecture
on Ayurvedic cleansing therapies and Pancha Karma. Improper
detox cleanses can me detrimental to your health. Learn
safe and effective methods of purifying your body. We
will make easy-to-follow recommendations on how to create
your own home-detox program and day routine. Claudia Brachtl,
an ayurvedic practitioner and licensed acupuncturist,
and Corinna Schmidt,
expert in Pancha Karma detox cleanses for over 18 years,
will lead the interactive discussion.
For
more information about upcoming classes, e-mail
Claudia or please call to sign up:
805-560-9727 or 805-452-2526.
@
The Prana Center - MAP
~ 1605 Bath Street #4, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Summer
Series of Ayurvedic Cooking Classes
I'll
show you how to prepare simple healthy dishes and explain
the health benefits of the various foods and spices.
Have fun and learn by watching me make fresh ghee, chutneys,
etc. Afterwards we will sit down to a delicious healthy
meal.
Sample
Menu:
• Black beluga lentils with Kaffir
lime and Indian spices (I will show you how to create
a fresh spice mix)
• Golden quinoa with ghee, turmeric, chili and
almonds (we will make fresh ghee in the class)
•
Spinach and green cabbage with Pancha Pooran
• Fresh nectarine/plum chutney
• Cilantro cashew chutney
• Gingered tapioca berry pudding with almond
sauce
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