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Meet Abby
Abby Humphrey (she/her) has been practicing acupuncture in Ann Arbor since 1999. In 2001, she co-founded the Center for Sacred Living. In 2014, she was invited to join Integrative Healthcare Providers of Ann Arbor, where her practice still resides.
She has lectured on Chinese Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and in the intensive Inteflex program at the Medical School. Abby has hosted students from both schools at her practice. She has facilitated workshops on Five Element Theory for many years and, at times, offered those workshops in partnership with Master Wasentha Young, of the Peaceful Dragon School of Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung. She recently developed the online course The Five Element Journey of the Empath.
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Abby has three beautiful and inspiring children and has been a bellydance teacher and performer for over 10 years.
“When you touch one thing with deep awareness,
you touch everything.”
—Lao Tzu
acupuncture
The mechanism behind acupuncture’s effectiveness is simple and complex at the same time. Acupuncture helps to realign the body, mind and spirit for a perfect balance of wellness. Everyday stressors such as poor nutrition or not enough sleep can create imbalances in the flow of Qi (pronounced chee) throughout the body which may create systemic problems over time.
balanced
holistic
Acupuncturists measure imbalances based on an individual’s health history, tongue diagnosis and pulse diagnosis. By looking at the tongue and checking the pulse, practitioners can ascertain what is out of balance with a patient. This often sounds like a weather report for the internal conditions of an individual. For example, someone may show too much heat or cold, too much dampness or not enough blood circulation. All of these clues help the acupuncturist create an individualized treatment protocol that includes acupuncture treatment, herbs, supplements and in many cases dietary recommendations.
safe
During a treatment, sterile, disposable, one-time use needles are inserted painlessly into “acupoints.” The points are chosen for their ability to rebalance the patient naturally and create harmony between body, mind and spirit. After treatment, patients often feel calmer, less stressed, less pain and greater equanimity.
supporting therapies
cupping
Cupping is one of the best ways to move stagnation and break up blockage to restore the flow of energy on the body. This can be done on the muscle and fascia to help manage pain and muscle spasms but it can also be done for deeper, internal purposes such as clearing respiratory conditions, especially from the lungs. In my clinic, I have found great success with cupping in managing long-Covid issues as well as other post-viral conditions, with specific improvements in energy levels & mental clarity.
electro-stim
This is a procedure in which a weak electrical current is sent through needles into acupuncture points in order to provide more stimulation to the acupoint than manual stimulation can provide. In my clinic, I use electro-acupuncture most frequently for fertility support, neuropathy and pain conditions.
chinese herbs
At times, I may recommend Chinese herbs to augment the benefits of treatment. I think of this as adding mini daily acupuncture treatments to your life. If we find that acupuncture alone is not strong enough to shift your condition (e.g. for anxiety, insomnia, menstrual issues), we may decide to try adding herbs to increase the effectiveness of the treatments. I use pre-made patent formulas. I might, depending on the condition, refer you to a colleague who makes individual formulas from a raw herbal pharmacy.
microneedling
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure which involves pricking the skin with tiny sterilized needles at high velocity. The small wounds cause your body to make more collagen and elastin, which heal your skin and help you look younger. It's also called collagen induction therapy. It helps reduce scarring (including acne), dark spots or patches on your skin (hyperpigmentation), large pores, reduced skin elasticity, stretch marks, sun damage and fine lines & wrinkles. Most people need 4-6 treatments to see the significant benefits that are possible with micro-needling.
I’ve chosen to work with MDPen’s microneedling device as it's the highest quality available. Just like the needles in my regular practice, their pens use high quality, sterilized, stainless steel, Korean tips, and while not cheap, my research concluded that they offer the best quality and will ensure the best results.
sensations
Acupuncture is a delicate practice and most people feel no pain.
STOP ASIAN HATE
BLACK LIVES MATTER
TRANS LIVES MATTER
SCIENCE IS REAL
WOMEN'S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS
LOVE IS LOVE
As a white woman from a privileged background, I would like to talk about my decision to practice East Asian Medicine as my life's work. East Asian Medicine is founded on Five Element Theory, which I have studied for thirty years. Eastern philosophies of what it means to live in a body have always made more sense to me than Western views. The Five Elements have guided my personal and professional lives ever since I found them and inform my commitment to service, as well as my parenting.
get in touch
2800 S State St, Suite 215
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 216-3476