Exploring consciousness one needle at a time...
WHAT is Polyvagal Acupuncture?
I developed this application of oriental medicine a potentially life-threatening diagnosis at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Elective services were not available and faced with paralysis, excruciating pain, with complete loss of motor function, I went to work on myself. Based on 25 years of training in the principles of Somatic Patterning, developmental neuropsychology, classical Japanese acupuncture, and polyvagal theory, POLYVAGAL ACUPUNCTURE in combination with reflex integration restores the proper energy flow in the body by restoring proper vagal tone through retained or un-integrated reflex pathways. Contrary to popular belief, vagal tone is VISIBLE in the body by examining the fascia and muscle tone. Many patients are able to see and feel their own energy for the first time.
During COVID, and throughout my own rehabilitation, I found a consistent pattern of disharmony in the energy field of all my patients, and the techniques I developed to resolve my own issues were immediately applicable to my clients, who were predominantly first responders and medical providers on the front lines of the pandemic. It became clear we were creating a new treatment for PTSD, overwhelm, and extreme emotional distress. The medical terminology to describe the results we had at the clinic eluded me until last year, when another severe spinal cord event essentially shut down my nervous system. The new data from my own case has resulted in amazing breakthroughs for neurological conditions such as Parkinsons, PTSD and MS.
During the sessions, tissue regeneration is visible and spontaneous. While symptom relief is possible directly in session, it becomes a process of mindfulness to learn how to permanently shift these reflexive muscle patterns. Rather than healing, it might be best described as helping the body to return to its natural state by removing the charge held in the nervous system that is blocking the action of the vagas nerve. My advanced training over the last 4 years in primitive reflex integration and vestibular therapy creates the exercise platform to re-integrate instinctual muscle patterns to heal the nervous system through neuroplasticity. While many of my regular clients come in for periodic symptom relief, the more serious neurological and trauma cases find real healing by incorporating either reflex integration and/or other movement therapy as needed for their case.
I am deeply grateful to my injured medical providers in San Diego who so generously worked on the front lines to keep everyone else safe (inclding myself!), and with open minds, made themselves available to develop this new work over the last 4+ years. In treating both my patients and myself, I have also enjoyed the fruits of this new work and look forward to a full recovery from my own condition.
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Testimonials:
"I have been a patient of acupuncture and specifically Dr. Jenny for over 12 years. Originally, I was sent as a Work Comp patient after I was injured at work. I have continued to come because I feel renewed in both body and mind. Her style has evolved over the years, and we are growing together. I tried other forms of acupuncture and massage prior to coming here, and frankly, I didn't believe in it and only came because I was sent here by my Occupational doctor. I am a firm believer in medicine now, and her ability with labs is frankly amazing. I encourage my own patients to consider acupuncture as a modality when I can." - private patient since 2010
"My name is XXX and I have been a professional (prone) paddle border for the last 7 years and have been a competitive athlete since I was 12 years old. I have been getting acupuncture treatments from Jennifer Moffitt for over 15 years. During the first 12 years of acupuncture treatment, I saw Jennifer to help treat my athletic injuries. During the last 3 years, Jennifer evolved into more than just an acupuncturist. She is able to quickly assess the needs of the patient and is able to work wonders with her intuitiveness as a healer and her expert experience as an acupuncturist. The focus of my treatment changed from treating injuries to keeping my body primed for my workouts. Currently, I see Jennifer once a month to clear out any blocked channels that prevent me from achieving maximum efficiency when I’m paddling.
She is able to clear blocked channels in one visit where it would’ve taken at least 3 visits to clear many years ago. I still remember a shoulder issue that was plaguing me for two weeks. It got to the point during a workout where it just locked up with limited mobility and was extremely uncomfortable. I went in to see Jennifer that day and I walked out of her office a new person with full mobility in my shoulder. I was able to paddle comfortably the very next morning:)
Now when I come in for my monthly treatments I walk out of the office with my muscles feeling like melted butter...relaxed and ready to take on the world with my workouts and competitions. I have recommended Jennifer to many of my athletically competitive friends since she stands above any acupuncturist I’ve seen and will achieve results." - Private patient since 2007
"Jennifer has given me a wonderful gift by bringing my body and mind together. I've had significant neck, shoulder, and arm pain for quite some time. When I originally came to Jennifer at The Healing Arts Center, my pain levels were ranging from 7-9, but after our first session, they were down to a 3. Jennifer's approach is non-invasive and honest, and she creates a setting that allows me to integrate and heal. She authentically and clearly guides me to touch even the most difficult aspects of my life, and she possesses a unique capacity to genuinely transform these experiences into fuel for my own growth. I always feel comfortable and respected by her at all times, and our collaboration has given my life new meaning. Jennifer draws on a variety of sources, and her comprehensive approach has particularly impacted me. She has the ability to influence the body, mind, and spirit, providing invaluable insight into our various realms of experience and consciousness. I'm also blown away by how much our teamwork has taught me new tools to help me manage my own health." -Sharp Rees Stealy Medical Group.
As a trauma therapist, I thought I had largely resolved most of my baggage, especially since I treat a large number of trauma survivors in my own practice. Working with Jennifer has opened my eyes to how deeply I was still living in survivor mode as a result of certain childhood experiences, and many of the coping skills I had developed, particularly over control, hypervigilance with my own children, and a near-constant state of anxiety have given way to more peace, more calm. I am more able to hang onto myself when triggered, and this has deeply shifted how I work with my own clients." - private patient since 2021