At First in Fitness
1 Blanchard Court, Montpelier
 

Chinese Medicine : Acupuncture

To make an appointment call Breathing Light at 802-229-2290 or email Sharon McIlwaine or Pamela Brady

Acupuncture promotes natural healing through the insertion of needles or the application of heat (moxibustion, a Chinese Herb) at very precise acupuncture points on the body.

The classical Chinese explanation of how Acupuncture works says that channels of energy run in regular patterns throughout the body and over its surface - flowing like rivers to irrigate and nourish tissues. Blood flow and nerve pulses also follow meridians and run through the body to various structures and organs.

An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. Blockages or deficiencies in energy, blood and nervous pulses can eventually lead to disease. Acupuncture unblocks the obstruction at the dams, and reestablishes the regular flow through the meridians, helping the body to correct imbalances and to reestablish proper function.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of the following:

For a more detailed list of diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved to be effective visit this website.


Sharon McIlwaine, L.Ac.

To make an appointment call Breathing Light at 802-229-2290 or email Sharon McIlwaine

Sharon is a nationally licensed acupuncturist with 20 years of experience treating men, women and children of all ages. Though she is a general practitioner, she does have specialties as outlined below:

Orthopedic and Sports Acupuncture: Sharon's background as a professional dancer informs her work with athletes, dancers and others. Acupuncture is used to maintain peak performance by treating injuries before they become chronic, nagging disabilities. If you are experiencing an injury, acupuncture can speed recovery drastically. If surgery becomes necessary, acupuncture can help restore you to peak performance. Best of all, acupuncture can be used as a maintenance method to help keep you from experiencing injury in the first place. Acupuncture helps anyone with generalized hip, back, neck and shoulder pain whether one is an athlete or not.

Women's Health: Nurturing women is an integral part of Sharon's practice. Acupuncture is tremendously effective in the treatment of menstrual cycle irregularity and pain. It is also deeply supportive for women experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and emotional/hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture can ease the fluctuations of these aspects of your life and help you feel more grounded.

Acupuncture for Stress Relief: Acupuncture sessions are a way to release stress and tension from the body both physically and mentally. Sharon uses a combination of massage, warmth and acupuncture to encourage the layers of tension in your body to fall away, leaving you feeling refreshed and resilient after your session. Regular treatment is tremendously supportive during challenging periods in your life or simply to combat the ongoing every day stresses that you may face.

Your initial visit consists of an hour and a half intake during which your practitioner will gather information about your health history as well as details about your present condition. This info becomes instrumental to your diagnosis and treatment plan. You will receive a treatment on your first visit. Sharon may make lifestyle recommendations to assist you on your path to vibrant health and well being.

Sharon welcomes you to Breathing Light!


Acupuncture: Pamela Brady, MA., L.Ac.

To make an appointment contact Pamela at 802-229-1800 or via email

Pamela is an Acupuncturist, Sound Healer and Qigong Instructor who has practiced in Central Vermont for 26 years.

She graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture and received advanced clinical training in Hangzhou, China. For the past 15 years Pamela has integrated Sound Healing into her Traditional Chinese Medical Practice.

She is an Acutonics practitioner and instructor receiving her extensive training from The Kairos Institute of Sound Healing in New Mexico. Having studied with Qigong Masters in China and France, Pamela teaches Qigong both locally and internationally.

As a general Acupuncturist, Pamela addresses a wide variety of conditions in her practice including: acute and chronic pain; allergies; depression, anxiety and stress; autoimmune illnesses, women's menstrual, reproductive and menopausal concerns; headaches, migraines and sports injuries.

She specializes in Constitutional Facial Rejuvenation, a natural treatment of acupuncture and chinese herbal masks designed to lift and firm facial skin and muscles. Ear acupuncture or Auricular Therapy, is a specialty by which Pamela effectively treats drug addiction and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Pamela is at Breathing Light on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She teaches Qigong on Thursdays from Noon to 1pm at the Breathing Light Studio.