Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine

Acupuncture

Based on traditional Chinese medicine, which describes some 2,000 key points in the human body, acupuncture uses very thin, carefully placed and virtually painless needles to connect pathways throughout the body. These pathways, known as meridians, conduct energy or qi (“chee”) to regulate spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance. Acupuncture is believed to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang, free energy to flow normally and restore health to body and mind. This ancient therapy has been scientifically proven effective in the treatment of pain, allergies, nausea and many other conditions. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Advanced lipid testing (beyond cholesterol)

While high cholesterol is a main culprit of heart disease, it’s not the only one. Other risk factors include small proteins and lipoprotein subtypes. This test provides a profile of your major biological risk factors and helps you and your physician determine treatment goals. Click here for more information on Advanced Lipid Testing . To schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Biofeedback

Learn to enhance physical and emotional awareness, decrease pain and anxiety and control the way your body performs. Using electrodes placed on the skin and a computerized monitoring device that “feeds back” information about the body’s functions, biofeedback helps you learn to control involuntary bodily processes such as blood pressure, temperature, gastrointestinal functioning, muscle tension and brain wave activity by adjusting your thought patterns and physiological responses. The most common forms of biofeedback measure muscle tension, skin temperature, electrical conductivity (resistance) of the skin, brain waves and respiration. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Cold Laser therapy

Also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), cold laser therapy has been shown to help decrease pain and musculoskeletal discomfort by improving blood flow and oxygenation and decreasing inflammation. The treatment utilizes specific wavelengths of light to non-invasively penetrate tissue without pain. It has proven successful in treating muscle pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, joint pain (especially of the shoulder and neck), carpal tunnel syndrome and other conditions associated with pain, inflammation and nerve irritation. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Consultations

Consultations are available with Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine experts in the following areas:

• Integrative Medicine
• Nutrition
• Fitness
• Vitamin/Mineral and Herbal

Electrostimulation therapy

Using various electrical frequencies delivered through the skin, electrostimulation therapy alters the pathways involved in the production of pain. Often used to manage chronic pain, this therapy increases local blood circulation and production of pain-relieving endorphins and relaxes muscle spasms. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)

Developed for patients with angina and congestive heart failure, EECP is a safe, non-invasive outpatient treatment that may relieve or eliminate symptoms. Clinical studies have found that EECP creates a natural bypass around blocked or narrowed portions of the arteries. Benefits include reduced or complete elimination of chest pain, increased exercise tolerance, less use of medication and the ability to enjoy a more mobile and independent lifestyle. Click here for more information on EECP . To schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Guided Imagery

Reduce stress and anxiety, decrease pain and enhance healing and overall well-being through this gentle, powerful, non-invasive technique that focuses and directs the imagination through visualization. A professional guided imagery therapist will lead you through a healing session designed to address your therapeutic goals. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Healing Touch

In use at Scripps since 1993, Healing Touch is an energy-based, non-invasive treatment that restores and balances energy to help decrease pain and relieve associated anxiety. Healing Touch is performed by registered nurses who recognize, manipulate and balance the electromagnetic fields surrounding the human body, thereby promoting healing and the well-being of body, mind and spirit. Healing Touch is often used as an adjunct to surgery and other medical procedures to assist in pain reduction, relaxation and healing. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Healing Touch Training

Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine conducts ongoing professional training for health care professionals and others interested in learning to perform Healing Touch. For more information, call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777).

Hypnosis

This ancient and scientifically validated healing therapy is used to help people heal from common medical conditions such as insomnia, acute and chronic pain, addictions, depression and anxiety. Healing occurs when a certified practitioner guides you into a relaxed state of consciousness where your attention is focused away from the present reality and towards particular images, thoughts, perceptions, feelings, sensations and behaviors. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Music Therapy

Numerous studies support the therapeutic effectiveness of music to improve mood, induce relaxation, alleviate stress and stimulate healing. Led by a credentialed, professional music therapist, music therapy cultivates skills such as conscious listening, music-making (from drumming to toning) and creativity. No musical skills or knowledge are required. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Preoperative and Postoperative Healing Support

Research shows that the use of imagery, music and therapeutic touch can decrease stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and enhance recovery in surgical patients. Before and after surgery at Scripps Green Hospital and Scripps Clinic, specially trained nurses provide patients with education, guided imagery tapes, music and Healing Touch treatments to help reduce anxiety and pain and accelerate healing. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

Therapeutic Yoga

Experience personalized, one-to-one yoga instruction tailored to your physical abilities and health concerns. A therapeutic yoga session will guide you through a specialized program of yoga postures, breathing practices and meditations. Practiced in conjunction with your current medical care and physician’s approval, therapeutic yoga can be a very effective complement to your care. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.

TheraSound Musical Body

Vibroacoustic therapy combines mild vibrations with music to release tension, focus awareness and restore vitality. The gently vibrating musical mat stimulates specific energy centers through rhythmic patterns and frequencies, while therapeutic music plays through built-in speakers. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 858-554-3300.