Therapies 

Professional Acupuncture in Orange County, CA

Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Therapy

Acupuncture:

The application of ultra-fine gauge, sterile, single-use needles just under the skin is the most common procedure in acupuncture. Stimulation of certain acupoints can also be obtained by heat, scraping, cupping or rubbing. The earliest use of acupuncture needles dates back to around 1000 BCE. It is one of the oldest and most well developed forms of healing in the world.

For more than 2000 years, acupuncture has been used to treat practically every system in the body including the mental and emotional aspects. The mechanism of action, simply put, is a chemical, lymphatic, hormonal and circulatory response which creates a chain reaction in the body. This in turn affects many areas including the central nervous system which helps to regulate and assist the body’s natural processes.

Acupuncture started receiving acclaim in north America in 1971 when the news reporter, James Reston, had significant relief after an appendicitis surgery. This began a discussion in the west on the efficacy of acupuncture, and after just 30 years of observation the question has now become “how does acupuncture work”.

Epigenetic Nutrition:

Genetic nutrition is also called nutrigenomics. It is the science of genetic testing and finding exact supplementation to optimize genetic shortfalls. Genetic focused nutrition is a growing field based on genetic variants and their impact on health.  

DNA is not your destiny.  Having a gene that leads to a disease doesn’t mean you are doomed to have that disease.  Many factors around us can impact DNA expression. It can be negative such as environmental toxins, radiation, chemicals, certain medications, even emotional trauma. It can be positive such as balanced nutrition, the right enzymes and nutrients and, most recently proven, mediation. 

Feeding your body nutritional supplements specific to your genes can be found in whole foods.  By identifying genetic variants we can support pathways and weakened receptors sites. The Human Genome Project opened up a world where we now have information on genetics that can change the way we live and age.

Motor point acupuncture:

Each muscle has one or more motor points; this is the place where the motor nerve enters the muscle and it is a unit where the muscle can be reset.  Needling the motor point activates the action potential and jump starts the muscle wherein the weak muscles are turned back on and the overly active muscles are relaxed. This facilitates muscle group balance and assists the central nervous system in maintaining healthy posture.

Herbology:

Herbs are natural medicines prescribed to restore balance according to your personalized Chinese medical diagnosis. Chinese herbs are most often used in combination as herbal formulas. When Chinese herbs come from plants, they contain the root, leaf, stem or fruit of the plant. The term, “herbs” may also include various minerals, shells, animals or insects. Consuming herbal teas are an effective way to re-balance and nourish the body. When used as directed under the supervision of a well-trained practitioner, herbs have a gentle result with no negative side effects. As Designed Wellness herbal prescriptions are from suppliers who follow “GMP”/ Good Manufacturing Practice and who ensure their products have been tested free of chemical, metal or other harmful contaminants. Furthermore, all formulas are given careful consideration regarding drug and/or supplement interaction. To reduce the remote chance of an interaction, patients are advised NOT to take herbs within two hours of any prescription medication.

Cupping:

Cupping is first documented in 300 AD in A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies. Respiratory conditions are one of the most common maladies that cupping is used to relieve and it is used to clear congestion from a common cold or help control a person’s asthma.

Cupping is like a reverse massage; it uses gentle suction to pull upward. This loosens the tight glove of fascia/ connective tissue which surrounds muscles. With this action, It can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system.  Sedating the nervous system makes it an excellent treatment for high blood pressure.

Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, and rheumatism. Toxins can be released, blockages can be cleared, and veins and arteries can be refreshed.

Gua Sha:

Similar to cupping this procedure flushes the tissue with circulation. A smooth edge is scraped along lubricated skin to flush unhealthy elements out of tight muscles and injured areas so they can be flushed out by the body’s circulation. It reduces inflammation and stimulates the body’s antioxidant enzymes to flood the area immediately and a few days after treatment.

Nourishing Cleanses:

Named a ‘nourishing cleanse’ because there are just a few major restrictions and you can eat as much as you want off the ‘yes’ list. This is quite different from the many cleanses out there which can take a lot of energy simply because you avoid most food or restrict intake to just liquids.

Main Goals of cleansing: reduce inflammation, heal the gut, eliminate stored toxins, help clear and balance hormones and regulate blood sugar.

There are many whole food supplements involved in this approach for the reason that we are completely supporting your body’s own detoxification system (liver, kidney and intestines) so that no junk gets stuck on its way. Toxins which are only half way eliminated cause a cascade of problems- more harm than good.

Yes, it is true that a lot of the restrictive /liquid/ juice cleanse diets make you feel fresh and start your body’s natural process; unfortunately, they usually don’t supply your body with all that it needs to finish the job.

Cancer prevention lifestyle coaching:  The cure to cancer is prevention! I would like to provide you with an easy, straightforward set of rules for what not to put in or on your body.

Daily, weekly or yearly detox make noticeable changes in your body.  Early detection is also available in this amazing age of genetic testing and knowledge.

Jin Shin Jyutsu:

“Listen until you can see look until you can hear” -Mary Burmeister

Jin Shin Jyutsu is a Japanese art of moving deep energy within the body. It involves simultaneous light touch upon two points in precise accordance relating to the particular pathway being treated. There are 52 SEL points in this system. It is a subtle, yet powerful way of unblocking and revitalizing major energy points and pathways. Jin Shin Jyutsu induces instant therapeutic relaxation and eases away chronic stagnation. It has been said to be a similar experience to cranial sacral therapy. Jin Shin Jyutsu is an art which connects us to our life force and is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Craniosacral Therapy:

CranioSacral Therapy frees up the connective tissue surrounding your brain,  spinal cord and central nervous system.  This therapy was developed in 1975 by Dr. John Upledger, an osteopath and professor of biomechanics. It is a light touch that creates dramatic improvements in your life by way of moving the soft tissues and fluid that protect and nourish your brain and spinal cord.  Releasing connective tissue holding patterns allows the entire body to relax and self-correct.  Few body structures have more influence over your health and wellbeing than the central nervous system.

Facial Rejuvenation:

Facial acupuncture is a relaxing way to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even the skin tone, reduce puffiness and tone the muscles of the neck and eye area. In facial acupuncture, the patient’s constitutional imbalances are addressed in order to achieve health and beauty from the inside and out.

It has been found to lighten moods, improve sleep, increase mental clarity and create a healthy glow. Extremely fine needles, gentle micro-current and facial massage are the main tools used for this treatment.

One area of the face is addressed per treatment; eyes and forehead, mouth and cheeks, or neck and chin. A thorough consultation is done to ensure that facial acupuncture will be effective and right for you.

Massage:

Neuromuscular Therapy: NMT, also called trigger point therapy, addresses the lack of blood supply to soft tissues. This type of therapy eases highly irritated points in muscles which refer pain to other parts of the body, eliminates nerve compression by soft tissue and corrects postural imbalances. NMT is a mix of light and deep pressure techniques, combined with stretching, which together facilitate communication at the nerve-muscle junction. Home exercise and postural corrections are an important part of this therapy.

Chinese Medical Tui Na: Tui Na involves the application of deep massage focused along meridians and acupressure points. External herbal poultices and liniments are a common component of this system. In China, Tui Na is taught as a separate but equal form of traditional medicine and is used for physical therapy, scar tissue release, stress related digestive symptoms and respiratory complaints.

Lymphatic Drainage: The lymph system is responsible for immune response, cleansing and removal of wastes in the body. Lymphatic massage facilitates the effectiveness of the body’s lymphatic fluid by assisting this nearly passive system in circulation. Responses to lymphatic massage include decreased pain, decreased inflammation or chronic edema, a breakdown of scar tissue, and/or easement of fibromyalgia. Other ways to improve lymphatic circulation and function are as simple as walking, bouncing on a mini trampoline, dry brushing, drinking plenty of water and maintaining balanced electrolytes.

Ampuku Psoas Release ™: Ampuku means deep abdominal massage, yet this massage is done with almost no pressure. Gentle rolling and passive joint movement allows therapeutic hands to access the deepest abdominal muscle, the Illiopsoas. This muscle is at the center of movement and gravity, so results are rapid and lasting. The entire body is touched and, due to the passive joint movement, it is common for bones to realign on their own after the tissues have relaxed.

NADA- detoxification protocol for smoking cessation and drug rehabilitation therapy:

Over 1,000 programs in the USA use this method for drug detoxification. In a typical session five needles are inserted into each ear and the patient sits quietly for 30 to 45 minutes. It is traditionally done in a group setting but this is not necessary for beneficial results. The number of treatments vary depending on the substance and associated factors.

Oromyofunctional Therapy

Testimonials

Truly Amazing...

Susan Jeffries is an amazing acupuncturist and healer. My back went out…I had to go to the emergency room. They did not fix the problem because they did not address the cause. I went to see Susan. She was very thorough in her questions and exam. She obviously cared and wanted to help relieve my pain. Susan Jeffries was very meticulous in her placement of the needles. She obviously is dedicated and compassionate. Always making sure I was fine. After she was done, I was able to stand up without pain…I had suffered for 24 hours  before… she relieved the pain in one session!!! I just went for my follow up 5 days later. I am still pain free:) Susan is truly amazing. 

I would recommend Susan Jeffries to anyone who suffers from back pain.

Dan M.

I had an exceptional opportunity in my life...

Last year, I had an exceptional opportunity in my life, but didn’t know it at the time. Purely by chance, my wife and I met Susan on a beautiful warm and sunny day in Dana Point. After having a short conversation with Susan, were convinced that this was a very special person. After telling us about her business, As Designed Wellness, and the benefits, we were so excited to see if she could help alleviate some of the physical issues we were having at the time. Little did we know that we would find more than a solution to aches and pains.

Susan is an exceptionally intuitive person who has the a the ability to “See” how you are.  I learned that Acupuncture and Massage were not something to “go to”, but something to experience. I was able to let myself go to see where this new experience would take me, and what an experience it was. I don’t think I have ever been so relaxed and comfortable like I was after “experiencing” acupuncture and massage with Susan. Not only that, Susan introduced me to Jin Shin Jyutsu. For the first time in my life, I understood what true meditation was all about. There are not enough superlatives to use to explain how amazing my visits are.

Will T.

Simply life changing...

Simply life changing!  I have suffered from extreme lower back pain for years after severely damaging a disk. Despite years of physical therapy, traction, weight loss, message, steroid shots, epidurals, and pain management, nothing relieved the pain.  That was until I met Susan.  After my first visit, I was pain free for the first time in years.  Not only does Susan take the time to listen and respond to you and your concerns and goals, she is able to read and treat your body, mind, and soul. 

Susan is truly a gifted healer whom I am honored to know.  I have since brought my husband and sister who both were similarly amazed at her abilities.  I give Susan the highest rating and encourage anyone who is in chronic pain or even just wants to relax and unwind to seek out Susan.

Kiley H.

Customer Feedback

As Designed Wellness
5.0
Based on 13 reviews
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Michellr BarbeeMichellr Barbee
03:16 30 Mar 21
I am so blessed to have found Susan for my weekly acupuncture sessions. She Is absolutely amazing. I am really in tune with my body, and I have never experienced body work like this before! She knows exactly what my body needs and where to place the needles. I fall into a deep relaxation every time I go. I would highly recommend that you go see her. Your body, mind, and, spirit will absolutely thank you:-)
Melody SetoodehniaMelody Setoodehnia
19:19 16 Mar 21
I visited Susan at the recommendation of my chiropractor. He suggested she can help me with acupuncture and a lot of the digestive issues I had been experiencing. I instantly connected to Susan, she’s warm and inviting and above all incredibly helpful in explaining the different supplements she recommends for you. I drive all the way from Irvine to see her and I can say honestly it’s worth the time. Investing in my health at her direction has proven tremendous results. I no longer experience bloating and heightened menstrual symptoms. I even visited her after a very emotionally toxic break up and without knowing she examined me and deduced that my body was under immense stress, in “fight or flight mode” as she explained. She then gave me a treatment that literally calmed me out of a panic attack and reset my system. Could not be more of a fan!
Renee GaudreauRenee Gaudreau
00:12 01 Jan 21
Dr. Susan is so wonderful! She is gentle, listens to what you and your body needs and makes you feel comfortable. Her office is beautiful and the treatment beds make you feel like you’re laying on a cloud. I would highly recommend!
Jonah KeeganJonah Keegan
19:42 31 Dec 20
Susan is an amazing healer who really listens to her patients, and she is incredibly open to feedback, which is sometimes rare with medical care. Also, she will go beyond the table and work with you on movements, stretching, and exercise routines to build on your therapy. If you are tired of feeling like a number in the “traditional” medical system, give Dr. Jeffries a call, I searched for over a year to find help with my back and basically got no where until I started working with Susan, and the results have changed my life and made me feel like I can manage my condition.
Brooke JensenBrooke Jensen
20:50 29 Aug 20
I went to Susan with neck and shoulder pain and she was able to significantly improve my condition after only a few sessions using various combinations of acupuncture, cupping and massage. She made me feel super comfortable throughout the process and I would highly recommend!
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