Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Acupuncture & Qigong Experts in Essex Junction, VT
Founded in 1986, our center has dedicated over three decades to advancing holistic health through traditional Chinese medicine. We specialize in integrating acupuncture, herbal therapy, and qigong to address physical, emotional, and energetic imbalances. Our practitioners bring extensive expertise, including Arthur Makaris, a pioneer in Vermont's integrative healthcare community since 1980, and Diana Vachon, certified in Chinese herbal medicine. We collaborate with medical professionals to provide comprehensive care, emphasizing patient education and personalized treatment plans.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our use of laboratory-certified herbs and evidence-based practices rooted in 3,000 years of Chinese medical tradition. We also offer qigong instruction to promote preventive wellness, maintaining a strong presence in Vermont's healthcare landscape through continuous innovation and community engagement.
Services
Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Qigong Classes
Moxibustion
Cupping Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined clinical experience in traditional Chinese medicine
- Our practitioners hold national certifications in acupuncture and herbal medicine
- We maintain integrative partnerships with Vermont healthcare providers
- Herbal prescriptions use laboratory-certified ingredients from Crane Herb Company
- We provide qigong instruction rooted in authentic martial arts traditions
Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific points to balance qi flow through meridians. Our nationally certified practitioners use this ancient technique to address pain management, stress reduction, and chronic conditions. Treatments integrate modern understanding of fascial tissue and nervous system responses with traditional Chinese medicine principles.
Herbal Medicine
Custom herbal formulations combine 3,000 years of medicinal knowledge with modern quality standards. We prescribe individualized combinations from Crane Herb Company and Spring Wind Herbal Products, all independently tested for purity. Treatments address digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and immune system support through natural botanical compounds.
Qigong Classes
Our qigong instruction combines movement, breathwork, and meditation to enhance energy flow. Classes teach traditional forms that improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote internal harmony. Students learn techniques developed over centuries to maintain wellness through self-practice and mindful awareness.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion applies controlled heat to acupuncture points using mugwort. This technique enhances circulation, relieves muscle tension, and supports digestive health. Our practitioners combine it with needle therapy to amplify treatment effects for conditions like arthritis and menstrual discomfort.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping creates therapeutic suction to release muscle tension and improve blood flow. This modality addresses sports injuries, respiratory conditions, and chronic pain by stimulating meridian pathways. Sessions integrate seamlessly with acupuncture treatments for enhanced healing outcomes.
People
Arthur Makaris
Licensed Acupuncturist
Arthur Makaris, L.Ac., studied under Dr. Tin Yau So, a founding father of US acupuncture. With 40+ years of clinical experience, he pioneered acupuncture integration at University of Vermont Medical Center since 2000. His practice combines martial arts discipline with traditional healing techniques.
Diana Vachon
Licensed Acupuncturist
Diana Vachon, L.Ac., apprenticed under Arthur Makaris for eight years. Certified in Chinese Herbal Medicine since 2012, she combines meditation practices with acupuncture expertise. Her approach emphasizes compassionate care and holistic transformation through traditional healing methods.
Skye Makaris
Office Manager
Skye Makaris manages daily operations while applying historical research skills to healthcare documentation. As a living historian, she brings meticulous attention to detail and period-accurate craftsmanship to administrative processes and patient communication.
Questions
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture effectively addresses pain management, stress reduction, digestive issues, and chronic conditions through qi regulation.
Are herbal medicines safe?
Our herbs undergo independent purity testing and are prescribed individually to ensure safe, effective treatment combinations.
Do you accept insurance?
We provide documentation for out-of-network insurance claims but do not directly bill insurance providers.
How to book an appointment?
Contact us at (802) 879-7999 during business hours or visit our website for scheduling options.
What qigong class options exist?
We offer regular qigong classes focusing on foundational movements, breathwork, and meditative practices for all skill levels.
What makes your practice unique?
Our combination of martial arts heritage, hospital affiliations, and 40+ years of clinical experience creates distinctive treatment approaches.
