Tui Na (TCM massage)
Tui Na (literally “grasp-push”) is the hands-on application of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupoints and energy channels are as important in Tui Na as in Acupuncture, but no needles are involved.
About your acupuncturist
. . . A native of Metairie, Louisiana, I have since called many parts of the U.S. home. Longtime interest and study of herbalism and food-as-medicine led me to the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for which I earned a master’s degree in 2010, and my Minnesota acupuncture license the same year. I practiced in Saint Paul & Minneapolis, Minnesota between 2010 and 2018, moving back to New Orleans in August of 2018. I’ve been licensed to practice acupuncture in Louisiana since February, 2019.
Working in healing arts has been a great opportunity for personal growth and every day I am thankful for the chance to help so many people.
About acupuncture practice here:
You will be an active participant in any therapeutic treatment received at Tree of Life!
Indispensable to any holistic health care system is our innate ability to heal, and the human talent to find wellness throughout life—qualities I believe we each have within us. These qualities are essential to the effectiveness of any approach to health. Therefore part of my work is to help my clientele develop and access their inner strength, health and wellness.
Also, the outcomes sought from our work together will be determined as a team consisting of yourself and I, as your acupuncture practitioner.
Ultimately, we each own our unique experience of life, and it’s paramount to honor and respect that fact.
Here are a few tools specific to TCM:
Acupuncture acts to stimulate activtion and flow of energy, to focus the body-mind on achieving health and balance, and to release stagnancy and toxicity.
Herbal therapy supports healthy life function, and puts us in touch with the healing energy of the earth.
Also, since an herbal prescription will be taken several times per day, it keeps one on a healing track between sessions.
Tui Na (TCM massage) is great for many reasons. It gives the option of TCM energy work for those that don’t like needles, allows focus on musculo-skeletal symptoms, and brings the element of human touch which is so powerful for healing.
I take care to create a safe space for all my clients, especially those who choose Tui Na, and keep open communication to ensure that safe space is maintained, boundaries are observed, and client and provider alike are heard, understood and respected.
Education and EXPERIENCE
I studied TCM at American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Roseville, Minnesota, graduated in 2010, and been certified with NCCAOM since 2010.
Licensed to practice acupuncture in Minnesota from 2010 through 2018, I received my Louisiana Acupuncture license in February of 2019.
After my intern- and extern-ships at AAAOM, I worked at Crescenterra Health Center for two years and Grand Avenue Natural Medicine Center for several years (both in Saint Paul, MN.) I had my own clinic space in Minneapolis (Mulberry Acupuncture) for a year, and worked at Pathways—a Healing Center (Minneapolis) from 2017-2018. I have also been a volunteer acupuncturist for several annual Stand Down For Homeless Veterans events at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis. I also volunteer monthly at Bastion Housing in New Orleans’ Gentilly neighborhood, providing community acupunture for its residents.
I have never specialized in a particular type of complaint, instead opening my doors to whomever came to me for help. So, it’s no surprise that I have worked with many, many pain syndromes from lumbago to migraine, and from GI related symptoms to cramping and other menstrual issues.
I have also treated a range of other wellness issues, including recovery from various injuries or surgeries, autoimmune and allergy issues, depression, insomnia, and general mental balance and focus.
testimonials
“Four years ago I was diagnosed with throat cancer. As I was recovering after chemo and radiation treatments I was trying to regain my strength and energy.. I was seeing an acupuncturist here in Lafayette, Louisiana. One of the women who worked there mentioned Thomas to me. I went to New Orleans and had a consult with him. At that time my liver enzymes were elevated.
I took a forty-day herbal treatment course that he prescribed. The next time I got my blood tested. my liver enzymes were in the proper range. Not too long after, I was blood-tested again and my blood glucose was high. I did the same thing again and called Thomas, who prescribed an herbal scrip for me. I took it, and come the next time my blood was tested, my blood glucose was back in the normal range.
Now four years after the throat cancer, I'm about to get a biopsy for prostate cancer. My PSA had risen to an unacceptable level so I was sent to a Urologist. He had another PSA test done and it had risen from 5 to 6 over a period of six months.
I called Thomas and informed him about what was going on. He prescribed [herbs]. After taking the scrip Thomas had provided me, my last PSA was 4.9. I may still have prostate cancer.....we won't know until after the biopsy but I can say with certainty that what he prescribed for me lowered my PSA.
I believe that modern medicine has a lot to offer but I also believe that alternative medicine does as well. I had never really looked into alternative medicine but after my experience with Thomas…. I can say for sure that he knows what he's doing.
My name is Charles Carter and I would recommend Thomas to anyone, anytime. He is a VERY skilled physician.”
—Charles “Kirk” CArter, Sunset, louisiana
“I am a professional performing musician in New Orleans with an average of over 25 gigs a month. As a clarinetist this work can be very rewarding yet physically demanding on my body. The past 3 months my left hand has been strained from overuse. I was experiencing issues from a past trauma of trigger finger. Thomas McCarty was instrumental in my healing process! He worked within my budget range and focused on my left arm and hand. After 3 sessions I can see tremendous improvement. The pain has dissipated and I have full mobility on my left hand. I am super excited to be able to continue my performance schedule in time for the Mardi Gras session! I am so grateful I found Thomas!”
—rosalynn de roos, new orleans, la
“I saw Tommy regularly for sciatica and again for tendonitis in my elbow. Each time, he was able to come up with a treatment that focused directly on relieving the pain, as well as addressing underlying contributing factors.
And if i didn't feel like needles that day, he was able to tailor each session by working with pressure points or tui-na.”
joel peyton, st. paul Minnesota
“Receiving treatment from Tommy always had me feeling like I could float. He is always very professional and you can tell he does this because he wants to help people feel and be better.
It’s very easy to be comfortable with him and he really takes the time to get to know you to find out how he can help. I can’t imagine receiving a better experience and am grateful to have met him. I hope I can see him again soon.”
—bennett davies, minneapolis, mn
“I received a six week course of treatments from Tommy which included acupuncture, tui-na and general advice. The treatment was exceptional! He helped target consistent issues I'd been experiencing and gave me TCM based advice for how to make healthy changes in my life. Looking at stomach problems I'd been having, he made dietary recommendations. I followed his advice and immediately stopped having stomach aches!
Tommy is a very knowledgeable and well-rounded TCM practitioner. I recommend him to anyone seeking treatment for specific issues or even just for the pursuit of general wellness.”
—alyssa johnson, minneapolis, mn
Acupuncture
The use of filiform (hair-thin) needles to stimulate Qi in the body at the acupoints. The sensations felt from this treatment are not what one would expect, and are often quite mild and pleasant.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal remedies taken regularly are important for keeping one’s body on the healing path day in, day out. Usually they are prescribed in an easy-to-use powdered form.
TCM diagnosis
Using the ancient theories and methodology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, learn the perspective of this holistic medical system and discuss treatment plans to address your concerns.
