I AM (Integrative Asian Medicine) Innovative Healing Approach
At the I AM Sanctuary, Mary’s unique Wellness approach is an innovative healing one that honors the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. Going far beyond these ancient techniques, Mary provides patients with state of the Art Bio-Medical treatment options for faster, more effective healing. Mary utilizes Low Level Light lasers, Vibrational Sound healing through Heart centered Music, Neuromuscular therapy, TCM Cupping, Cranial Sacral Balancing, and Dietary & Nutritional enhancements. Ionic Foot Detox programs with Blood Chemistry Analysis are incorporated for a complete systemic detox, along with the Migun Jade Thermal Massage. At the I AM Sanctuary healing combines Traditional Eastern Medical practices with the technological advancements of Western Medicine giving patients an experience that unites thousands of years of wisdom with the cutting edge scientific advancements of our modern 21st Century. Mary’s signature Acu-ShiMa™ treatment blends many of the above for an effective resolution to chronic pain, chronic illnesses (autoimmune), and sports and automotive injuries. An Electro-Meridian Analytical System (Digital Meridian Imaging system) may be used to enhance the traditional readings of the 12 TCM pulse reading and tongue-analysis. These digital imaging readings add a modern approach to making a Chinese differential diagnosis for more chronic medical ailments - pathologic factors other than chronic pain conditions.
Mary is a Nationally Board Certified Acupuncturist in the state of Arizona. Mary’s undergraduate studies were completed at Ohio State University. She received her Master of Science in Acupuncture degree from the prestigious Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture. Mary is considered an expert on Health & Wellness due to the amount of study she has done and the number of people she has helped get well in her community. In fact she has won the Best of Cave Creek, four-time Award Winner 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, in her Health & Wellness community category given by the Cave Creek Award Program. “My patients often tell me that I am the best Holistic practitioner they have seen because of my caring approach and the results I achieve. This is perhaps due to the fact that I am constantly attending advanced programs of study in Clinical Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, and CranialSacral Balancing to learn the latest and most innovative methods to assist my patients back to their optimal health & vitality. I am passionate about what I do, as it is my heart’s desire to support the healing of all who are drawn to me. The following is my story and why I do what I do.
I was employed by the 10th Area Support Group, Tori Station, Okinawa, Japan from 1988-95 as the Operating Chief of the Visual Information Center (GS-9) , while stationed with my husband & family. During our 2nd Tour of Duty, I began having extreme Migraines, Nausea & Vertigo, with TMJ horrific stabbing pains. Western Medicines were prescribed to me for my pain, which only added to my anxiety, furthering my debilitating physical and emotional pain. It was recommended that I try Acupuncture. I was given the name of a local Okinawan Asian Medical practitioner, who unfortunately did not speak much English. So I trusted GOD that I would be healed and all would be fine, as I knew nothing about this Ancient Healing Medicine. Happily I received a series of 12 Traditional Acupuncture treatments and by the 3rd treatment I felt no pain and was able to get off all my prescribed pharmaceuticals. This was my Life’s Changing experience which led me to want to help others heal by offering them the same Ancient Asian Alternative health option to Western Medicine and their pharmaceuticals that I had been offered. As a clinician I now offer over 25 years of Alternative Health & Wellness expertise and care to the mainstream patients and to our Veteran Service Members through the Choice Care Program provided by the VA. TCM and Korean Constitution Acupuncture (KCA) are just part of a 5-part Ancient Asian Healing Art system that has gracefully withstood the test of time by over 5,000 years.
Conditions Treated
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s ability to treat over 43 common disorders. Our practice focuses on these main health conditions:
Chronic Illness (Autoimmune, Lyme, and other Viral / Bacterial Infections)
Chronic & Acute Pain
Sports & Automotive Injuries
Digestive Disorders-Leaky Gut, IBS, SIBO, and more
Headaches & Migraines, TMJ
Allergies & Asthma
Neuropathy
Infertility (Male + Female)
Hormonal Imbalances-Metabolic Syndromes
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM is based on an energetic model rather than the traditional biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized A-vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced chee). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called “meridians” and/or channels. Each meridian is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ system. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems and organs. Acupuncture points are located in specific areas along each of the 12 meridian bioenergetic channels. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the bio-electrical charge at these points, thus corroborating the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancient healing masters of Asia.
Treatment Techniques
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s ability to treat over 43 common disorders. Our practice focuses on the above main health conditions by utilizing the therapies below.
AcuShi-Ma™ was developed by Mary Maurer, L.Ac., L.M.T., for effective resolution of chronic pain, chronic illnesses and automotive and sports injuries. This clinically proven method consists of:
Anma / Shiatsu / Tuina Massage (Neuromuscular therapies)
CranialSacral Balancing
Functional TCM & KCA Acupuncture
Stimulation with electricity, heat and/or colored light
ZenYOGA Acu-Stretch™ – Mary’s One-on-One personal Hatha Yoga Asanas for releasing congested Qi throughout the Body-Mind-Spirit
Mary’s trademarked Acu-ShiMa™ therapy seeks to restore soft tissue to its original condition in its qualities of elasticity and resiliency eliminating chronic pain. Any soft tissue structure that may be causing pain or restriction can be treated with Acu-ShiMa™ including soft tissue that has been injured because of an orthopedic injury. Acu-ShiMa™ does not directly treat bones or fractures.
Acupuncture (TCM) is part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine system, which has been practiced in Asia for thousands of years. Acupuncture has been widely researched by the National Institutes of Health, and its efficacy has been acknowledged especially for treating chronic pain. Traditional Acupuncture is a medical technique in which fine metal needles are inserted into the skin and underlying tissues at precise points along 12 meridians (pathways/channels) in the body, through which the vital life force (Qi) flows, in order to restore balance in the body and treat imbalances that lead to disease. In the hands of a comprehensively trained acupuncturist in Traditional Chinese Medicine your safety is assured. The needles are sterile and disposable, creating a slight sensation of pressure on the skin, but are not usually painful due to their tiny size.
Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode or an array of high intensity superluminous diodes to treat musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions, and to heal wounds. Low Level Light Therapy speeds up the recovery process by delivering light energy to the cells. The cells use energy to assist in the natural healing process. With this therapy, you are treated at the cellular level. It is painless and has been in use for over 20 years with no known side effects. Low Level Light Therapy increases circulation, lymphatic drainage, and gives cells the energy they need to repair themselves. There are over 2,000 research papers on the effectiveness and therapeutic benefit of this therapy. Low Level Light Therapy effectively treats soft-tissue and sports injuries, arthritis, back problems and chronic pain. The advantages of Low Level Light Therapy:
Over 90% cure and improvement rate
Painless
Non-invasive
Non-toxic and “green”
Easily applied
Highly effective
No known negative side effects
Chinese Herbal Medicine, for more than 5000 years, has been developing, improving, and perfecting health-promoting herbal recipes. More than 80,000 herbal prescriptions have been recorded. One of the characteristics of Chinese herbology is that most herbs are used in prescriptions with three or more herbs and sometimes there are 10 or more herbs in a single prescription. The herbal formulas used at AHAA & the I AM Sanctuary are meticulously processed using formulas that have been passed down through many generations of herbalists. They contain no harmful drugs, chemicals, or additives. All ingredients are grown in China in unpolluted soils so they remain in their most natural states to ensure the greatest potency and purity. Normally, Chinese herbs do not need to be taken for a long time. It depends upon the duration, severity, nature of each individual’s complaint and the individual response of the patient.
CranialSacral Balancing Therapies is a powerful technique working with the cranium, sacrum, and vasomotor systems, as well as the emotional aspects of the body/mind. CranialSacral Support is helpful for headaches and chronic pain, TMJ disorders, emotional and physical trauma, and is supportive for the brain, releasing blocked energy for wellness & longevity. Exceptional for support of Parkinson’s.
Integrative Functional Medicine & Nutrition addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach, and engages both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership focusing on the nutritional needs of the patient. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.
Electro-Meridian Analytical System (EMAS)
is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and utilizes modern computer technology to accurately pinpoint where imbalances exist within the meridians allowing the right treatment to be applied to restore health. These diagnostic principles are applied by measuring the electrical resistance of acupuncture points around the hands and feet with a computerized electrical system. The patient does not sense electricity in their hands and feet due to the very low level of current. This analysis produces mathematical algorithms based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and converts this information into diagnostic graphs and charts indicating where the imbalanced meridians exist. It’s not a far leap from the familiar EKG or EEG used extensively in western allopathic medicine. Patients receive the EMAS measurement periodically during their therapies and the results are compared to the previous one for evaluation. The data will then be used to prescribe applicable acupuncture points to render further changes in their optimal wellness treatment plan as needed.
How are the visits structured?
During the initial evaluation and consult, Mary Maurer, our Integrated Asian Medical Specialist, will create a composite Chinese medical diagnosis. A customized treatment plan will then be formulated to induce the body to a balanced state of health. A series of follow-up visits will be recommended where you will receive treatment over a course of a few weeks to a few months to resolve imbalances and treat your health condition.
Silver, Gold, & Platinum Member Club packages are available for special pricing in increments of 3, 12, & 24 Functional TCM Acupuncture therapies as well as others listed above including Mary’s signature treatment the Acu-ShiMa™
In Arizona, acupuncture and wellness visits may be covered by insurance. If your plan does, we will be happy to assist you with completing and filing the necessary paperwork.
We Appreciate Referrals
Many medical physicians refer to our practice. We welcome medical office staff to call our office directly to schedule appointments for their patients. Many patients also refer their friends and family, so inquire about our Patient Rewards Program, which provides a 25% discount off your next visit.
