The Art and Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Food Energetics and Herbal Healing
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is like a timeless conversation between humanity and nature, a dialogue that’s been refining itself for over 80 centuries. As an integrative practitioner, I’ve watched patients walk into my clinic skeptical, only to leave with a newfound respect for the power of a well-placed herb or a bowl of congee. TCM’s approach to health—using food and herbs to harmonize the body’s Qi, Yin, and Yang—is both an art and a science, grounded in observation and elevated by intuition.

Karta also known as Ibolya E. Laar, completed The Master of Science in Acupuncture (MS-Ac) program at New York’s Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM), the biggest acupuncture college in the USA. In this program where East meets West, Karta studied the clinical practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in our modern world. She is well trained in the practical application of cupping, gua sha (a scraping technique), moxibustion (heat therapy), the use of electric stimulation (e-stim) and the Chinese body work Tui Na. In addition, Karta is a recent graduate of massage therapy from PCOM as well. Upon completion of this hands-on program she refined her sensitivity to the muscles and joints of the human body enhancing her therapeutic touch.
In her private acupuncture practice Karta teaches her patients pain management and successfully treats shoulder pain, back pain, knee pain, sprains or strains and post-surgery pain including joint replacements. She also treats any type of emotional disturbances such as, anxiety, nervous disorders or the inability to sleep. She promotes and supports fruitful fertility, alleviates painful menstruation, and eliminates PMS symptoms like irritability, anger, cramps, headaches or bloating. In addition she balances the digestive system by relieving constipation, acid reflux, bloating, nausea or gas, and has great results in the management and prevention of allergic reactions such as runny nose, burning eyes, itching, sneezing and/or skin rashes such eczema or acne. Her specialty is assessing and successfully implementing lasting lifestyle modifications that will suite your specific needs.
Last but not least, Karta through the practice of Kundalini Yoga for the past 15 years has been able to consolidate inner virtues such as patience, personal integrity, self-esteem, and compassion for the soul purpose of promoting a healthy happy life. The practice of this self-cultivating discipline is the distinguishing factor of her healing arts. After a good days work she enjoys long conversations with her daughter, who is currently a student in Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, about the mysticism of Chinese Medicine and spirituality.

Welcome to The Woodlands Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic. Our philosophy of care governs everything that we do. Your comfort and good health are our utmost priorities.

We offer acupuncture and herbal medicine services, along with massage therapy, Myofascial Release, and skin care, to fit all your health needs.

Heather has been working as a Natural Health Practitioner for the past 14 years. She has worked in private practice both in Australia and overseas, and worked as a consultant for the Hospital Board in Jamaica, West Indies. Heather's broad range of modalities and extensive experience will allow her to develop a treatment program specific to your needs.
Prior to becoming a Natural Health Practitioner, Heather spent a number of years in the Information Technology arena both as a computer programmer and technical writer. She obtained a Bachelor of Business in Australia, and then travelled overseas to study Naturopathy. Her qualifications in the Natural Health Field include a Master of Science (Natural Health), Doctor of Natural Health, and Diploma of Herbal Medicine which she completed in the USA. Additionally she has obtained an Advanced Diploma in Acupuncture in Brisbane, Australia.
Whilst Heather has wide experience in all aspects of Natural Medicine, her main interest lies in musculoskeletal (arthritis, sports injuries, back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatism) and other painful conditions. She also has extensive experience in the treatment of fertility, skin conditions, anti-ageing and women's health issues.
Heather takes a holistic approach to understanding the processes of disease and uses a number of different treatment methods for a range of health conditions. Depending on your condition and your individual needs, naturopathy, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, SLM Bodywork or herbal medicine may be used within the same treatment consultation. This ensures that you get the maximum benefit for minimum time and cost.

Family Acupuncture and Wellness Center of Florida