Layered Healing: Small Additions That Make a Meaningful Difference

Dennis ‘Kaz’ Kasunic, LAc | Forest Park Wellness

When you work with Dennis “Kaz” Kasunic, M.Ac., O.M., L.Ac., at Forest Park Wellness, you quickly learn that healing doesn’t usually happen all at once. It unfolds in layers. Sometimes it’s the steady rhythm of acupuncture doing its quiet work. Sometimes it’s consistency over time. And sometimes, it’s a small, thoughtful addition that helps your body settle in just a little more deeply.

To support that layered approach, Kaz now offers several optional add-on services that can be incorporated into your visit. These enhancements are designed to deepen relaxation, support recovery, and extend the benefits of your acupuncture or microneedling session — all without turning your appointment into something complicated or overwhelming.

LED Light Therapy: Gentle Support for Skin and Cellular Repair

If your skin could use a little extra support, LED Light Therapy is an easy, non-invasive way to encourage renewal. This treatment uses safe, low-level light in specific wavelengths to support your skin’s natural healing processes. There’s no heat, no discomfort, and no downtime — just light working with your body. Sessions last about 30 minutes and can be added at the end of an acupuncture visit or following microneedling. The cost is $20, making it an accessible option for those wanting to enhance their results.

Different light colors serve different purposes. Red light is known for stimulating collagen production, which can soften the appearance of fine lines and improve skin firmness. Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, helping calm active breakouts and reduce future flare-ups. Yellow light is often used to soothe redness and uneven tone, making it helpful for sensitive or reactive skin.

Beyond cosmetic benefits, LED therapy also supports circulation and reduces inflammation. It can speed up your skin’s natural repair processes — especially useful after microneedling, when your body is already actively producing collagen and rebuilding tissue. Adding LED at that stage can help calm post-treatment inflammation and optimize recovery. There’s no recovery period afterward. You can head right back to your day, whether that means running errands, hopping on a Zoom call, or grabbing coffee on NW 23rd. Many patients choose weekly or biweekly sessions when focusing on a specific skin goal, and Kaz can help tailor a plan based on what you’re hoping to improve.

Inversion Table Therapy: Gentle Spinal Decompression

For those dealing with back tension, sciatica, or the all-too-common “I sit at a desk more than I’d like to admit” stiffness, inversion therapy offers another layer of support. An inversion table gently tilts your body at an angle, allowing gravity to help decompress the spine. This creates more space between the vertebrae, which may reduce pressure on discs, joints, and nerves — including the sciatic nerve. Even short sessions can encourage muscles along the spine to relax and release. At Forest Park Wellness, inversion sessions are supervised and typically last about 15 minutes. The cost is $20, and they can be added to your visit for additional back support.

Many people report relief from lower back pain, improved mobility, and a sense of lightness afterward. Inversion may also promote better circulation and lymphatic flow, helping oxygen and nutrients move more freely through the body. Athletes sometimes appreciate it for joint recovery, while others simply enjoy the decompressed feeling after long hours of sitting or physical strain. Over time, regular use may support better posture and alignment awareness. When the spine has room to move and breathe, the rest of the body often follows.

It’s important to note that inversion isn’t appropriate for everyone. Individuals with high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart conditions, pregnancy, or certain spinal issues should consult their healthcare provider before using the table. Safety is always the priority, and sessions are guided to ensure comfort and proper positioning.

Hot Stone Add-On: Warmth, Circulation, and Deep Release

Sometimes what the body really wants is warmth. Hot stone therapy can be added to your session for 10 minutes at $15. Smooth, heated basalt stones are applied to targeted areas to relax tight tissues and increase circulation. Heat has long been used to ease muscle tension, reduce spasms, and improve range of motion — and when paired with acupuncture, it can deepen the overall calming effect of treatment.

For particularly tight or sore muscles, Kaz may incorporate gua sha techniques using the heated stones. This gentle manual manipulation helps break up stagnation, encourage blood flow, and release stubborn tension patterns. It’s especially soothing during colder months or high-stress periods when muscles tend to hold on a little tighter than usual.

Hot stone work doesn’t just feel good in the moment. Research suggests massage and heat-based therapies may reduce stress hormones, support better sleep, and even positively influence immune function. Many patients find that warmth helps their nervous system shift into a more restorative state — which is often where healing does its best work.

Thoughtful Additions, Tailored to You

What ties these add-ons together is intention. None of them are required. None are “extras” in a flashy sense. They’re simply tools — available when your body might benefit from a bit more support that day. All add-ons do need to be scheduled in advance, as room availability and timing matter. If you’re interested, it’s best to request them when booking your appointment so everything can be arranged smoothly.

Kaz’s approach has always centered on listening to what the body needs in the moment. Sometimes that’s acupuncture alone. Sometimes it’s acupuncture plus a little light, a little decompression, or a little warmth. Healing often works best when it’s responsive and personalized — and occasionally, a small enhancement can help your body settle more fully into the process.

If you’re curious about incorporating LED therapy, inversion sessions, or hot stone work into your next visit, Kaz is happy to help you decide what makes sense for your goals. At Forest Park Wellness, care isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s layered, thoughtful, and designed to support you right where you are.  Call us at (503) 272-6646 to schedule your next session or book online!