Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture work together as a powerful medicine which aids in strengthening the immune system and preventing disease, controlling pain, and increasing the quality of people's lives.  Chinese Medicine has been practiced for more than 4000 years as a primary health care system in China, and is finally recognized in the United States as a holistic and naturalistic approach to medicine.

What is Chinese Medicine and how does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is the ancient technique in which a skilled practitioner inserts hair- thin needles in to specific points on the body to prevent and treat illness.  While Acupuncture can provide immediate symptomatic relief, the goal of the medicine is to treat the root of the problem.  Chinese Medicine works with the body to strengthen and balance energy, hence improving circulation and allowing the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely.  Acupuncture is highly effective not only as a preventative medicine, but as a drug free treatment of signs and symptoms.  Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system and evidence shows that it releases endorphins from the brain, making it effective in pain control. Stimulating the body’s internal regulatory system will nurture a natural healing response.

Acupuncture uses the applications of needles after a diagnosis, to regulate the flow of “qi” or energy flow, through the body.  This accesses the source of life itself by using groups of points along certain lines of energy, or channels.

How does and Acupuncturist treat and what does it feel like?

Chinese medical practitioners are well trained and use a highly developed system of medicine to diagnose, treat and test the immediate success of the treatment.

On the first visit, there is an extensive interview which will provide the basic pattern of health or disease.  The practitioner will feel the subtle variations in the pulses in the wrist and examine the patient’s tongue to determine how the body is functioning.  There will also be observation and palpation of the body where necessary.

Modalities of Chinese Medicine:

• Acupuncture: Tiny, sterilized, disposable needles inserted at various points on the body and along the channels
• Chinese Herbs: Raw herbs or patent formulas in pill form to treat problems internally
• Electrical Stimulation: electrodes attached to ends of needles to further open the energy conducting pathways in the body
• Acupressure/Tui Na: Chinese style pressure point massage used therapeutically for musculoskeletal disorders or pediatric disorders
• Moxibustion: An herb (mugwort) burned over points on the body to promote circulation and relax muscles as well warming the area and breaking up stagnation and pain
• Nutrition/Exercise: Using diet therapy to complement treatment as well as utilizing regular exercise or yoga, qi gong, tai qi to strengthen vital energy.
 

What if I am Healthy? Can Acupuncture Prevent Problems of Enhance Health?

Yes. Acupuncture is traditionally used as a preventive medicine and it also stimulates immune function to increase your resistance to bacterial and viral infections.  Chinese Medicine is very effective in treating diagnoses of HIV, all forms of Hepatitis, as well as any auto-immune disorders by alleviating symptoms and working with Western medicine.  By treating under-lying causes of disease, it is a deeper kind of healing and affects profound changes in people on physical, mental and emotional levels.

Is Acupuncture safe and can it be effective while on medication or when other treatments fail?

Yes. Since acupuncture is drug free and Chinese Medicine uses all natural herbs. There are no harmful side effects when used under the care of an herbalist.  Actually herbs are often used in conjunction with some harsh pharmaceuticals to alleviate certain drug side effects. It is very safe for patient of all ages, or immuno-compromised or pregnant patients.

Inform your practitioner of all preexisting conditions, known problems and medications you may be taking.

Acupuncturists usually work closely with Mds and patients find that the combination of treatments usually works best for them.  Each medicine has its own area of effectiveness, although acupuncture’s advantage is its diagnostic and treatment system.  It has a broad a deep understanding of our energetic nature and the impact of energy in healing.

What can I expect with Acupuncture?

Most people are surprised at the depth of relaxation, the intensity of energy and the sense of well-being and healing which occurs from the balancing of energy.

Often, relief from symptoms is felt immediately, or may occur in a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the symptoms.  Patients look forward to treatment not only for its healing benefits, but also for the sense of serenity experienced during and after treatment.

Many who have lived with their conditions for many years do not know that they can recover or may think that someday it will go away.  Chinese Medicine has succeeded in many cases where other treatments have not. It is just a matter of trying it and committing to the length of treatment to see a difference, even when none was thought possible!