About Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture is a safe, effective alternative for treating:
- Arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Gynecological problems like infertility and PMS
- Depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress
- And many more physical, emotional and neurological issues
Efficacy and Clinical Research
Clinical studies compiled in 2003 by the World Health Organization show the efficacy of acupuncture for a variety of conditions. To see the report and review the research, click here.
What is acupuncture like?
It is usually very relaxing and relatively painless!
Sterile, surgical steel needles (which are as thick as a human hair) are gently inserted into specific points along the body that correspond to 'channels' of energy, known as Qi (pronounced "chee", the Chinese character pictured here). The acupuncture points lie on acupuncture 'channels' or meridians which traverse the human body from head to toe. The needles are carefully maneuvered by the practitioner using specific techniques to influence the body's own dynamic energy. The needles are retained for up to 30-45 minutes, depending on the condition.
Most people who receive acupuncture treatments find them to be extremely relaxing and restorative. Needle insertion is virtually painless. You may feel a slight tingling or buzzing sensation, a sign that your body's Qi is engaged by the needles. Many patients report feeling a sensation that travels through the entire acupuncture channel. Side effects are minimal, and benefits can often be astoundingly effective.
For a more detailed description of acupuncture, click here.
For information about the clinical efficacy of Acupuncture, click here.
What other techniques are used?
Acupuncture is commonly paired with other Chinese medical techniques, including moxabustion, cupping, gua sha (dermal friction), bleeding techniques, and electroacupuncture.
Moxabustion: This is an ancient therapy commonly paired with acupuncture. A warming therapy that uses a stick of carbonized mugwort (artemisa vulgaris) to introduce warmth into acupuncture points or regions on the body. Moxabustion technique can either be indirect (heat stick held near the skin) or direct, where a tiny thread of moxa wool is burned directly on the skin.
Cupping: Glass, bamboo, or plastic cups are used to create a vacuum and applied to the body (see image below). Cupping is either stationary or "running" (moving the cups along the skin). Cupping is useful for breaking up stagnation, helping to relieve pain, etc.
Gua Sha: Also known as dermal friction, this technique of vigorously warming and scraping the skin with a hand held tool made of ceramic, plastic, or water buffalo horn. Gua sha is useful with the treatment of the common cold, and is a popular treatment option to release muscle adhesions which cause pain.
Bleeding Techniques: Bleeding involves lancing the skin with a small needle or lancet and removing small amounts of blood. It is very effective in cases of blunt trauma, pain, neuropathy, etc., and is commonly used with cupping.
Electroacupuncture: A small electrostimulating device is connected to acupuncture needles, and a small micro-current of electricity passed through them. This technique is helpful for pain, neuropathy, fractures, stroke recovery and aphasia, etc.
These treatments are commonly paired with needle acupuncture to create the right treatment for you.
What should I expect from a typical office visit?
It takes about an hour (longer for your first office visit to complete some paperwork). I will ask you detailed questions about your main complaint and your overall health history and answer any questions you might have. After the interview I will take your pulse and look at your tongue (two main diagnostic methods used in Chinese Medicine). I will devise a treatment plan and move on to the treatment, which involves the treatment techniques listed above.
You should feel relaxed and energized at the end of the treatment. Most people say that getting acupuncture gives them energy and stamina. Some have reported feeling like they have just awakened from a refreshing nap.
What should I do on the day of my treatment?
If it is your first office call, please arrive fifteen minutes prior to your appointment to fill out a health questionnaire.
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
- Eat something nourishing at least two hours before your appointment.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol or performing any vigorous physical activity the day of your treatment.
- After your treatment, take ample time to relax and drink plenty of water.
About Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine is safe, economical, and effective.
Many people are turning to herbal medicine for their health care needs. Prescriptions are expensive; side effects can create additional health problems. That's why more people are relying on herbal therapy as the cost of drugs and insurance continue to rise. People are in search of alternatives that work, and herbal medicine works.
Herbs have a long history of use throughout the world. Chinese herbs are safe and effective. The herbs used in my practice undergo strict quality control to ensure purity and potency. Together with acupuncture, they form a powerful treatment for a variety of complaints.
Chinese herbs can help:
- boost energy and improve digestion
- reduce pain and inflammation
- regulate metabolism and endocrine systems
- speed healing post-surgery
- clear phlegm and toxic accumulations
- many other health concerns
For information about the clinical efficacy of Chinese Herbal medicine, click here.
How do I take Chinese Herbs?
There are several methods to take Chinese herbs:
- raw herb decoction (boiling raw herbs in hot water to make a tea)
- patent pills
- tinctures
- granular form
Most practitioners in the United States offer Chinese herbs in patent pill form. Another very useful way to administer herbs is in granular form. Granular herbs are precooked and powdered reductions that are blended together into formulae specifically prescribed for the patient, who simply adds hot water to make a medicinal tea for easy consumption. This method ensures strict quality control and purity. I prefer KPC brand granular herbs, a reputable company from Taiwan.
