A:TCM is a term given to a medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years in the ancient Chinese civilizations. The treatment modalities such as acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion, cupping, and tui na, are all centralized around the idea of regulating “Qi” flow. “Qi” is the transliterated term that describes the vital breath or life force extant in our bodies and in nature. This “breath-energy” is said to flow in channels (meridians) in our bodies and traverses organs and all tissue planes. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi through these meridians are blocked.
A:The most well-known traditional Chinese medical procedure, acupuncture is the practice of inserting sterilized, stainless-steel needles into the body at specific points to unblock the channels to relieve pain or treat a disease. Acupuncture points are areas of designated Qi/electrical sensitivity. Stimulation of these points has been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. They have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of more than 2,000 years.
A:There is increasing scientific evidence proving the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of medical ailments, including chemotherapy-induced nausea, autoimmune disorders, chronic back pain, hypertension, and seasonal allergies. The World Health Organization recognizes almost one hundred diseases, symptoms, or conditions for which acupuncture is effective. Much of the research on acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is still being conducted by universities, research institutions, and by small groups of dedicated scholars such as those of the Xinglin Institute.
A:The insertion of needles into specific points can alter biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Research suggests that the needling process, and other modalities used in acupuncture, may produce their complex effects in a wide variety of ways in the brain and the body. For example, stimulated nerve fibers are believed to transmit signals to the spinal cord and brain, thus activating parts of the central nervous system. The spinal cord and brain then release certain hormones responsible for making us feel better overall and, more specifically, feel less pain. Acupuncture may regulate blood circulation and body temperature. It may also affect white blood cell activity (responsible for our immune function), reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and regulate blood sugar levels. In general, acupuncture appears to transmit its effects via electric, neurologic, hormonal, lymphatic, and electromagnetic wave pathways.
A:In addition to asking questions about your health, I may want to take your pulse at several locations along the wrist, and look at your tongue to observe its shape, color, and coating. In the regional diagnosis, I observe the color and texture of your skin, your complexion, and other physical characteristics that offer clues to your health. I will then ask you to lie down on a padded examining table, and will select points to insert the needles in, twirling or gently stimulating each needles as it goes in. You may not feel the needles at all, or you may feel a quick twinge that subsides as soon as the needle is completely in. Once the needles are all in place, you rest for 15 to 40 minutes. During this time, it is absolutely normal for you to feel relaxed and doze off. At the end of the session, the I will quickly and painlessly remove the needles. I might also discuss diet, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations, as well as herbal supplements as I see fit.
A:The number of acupuncture treatments you need depends on multiple factors such as the complexity of your illness, whether it is a chronic or acute condition, and the level of your nutrient reserves. For example, you may need only one treatment for a recent muscle strain, whereas for a long-standing, chronic illness you may need treatments once or twice a week for several months to get desired results.
A:Please have a light meal and be well hydrated within 2 hours of coming in. I cannot work on you if you are under-fed (hungry), over-fed (full), are intoxicated, or are recreationally drugged.
A:Please come dressed in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If your clothing is inhibiting, I will have you wear a gown. You will also be draped with towels to keep you warm and secure while I work around the sensitive areas.
A:Some common side effects of acupuncture include soreness, bruising, or minor bleeding at the site of insertion. There are thousands of micro vessels and nerve fibers within each square-inch of your skin. Sometimes the needle might nick one of these strands and lead to the undesired bruise. All of these side effects are minor and are temporary. The benefits heavily outweigh the cons in acupuncture.
A:Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world. Herbal formularies have been discovered in manuscripts written since the 2nd century B.C. at the Mawangdui tomb. Therapeutic categories include digestives, materials that improve circulation, nervous system calming agents, antimicrobials and more.
A:Traditional Chinese herbal medicine consists of over 11,500 substances derived from plant, animal, and mineral sources. Each of these substances have specific therapeutic benefits that have been noted by physicians in the last two millennia. Researchers in modern institutions today are discovering the active ingredients that are mostly responsible for their actions.
A:I currently do not as my treatment protocols are outside of the scope of coverage for most, if not all, health insurance plans.