During your first visit, we will work together to determine the nature of the disharmony which brought you in to see me. I will complete a detailed evaluation of symptoms, past medical and family history, body systems, lifestyle and diet. I will also examine your tongue and pulses. After the cause has been determined, we will discuss your individualized plan of care, including frequency and duration of treatment.
During your treatment, I will insert fine needles into the chosen acupuncture points. The needles used are sterile and disposable, very thin and have a rounded end that is designed to part the skin, unlike the sharp cutting end of hypodermic needles. Acupuncture needles are far less likely to cause tissue damage, bruising or pain upon insertion.
Along with needling, I may utilize other techniques during your treatment, such as moxabustion (the burning of an herb over an acupoint which causes a gentle warming sensation), Tui-Na (a type of Chinese massage) and Qi Gong (an exercise that involves the use of postures, breathing, meditation and visualization to strengthen and circulate your life energy or “qi”). In some cases, I may prescribe a highly individualized Chinese herbal formula. Non-needle techniques such as acupressure, electrical stimulation of an acupoint and magnets are sometimes used, as well.
As a general guideline, we will know if acupuncture is going to help you within 1-3 treatments. Many of my patients experience positive results after their first treatment. A common misconception is that you must "believe" in acupuncture in order for it to work. As with Western medicine, acupuncture will work equally on those who believe and those who do not. The length and course of your treatment will vary depending on your diagnosis and how long you have had the problem. Your first visit will last about one hour; follow up visits tend to last between 30-45 minutes.
The World Health Organization identifies over 40 conditions acupuncture successfully treats. It is highly effective not only as a preventative medicine, but as a drug free treatment of many conditions and offers no inherent side effects. Western scientists have studied acupuncture and have their own theories on how it works. Some of these theories are listed below, along with results of studies on the efficacy of acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture works with the body, strengthening and balancing energy. It improves circulation of qi, blood and body fluids, assisting the body in healing itself more quickly in order to maintain health.
Neurological: Headache, migraine, neuralgia, post-operative pain, residual stroke sequelae, MS, Parkinson’s disease, Bell’s Palsy, facial tics/pain, rib neuritis, sciatica, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Musculoskeletal: Pain/weakness/spasm anywhere in the body, muscle cramping, localized traumatic injury, sprains and strains, sports injury, arthritis, disc problems, generalized weakness, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendonitis.
Digestive: Abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea/vomiting, hyperacidity, reflux, diarrhea, constipation, gastritis, spastic colon, pregnancy induced or chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.
Respiratory: Common cold, flu, sore throats, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma and allergies, recurrent cough.
Gynecological: Reproductive problems, menstrual problems/irregularity, impotence, PMS, gynecological problems, perimenopausal and menopausal syndrome.
Emotional: Insomnia, anxiety, depression, traumas, nervousness, neuroses, PTSD.
Other Problems: Eczema, TMJ, poor circulation, poor immunity, age related skin changes/wrinkles, urinary problems, poor vision, tired eyes, tinnitus, toothache or post extraction pain, gum problems, low energy level, high stress level, addictions, weight control and more!