Acupuncture is one of several therapies used in Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles inserted at specific points on the body to subtly influence how the body is functioning. Western science is not yet able to explain in its own terms the mechanism behind acupuncture, but has noted its effects on many of the body's systems including the neurological, endocrine, respiratory and digestive systems.

The Chinese medical model is based on an energetic system (referred to as Qi, pronounced "chee.") Together with blood, qi flows in a circuit around the body along channels, or meridians- which have been mapped out by hundreds of practitioners over thousands of years. Modern technology has since confirmed the location of these points through electro-magnetic research. Each channel corresponds with an internal organ system.

When this circuit is running smoothly, the body is in balance and there is health. However, if there is a disturbance in the circuit, the resulting imbalance may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, digestive upset, insomnia, or any number of ailments. With the insertion of acupuncture needles, the proper flow along the circuit is reestablished, allowing the channels and their corresponding internal organs to return to a balanced state, and the body to normal physiological functioning.

Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, including:

Results will vary depending on the nature of the problem and how long it has been present. Typically, if it is a new problem, improvement and/ or resolution may only take a few treatments. If the problem has been around for months or years, a longer course of treatment may be required. It is rare that resolution would be reached in a single treatment.

A typical course of treatment usually lasts somewhere between 5 to 10 sessions. Your practitioner will be able to discuss reasonable expectations for your particular condition after an evaluation.

The results are often different than you may expect. For example a client being treated to clear a skin problem found she also slept better and had less PMS symptoms. Treatments for arthritic knees also may decrease headaches, improve sleep, or reduce irritable bowel symptoms.

Acupuncture treatment will start with a health history and rather extensive questioning about all aspects of the patient's condition. This is followed by an exam in which the practitioner feels the pulses, examines the tongue and palpates the channels. This gives the practitioner a lot of information about the internal state of the body. The appropriate treatment will then be decided upon for that day. If appropriate, you will receive dietary, herbal and lifestyle recommendations to enhance the effects of your treatments.

Acupuncture Needles are very thin, flexible and are nothing like the hypodermic needles people are familiar with. There is very little, if any, discomfort during their insertion. Some points are more sensitive than others, however. Once inserted, people report a variety of sensations including: heaviness at the point of insertion, tingling, warmth, dull aching and/or a drawing sensation. Overall, people feel a deep sense of relaxation, and many even fall asleep during the treatment. By and large patients describe the initial sensations as fleeting and the long term sensations as deeply relaxing.

Absolutely not. Acupuncture is also a powerful preventive measure to keep patients healthy throughout the year. Just as you would have your car tuned up before problems occur, you can benefit from periodic acupuncture treatments.

The frequency of treatments varies with each individual and condition. Typically, following the initial consultation, you will be seen in weekly one-hour sessions for 5-10 visits. During this time, significant signs of progress will likely appear.

Herbal formulas consist of multiple herbs combined. There are 150,000 formulas recorded in Chinese medicine. Herbalists prescribe formulas specifically tailored for a particular patient and a particular medical manifestation of a condition. Herbals are effective for many health conditions, and have little side effect when prescribed by qualified practitioners.

Patients will need a thorough diagnosis first and then be given a prescription of herbs. A prescription is used for a few weeks before patients are evaluated again.

There has been special attention over the past few years in protecting the public from herbs which are tainted, toxic, or have known adverse effects. Both the Food an Drug Administration and Medical Practitioners with joint licensure in Western Medicine, Pharmacology and Chinese Medicine have been carefully accumulating safety data on herbs commonly used in traditional formulas. Clients taking high doses or in combination with western pharmaceuticals generally need to have blood checks done. Working in cooperation with your health care provider is encouraged.

According to Chinese Taoism philosophy, all of creation is born from the marriage of two polar principles, Yin and Yang (cold and hot). Harmony of this union means health, while disharmony leads to disease. The strategy of Traditional Chinese medicine is to restore harmony.

Qi and Blood circulate within a web of pathways called channels (meridians), that link together all parts of the organism. We are healthy when adequate qi and Blood flow smoothly. Symptoms as varied as joint pain, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, menstrual cramps, high blood pressure, asthma, indigestion, and the common cold occur when their circulation is disrupted.

All illness is understood as a consequence of either depletion or a congestion of qi and Blood. Depletion of qi leads to weakness, lethargy, frequent illness, poor digestion, and inadequate blood flow. Congestion results in aches, tension, tenderness, pain, a distended abdomen, irritability, and swelling.

The goal of treatment is to adjust and harmonize Yin and Yang. This is achieved by regulating the qi and blood in the Organ Networks: weak organs are tonified; congested channels are opened; excess is dispersed; tightness is softened; agitation is calmed; heat is cooled; cold is warmed; dryness is moistened; and dampness is drained.

Treatment may incorporate acupuncture, herbal remedies, diet, massage, and exercise. Duration of treatment depends on the nature of the complaint, its severity, and how long it has been present. As symptoms improve, fewer visits are required. Individual progress is the yardstick.

Because Chinese medicine views the mind and body as ecosystems in miniature, it seeks to improve our capacity to balance and renew our intrinsic resources. Chinese medicine can minimize the erosion of our "soil" by enriching it, maximize the flow of nutrients by increasing circulation, and help prevent bottlenecks that obstruct vital movement.

Often Western medicine intervenes only after crises arise, whereas Chinese medicine anticipates problems by sustaining our interior harmony. By correcting depletion and stagnation at earlier stages, greater problems are avoided in the future.

Sometimes Western medicine has little to offer for nagging chronic conditions that Chinese medicine can help. One is not a substitute for the other. They are often complementary. Whereas Western medicine may heroically rescue us from acute life threatening illness, Chinese medicine can protect and preserve our health day to day.

In modern China, TCM is both taught as well as practiced alongside Western medicine. All of the major hospitals have Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine departments, and patients are often referred from one department to the other. Thus, Chinese patients are able to receive the best that each system has to offer, with combined Chinese herbal and Western drug therapy in serious cases. This has proven to be an extremely successful approach, with remarkable results achieved in such areas as cancer care, recovery from stroke, arthritis, skin diseases, heart disease, chronic degenerative diseases, post operative care, etc.

We strive to integrate the most effective TCM therapies into conventional healthcare, and provide you with the best values from both medical systems.

Contact me at telephone number (503)943-9842 to discuss what you would like to receive from treatment. We can schedule an initial appointment and explore a treatment schedule that will best meet your needs.