Acupuncture Treatments and Herbal Therapy

ancient needle

ancient needle

Acupuncture improves circulation. Chinese medical theory states: “Where there is pain, there is no movement. Where there is movement, there is no pain.” You can think of the energy in your body as a flowing stream. Disease is like a beaver who dams up the stream of energy in your body. Acupuncture takes the logs, sticks and debris out of the dam to help the stream flow freely again.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can also be used as internal medicine, to help balance the body. A weakness in one organ system often affects other organs. Through the diagnosis and treatment process, I can use acupuncture and Chinese medicine to help strengthen you at a deep level.

I use a Chinese style of medical treatment which was taught to me by doctors who combine centuries-old theories with the refinements and modern innovations. This style of treatment is proving very effective. My patients state that my treatments are among the best that they’ve experienced, and are up to the level of the good Chinese practitioners they’ve seen. Most people find their treatments to be relaxing, refreshing and healing.

Interview

Interview

I set a good foundation for Chinese medical diagnosis and treatment plan by conducting a thorough interview on your first appointment. It is also a time for us to get to know each other so we can work together on the problem that you’d like treated. We will go over your problem as well as your medical history and your current functioning. I will also look at your tongue and pulse. Then I will use all the information gathered to find what pattern of imbalance you are showing. Even a simple problem like back ache will improve faster by addressing whole body along with your current complaint. My patients really appreciate the one-on-one attention and the doctor-patient relationship in a time where they often feel rushed along when they seek medical care.

On the first visit, you can plan on about one to two hours for your appointment, depending on your case. On your followup visits, you will be able to come and leave within an hour, so you can work it into your lunch hour if needed. I will begin these followup treatments by briefly asking you how you did with your last treatment and how you now feeling, to track the changes and plan your new treatment.
Acupuncture treatments build up in the body, so many times we may initially treat you three times within your first two weeks of care. Then, if you are making progress, you may come once a week. We will re-evaluate as you make progress. Cases are more recent in onset may need only a few treatments. Chronic conditions may need around ten treatments to resolve. Degenerative conditions may need maintence over time. Acupuncture can do a very good job for overall wellness and anti-aging, for which some patients choose to come in on a maintenance level. I do have a track record of giving very indepth treatments and in helping my patients make progress fairly quickly.
ancient herbal formula symbol

ancient herbal formula symbol

Depending on your case, I may prescribe an herbal formula. Herbs are nearly always prescribed in a balanced formula, where different herbs have supporting effects. Thousands of years of use and research have shown that this is far more effective than large doses of a single substance. I am the only pracititioner in the region national certification in not only acupuncture but also in herbal therapy, and I am the only practitioner in this region with my own herbal pharmacy. My herbal pharmacy consists of about 200 jars of herbs — fruits, peels, roots, and barks, and minerals. I maintain a pharmacy that is very fresh and pure; I buy the herbs individually from a reputable Chinese herbalist whose wife personally travels to China to pick out and purchase the herbs. This form of herbal therapy is widely available in China and the strongest first line of defense, so I am excited to be able to provide that same quality of care for my own patients. I can also put together herbal soaks and liniments for injuries or dermatological cases.

Some patients do not receive any form of herbal therapy at all. Some patients’ condition is more appropriate for herbal therapy in capsule or pill form. Each producer of these formulas has their own GMP — General Manufacturing Process — certified factory. This ensures the purity and effectiveness of the product.

In addition to acupuncture and herbal therapy, Chinese medicine includes massage, exercise, diet therapy and lifestyle recommendations. Each of these branches will be integrated into your case as needed.