Medical Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medical system based on the concept of vital energy that is believed to flow throughout the body. Qi (pronounced chee) is the Chinese term for this vital energy or life force. It is believed that disease is a result of the flow of qi being disrupted or obstructed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, qi is believed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health. Traditional Chinese Medicine includes Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Moxibustion, Cupping therapy and Dietary prescriptions.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles along precise locations throughout the body. Practitioners believe this process triggers the release of naturally occurring painkilling substances called peptides and keeps the body's normal flow of energy unblocked. During an acupuncture treatment, the points to be used are first sterilized with alcohol, and then fine, sterile, disposable needles are inserted to a depth of approximately 3-5 mm. The needles are retained for 15-20 minutes while the patient rests, and then they are removed. For pain related conditions, the needles may be retained for up to 30 minutes. Most patients report a pleasurable "tingling" sensation and feeling of relaxation while the needles are in place.

Acupuncture may be combined with electrostimulation, where a machine that produces a mild electric current is attached to the acupuncture needles with clips. This is intended to increase the stimulation of the needles and is generally used for more painful conditions. The frequency and intensity of the electric current depend on the condition of the patient.

Acupuncture is best known for the control of pain. However, acupuncture can treat a wide variety of common and uncommon disorders. In the United States, acupuncture is used frequently for the treatment of conditions including but not limited to:

• Chronic Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Headache
  • Tendonitis
  • Athletic Injuries
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Post Traumatic and Post Surgical Pain
• Immune Dysfunction
  • Psoriasis
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Chronic Fatigue
• Mind-Body Disorders
  • Alcoholism
  • Addiction
  • Smoking
  • Eating Disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
• Others
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Hypertension
  • PreMenstrual Syndrome
  • Menopausal Symptoms

Cupping Therapy

Cupping Therapy works by creating a partial vacuum in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. In order to allow easy movement of the glass cups along the skin, medicated massage oils (with extracts of herbs) are often used. Cupping is applied by acupuncturists to certain acupuncture points on the body, as well as to regions of the body that are affected by pain. Cupping therapy has been further developed as a means to open the meridians of the body. A meridian is a Traditional Chinese Medicine term for the pathways throughout the body where qi flows. Thus, meridians are considered to be conduits through which energy flows to every part of the body. There are meridians on the back that, when opened, allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length of the body. It has been found that cupping is an effective way of opening those meridians.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, or Moxa for short, is an ancient form of heat therapy. The Chinese herb mugwort, is processed into a concentrated form, and then it is burned similar to a stick of incense. It can be applied to the handle of an acupuncture needle, or it may simply be held above the surface of the skin, where it exudes a deeply warming effect. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi and maintain general health and wellbeing.