Oriental Medicine

What Is The Treatment Like?

Extremely fine, hair-thin, flexible needles are placed at specific points on the energetic pathways, known as meridians. When the needles are inserted, you may experience a sensation of tingling or warmth. People are surprised to find that treatments are actually quite relaxing.

Oriental Herbology and Nutrional Suppliments

Ancient Chinese herbal formulas are as effective now as they were when first introduced more than 2,000 years ago. Most formulas consist of two to eighteen different types of herbs. Formulas treat a wide variety of symptoms while stimulating the body's natural healing process. Hospital studies prescribing individualized complex herbal formulas have demonstrated excellent results with patients who fail to respond to conventional pharmaceutical treatments.
Nutritional Suppliments and Detoxification kits are an excellent way to improve your health if done on a regular basis and with the knowledge of how to do it. Nutritional and herbal counseling is provided as part of my service.
I offer an in-house pharmacy of excellent herbal remedies and suppliments for patient convenience. Only the best, tested and found pure, products are made available at reasonable cost.

Is It For You?

Oriental Medicine is used not only for pain management, but also as a comprehensive system of health care and health maintenance. Athletes use Oriental Medicine to achieve optimum performance levels. Cancer patients are treated for the side effects of chemotherapy to enhance their quality of life. Detoxification treatments have been proven to help those with chemical and/or dependency problems.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used.

Tui Na Massage- Manual Bodywork

is one of many types of bodywork practiced in Asian countries. Tui Na originated in China Ancient depiction of manual therapy techniques more than 2,000 years ago. It is based on traditional meridian concepts, i.e., the smooth flow of Qi through the meridian channels and collaterals. As with acupuncture, the clearing of Qi blockages will allow for the enhanced healing. Tui Na includes many manual methods which are applied to the tendons, muscles, ligaments and joints. They are applied in order to influence the flow of Qi and are oftentimes combined with other manual techniques which mobilize joints and realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships.

Zheng Gu

refers to mobilization techniques which quickly restore normal functioning and structural reintegration. Oftentimes following manual therapy, various ointments, liniments or creams are administered in order to maximize the results of treatment. Tui Na is an ideal adjunct in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress related conditions.

Gua Sha

is a healing technique used in Asia by practitioners of traditional medicine. It involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation where the skin is pressured, in a stroking manner using round-edged instruments. The result of this treatment is the appearance of small red petechiae called "sha," which fade within several days following the treatment. The purpose of raising sha is to remove stagnation and promoting circulation. The treatment is designed to be used for relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, nausea, etc. Contraindications to Gua Sha includes inflammation of the skin, bleeding disorders, open wounds, phlebitis or unexplained lesions.

Cupping

refers to an ancient art in which cups are applied to the acupuncture points/skin and the pressure inside the cup is reduced. This is accomplished through one of two methods, igniting a small swab dipped in alcohol under the cup, then quickly removing it, while simultaneously placing the cup on the area of skin to be treated. The second, and more practical method, is to use a suction system which is attached to cup prior to placing the cup on the skin. Once the cupPatient with cups in place is in place, a pump is activated drawing out the air. In either technique the goal is to draw the skin and superficial muscle layer and hold it within the cup. In some cases the cup may be moved while the suction is applied causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle. This is accomplished by the addition of a lubricating agent such as massage oil and is often referred to "gliding cupping." The result is a reddened area which subsides following treatment. Some bruising can occur. Cups are usually left in place for 5 to 15 minutes. Cupping is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, lung conditions such as chronic cough and bronchitis, paralysis, and pain. It can also be used for many other disorders. Contraindications to cupping includes inflammation of the skin, high fever, cramping, bleeding disorders, open wounds, phlebitis, application over the low back or abdomen during pregnancy, or unexplained lesions.

The Plum Blossom hammer

is actually a very small hammer with a group of needles on the head. The handle of the Plum Blossom is reed shaped and acts as a spring. To treat an area the Plum Blossom is gently tapped over the acupuncture point(s) in a gentle repetitious manner. Plum Blossom is used to promote circulation and alleviate Qi and blood stagnation. It's used for many conditions and works well in the treatment of neuropathy. Contraindications to Plum Blossom includes inflammation of the skin, bleeding disorders, open wounds, phlebitis or unexplained lesions.

Electroacupuncture

is the use of electrical simulation in conjunction with the application of acupuncture needles. The device is typically small in size that can provide mild electrical current to the needles which allows for constant stimulation of the acupuncture points. The wave forms vary from device to device and are typically in the form of TENS or microcurrent. The latter is usually not felt by the patient at all. Electroacupuncture is exceptionally good for difficult to treat cases where there is nerve involvement such as post stroke care, chronic pain and Bell’s palsy.

Acupuncture Education- Isn't It All The Same?

Before selecting who to see for your acupuncture and oriental medicine treatment, it would be wise to understand the different levels of education of those who practice "acupuncture."

Professionally trained licensed acupuncturists have completed a three to four years of graduate level education in the field of acupuncture and oriental medicine. A typical three year nationally accredited Masters Degree program is over 2000 hours in length. Colleges of oriental medicine are approved through The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Following the completion of a program, one must take certification examination(s) which are administered by The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

In contrast other healthcare providers who may advertise acupuncture services may have less training and are authorized to perform acupuncture. Certain providers in the State of Florida are required to complete just 100 hours of training in order to offer acupuncture treatment.

In summary, as a consumer you should be aware of the differences in education between providers and making a decision to have acupuncture treatment should be done carefully.