Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a part of the traditional Chinese medicine, originating over 5,000 years ago. The theory of Acupuncture is based on channels of energy running in patterns throughout the body. The energy is called Qi. The channels, called meridians, are much like rivers running through the body. If one of these channels is obstructed, imbalance and disease may occur. The imbalance can be corrected by needling certain acupuncture points along the channels. The needling unblocks the stagnant energy and sooth the Qi flow through the body and then help to heal disease and imbalances. There are over 1000 acupuncture points along the meridians that are utilized to manipulate the flow of qi.  Based on scientific research it is believed that Acupuncture can help stimulate the nerves to release certain natural chemicals within the body, such as endorphins.

Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as: migraines, sinusitis, addictions, sciatica, arthritis, low back pain, weight loss, infertility, common cold, fibromyalgia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, PMS, IBS, and arthritis, to name a few.

Our clinic provides acupuncture treatments on student rotations and private rotations. Our clinicians will take a complete medical history, including information about lifestyle habits, diet, emotions, temperature, appetite, stress and sleep. The Chinese Medicine Diagnosis also involves evaluation of the tongue and pulse quality.  Once all of the information is gathered, a Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern diagnosis is established. The treatment of this diagnosis is different from many conventional medical practices.  Instead of treating individual symptoms and signs, Acupuncture focuses on the underlying cause of diseases, imbalance of organs and meridian systems, and the condition of vital energy.  Environmental factors are also important considerations in the treatment plan.  The selection of the acupuncture prescription will be in alignment with these treatment principles.

A typical acupuncture treatment will last 20-30 minutes.  During the treatment, the patient is lying down and relaxing while the clinician inserts 10-20 needles.  The acupuncture needle is significantly smaller than a syringe, and is therefore virtually painless.  There may be a slight prick on insertion, but once the needles are in place, the patient should not feel any pain.  If there is some discomfort, notify the clinician immediately and they may adjust or remove the needle. Other techniques may be added to the acupuncture treatment, such as moxibustion or cupping.  Moxibustion is a warming herbal application that is indicated for cold or deficient patients; our clinic uses a smoke-less form of the Moxa herb.  Cupping involves using glass cups and suction in order to massage areas of stagnation. While many patients notice improvements after only a few treatments, usually four or five treatments are needed to see the full effects of Acupuncture. In most cases, Chinese Herbs are also used in combination with the acupuncture treatment.  Our medicinary carries a full line of Chinese patent herbal medicines for the convenience of our patients. Our clinic uses a smoke-less form of the Moxa herb.