What I treat?
It’s probably more accurate to say who I treat. I treat you as a whole person. The list below of the diseases, disorders and conditions often represents symptoms of a greater imbalance of the mind, body and spirit. For instance Heart patients often experience, for no apparent reason, depression after surgery. In Chinese Medicine Acupuncture points that treat heart disease and hypertension also treat depression. It is not uncommon to find several seemingly unconnected conditions in someone that can be treated together. In Chinese Medicine we call this treating the root and the branch.
The Word Health Organization (WHO) has found that Acupuncture is effect for:
Gastrointestinal Disorders: GERD, Irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers, constipation, indigestion, colitis, anorexia and gastritis.
Urogenital Disorders: Stress incontinence, prostitits, urinary tract infections and sexual dysfunction.
Gynecological Disorders: PMS, irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, fibroids, infertility, and menopause.
Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, allergies, emphysema, COPD and bronchitis.
Circulatory Disorders: Hypertension, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris and anemia.
Emotional and Psychological Disorders: Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, Biopolar disorder, compulsive eating, and OCD.
Addictions: Smoking, alcohol and drugs.
Cancer Therapy: Pain and nausea control.
Chronic Conditions: Chronic fatigue, Crohn’s disease, Lymes Disease, Hepatitis, Fibromyalgia and chronic pain.
Disorders of the Nervous System: Post-stroke rehabilitation, neuralgia, migraine headaches, insomnia, dizziness, attention deficit disorder, and poor memory.
Disorders of the Bones, Joints, Muscles, and Skin: Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendonitis, sprains, strains and breaks, sciatica, back and body pain, psoriasis, and eczema.
Disorders of the Immune System: chronic infections, colds and flus and auto immune disorders.
Healing is like growing a strong tree from seed
The growth a tree from seed describes the healing process using acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The first treatments are like planting seeds followed by the excitement of experiencing the first sprouts of healing progress. However this stage, like sprouting seeds, is very delicate and progress can easily be disrupted or destroyed. For instance treatments and self care are like watering sprouts, they need to be done in a timely consistent manner otherwise progress slows down, stops or backslides.
In China, Japan and Korea, where they have some experience with Acupuncture, treatments occur as often as 3-5 visits a week during the beginning phase of treatment. Treatments can occur once a week but I have found in the last 14 years of practice that for most pain related conditions progress is slower and overall more treatments are needed to reach maximum therapeutic benefit. I recommend for acute pain conditions 2-3 treatments a week. For chronic conditions 2 times a week. This is usually only for the first few weeks.
Progress is measured and charted during every treatment through qualitative and quantitative metrics such as symptom intensity, frequency, duration and stress factors. If reasonable progress is not being met, based on initial expectations and subsequent findings during treatment, then referral to other modalities of healing will be recommended.
Once symptoms have stabilized and measurable healing progress has been made and sustained between treatments then they can be spread out to maintain and progress a healing and healthy dynamic. Again progress is measured and charted at every treatment.
The final stage of treatment usually occurs when maximum therapeutic benefit has been met and sustained and you are in a healthy dynamic state of being. Your Tree has grown and it is time to live your life fully.
What is Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine?
Chinese Medicine and specifically acupuncture started in China as a system of healing over 3,000 years ago. Over the centuries it has evolved and grown throughout Asia as a time honored form of healing. Today, acupuncture is used successfully, not only inAsia, but also throughout the world.
Fine, hair thin needles are inserted into precisely located “points” in order to unblock and harmonize the flow Qi (pronounced “Chi”), that sustains all living things. From a Western Scientific perspective neuromuscular fascial nodes in the body are activated causing the release of neuro-chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins to stop pain, decrease muscle spasm, increase circulation of oxygen and other blood born nutrients and regulate organ function.
The “Yin-Yang” or Tai Qi symbol above reflects the fundamental idea of balance and harmony within Tradition Chinese Medicine(TCM). According to TCM, disease and pain are caused by a blockage of movement, physically or emotionally. Blockages are caused by trauma and excess or deficient conditions within the body. These conditions are unavoidable, but we have choices in dealing with them.
Acupuncture safely and effectively sparks the bodies own innate ability to heal itself releasing blockages and dysfunctional patterns that cause pain and disease. When combined with herbal therapy, a healthy balanced diet, exercise and positive life style choices, the results can be even greater and longer lasting.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture feels very different from the sensation of receiving an injection. Injections often create pain because of the rigid large diameter, hollow needles used and the pressure of medication being forced into tissue. In contrast, acupuncture needles are flexible and hair thin. When inserted by a skilled practitioner, most people experience minimum discomfort. Treatments are often very relaxing and many patients report falling asleep during a treatment.
What will you Experience?
Reactions can vary after an acupuncture treatment as you move towards a more balanced state of health and wholeness. Some anxious patients report feelings of deep relaxation and a desire to rest. While lethargic patients often experience a renewed sense of vitality and clarity. Sometimes there is a temporary intensification of physical or emotional symptoms, as someone heals from long held traumas and move towards balance.
What to Wear?
Wear loose comfortable clothing.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
One of the great advantages of acupuncture is the lack of negative side effects. The hair thin, flexible needles generally cause no bleeding when inserted or removed.
Only one-use, disposable, sterile stainless steel needles are used, thus eliminating the risk of needle-borne infection.
Who Can Practice Acupuncture?
The State of Oregon, through the Oregon Medical Board, has very strict laws governing the practice of Acupuncture in order to protect the health of all Oregonians.
Licenser by the Board is based on several criteria: graduation from a nationally and locally accredited graduate program in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and the successful completion of written and practical national boards.
Training includes studies in: Western Medical science, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal medicine, Oriental Massage and several hundred hours of observational and hands on clinical internship.
Licenser permits a practitioner to work independently using Acupuncture, Oriental massage, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary and life style advice based on the tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Why Choose Acupuncture?
· It is safe, effective and lacks side effects.
· The whole person is treated, rather than just the disease.
· It stimulates your body’s natural ability to heal itself.
· It helps you regain control of your body and health care.
· It works in conjunction with Western Medicine to treat illness