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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A : Yes, TCM is a complete
and well rounded healing system that can be used in conjunction with almost
all other systems. In China, it is very common to have an acupuncture
and herbal treatment wing and a Western medical wing in a hospital. For
example, a patient undergoing heart surgery might be given acupuncture
to boost the immune system before surgery, acupuncture anesthesia during
surgery, and an IV drip of Chinese Herbs in recovery.
A : I regularly receive
referrals from Western medical doctors and refer patients to Western medical
doctors. While many patients use me as their primary care physician, I
still refer them to the appropriate specialists when necessary, including
emergency care.
A : Acupuncture needles
are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. They are so thin that
several acupuncture needles can go into the middle of a hypodermic needle.
There is generally mild sensitivity during the insertion of acupuncture
needles.Some people feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment
of discomfort as the needle penetrate the skin. Some experience mild sensations
of cramping, tingling, numbness, warmth, or heaviness. I find that most
of my patients would love to receive acupuncture on a daily basis.
A :Most acupuncture
points are located near or on the surface of the skin. Usually needles
are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth. Depth of insertion will depend
on the nature of the condition being treated, the patients' size, age,
and constitution and the acupuncturists style or school.
A : The length, number
and frequency of treatments will vary. A consultation with an experienced
practitioner about you and your condition will offer the best guide for
the length of treatment. Typical treatments last 30-60 minutes, with the
patient being treated one or two times a week. Generally acute problems
require less time and frequency of treatment. I have seen some patients
who have seen complete symptom relief after one treatment. Chronic and
severe ailments may require several treatments. Cosmetic acupuncture treatments
are a 10 treatment protocol. Fertility treatments may require weekly treatment
until conception occurs.
A : Since TCM was the
only form of treatment available to billions of people for many centuries,
it was used to treat all conditions. In California, practitioners of TCM
are not allowed to diagnose or treat cancer or perform abortive procedures.
However, almost all other conditions have been treated with TCM. It is
my opinion that some conditions, especially life threatening acute conditions
are better treated with Western medicine and I refer out accordingly.
The following is a partial list of conditions treated:
Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders
Circulatory Disorders
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gynecological Genitourinary Disorders
Immune Disorders
Addiction
Emotional and Psychological Disorders
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders
Respiratory Disorders
Miscellaneous
A : Using modern scientific
testing equipment the acupuncture channels and individual points can be
traced on the body as they are the pathways on the body that have the
least resistance to electrical or chi flow. Technological advancements
have made it possible to validate the existence and location of the channels
and points. Using sophisticated PET Scan technology, it has been shown
that certain specific locations in the brain are energized and activated
through the use of acupuncture.
By stimulating specific points on or near the skin
surface, acupuncture creates various biochemical and physiological conditions
which can correct imbalances. Hormones, chemicals and endorphins are released
by the body in response to acupuncture, which is why acupuncture can reduce
pain, regulate the endocrine system, and regulate serotonin levels. This
is why acupuncture can be used to treat back pain, reduce anxiety and
stress, help with depression, and PMS, Infertility and Menopause.
A classical explanation for how acupuncture works
is that channels of energy or "Qi" run in patterns through and
on the surface of the body. An obstruction in the flow of these energy
rivers creates imbalance, pain and disease. When the acupuncture points
are stimulated these meridians, or energy channels are influenced and
a healthy flow is re-established.
Physiological effects sometimes observed throughout
the body include increased circulation, relief of muscle spasms, relief
from pain, decreased inflammation, and immune system stimulation.
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