Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a highly effective health care system developed and refined over the last 5,000 years. It is the oldest continually practiced form of medicine in the world. This gentle, non-invasive system has helped millions get well on a physical and emotional level. Now, more than a million Americans enjoy acupuncture each year. The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization both acknowledge the efficacy and effectiveness of Oriental Medicine in a variety of chronic health conditions. Acupuncture is used as both a preventive medicine, and to aid you in overcoming disharmonies that may result in chronic or acute health conditions. The methods of treatment may include acupuncture, which is the insertion of very thin sterile needles at specific points in the body. This is done to help harmonize your body's vital energy systems, which have just been 'discovered' by researchers who used infrared thermal imaging. Your acupuncturist may also use food and herbal therapy, cupping, gua sha and chi kung (qigong) therapy. I use the term 'painless acupuncture' because acupuncture feels nothing like the insertion of hypodermic (hollow) needles. The needles are hair thin, and sterile. An experienced and skilled acupuncturist can insert the a needle and you might feel no more than a slight pinch at the site of insertion. Most needles barely penetrate the skin's surface, and the sensations vary from person to person. After insertion, your acupuncturist may gently manipulate the needle in order to call your body's attention to that area of the body. As a result, you may feel what is known as 'qi sensations', which may or may not include tingling, itching, a feeling of fullness or a slight dull ache. These sensations are desirable and normal. Some individuals are more sensitive than others, and those who are very stressed and 'on edge' may have stronger sensations. Communicating with your acupuncture physician is very important, and they will modify treatment based on how you feel. The location of acupuncture points vary greatly, and have nothing to do with where your area of complaint is. This is because acupuncture uses the body's innate energy systems to treat your condition, and to treat the underlying cause of the health imbalance. Acupuncture is a very safe method of treatment. Our Acupuncture Physicians have thousands of hours of training, hold a Masters Degree, and are nationally licensed. In an official report, Acupuncture: "Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials", the World Health Organization has listed the following symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture. No problem. There are several other modalities that can be used for treatment. Remember that Acupuncture is an umbrella term for several healing modalities, including Herbal Medicine, Chinese Massage, Cupping, Moxibustion, Gua Sha, and Nutritional Therapy. The number of treatments depend your specific condition. Your acupuncturist will be able to give you an estimate after the initial evaluation. A typical course of treatment is about 10 visits, which can be once or twice a week. You should start to see good results after 4 weeks. After a course of treatment is finished, your acupuncturist may later suggest monthly visits for health maintenance or seasonal check-ups and tune-ups. Cosmetic acupuncture treatments are different and run on set courses of treatment, which can be from 10 to 18. Cupping is a safe, non-invasive technique that involves placing glass cups on specific areas to drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions, break up scar tissue, lift connective tissue, and bring blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin. A vacuum is created inside the cup, either using the traditional fire technique, or using modern pump cups. This ancient technique is appearing in the news more and more often because of its amazing effectiveness. Moxibustion is the burning of a therapeutic herb above or on acupuncture points. It brings a soothing warmth that penetrates into the body. Scientific studies have recently shown that moxibustion is far more effective than heat generated from a machine. The Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture system is used in our clinic because it is one of the most complete and effective cosmetic systems available today. Ms. Borjas and Ms. Canner both have advanced training in this system. The system incorporates acupuncture, nutrition, supplements, herbal formulae and skin care. A study in The Journal of Clinical Acupuncture states that with cosmetic acupuncture, 90% of clients have marked improvement in their faces and experience an overall rejuvenation that is not confined to the face or abdomen. These anti-aging treatments affect overall health in a positive way. You will look and feel younger. In some ways, you will actually be younger because your meridians will be working better, thus making your body's systems more efficient. Please click here for more information on Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture. Yes, of course. Today, the phrase "Alternative Medicine" is quite popular. However, the term "Complementary Medicine" is usually more appropriate. Because acupuncture can help your body to perform all of its natural functions better, it can be a powerful complement to orthodox Western medicine. Acupuncture is a non-invasive, holistic medicine that can operate smoothly alongside Western medicine. For example, studies have established that acupuncture can help manage the side effects of chemotherapy. It has also shown to decrease recovery times in post-operative patients. This is why acupuncture has become a common treatment modality in many specialty hospitals, including the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic. Children often respond more quickly to Acupuncture than adults. They typically respond very well to moxa alone, or the contact of needles without insertion. We also typically use acupressure on children, or special pediatric tools that are quite painless. Parents will often be taught acupressure points that will benefit their children, as well as lifestyle and diet strategies to address their individual needs and prevent future ailments. Acupuncture does not rely on the placebo effect, and will therefore benefit the skeptic, who will quickly be able to discern the benefit they receive from Acupuncture. Appointments can be scheduled online using our automated system, or by calling our office. Click here to schedule an appointment online.
What is acupuncture?
Does it hurt?
Is acupuncture safe?
What can acupuncture treat?
I don't like needles!
How many treatments will I need?
What is Cupping?
What is Moxibustion?
What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Can Acupuncture be combined with other medical care?
Is acupuncture effective on children?
What if I'm skeptical?
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