What can Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine treat?
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a complete system of medicine and can be used to treat practically any ailment. The National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization recognize Acupuncture as being safe and effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. We have had particular success in using acupuncture and herbal medicine for patients who are experiencing acute or chronic pain, digestive problems, headaches and migraines, respiratory problems, and many other conditions. To highlight more of the specific areas in which we have given successful treatent, we have included a partial list of conditions below.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders, including neck, shoulder, hip and back pain, joint pain and arthritis, sciatica, carpal tunnel, unexplained pain and acute sprain and strain.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, acute or chronic constipation or diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, abdominal pain and bloating.
- Urogenital Disorders, including urinary tract infection, infertility, incontinence, and prostatitis.
- Gynecological Disorders, including irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, PMS, infertility and problems related to menopause.
- Respiratory Disorders, including sinusitis, allergy and asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough and common cold.
- Neurological Disorders, including headache/migraine, stroke residuals, tremors, numbness and Bell’s Palsy.
- Post-Epstein-Barr syndrome, Meniere’s and Raynaud’s Disease
- Tension, stress, insomnia, anxiety and depression
- Hypertension, dizziness and vertigo
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
- Smoking cessation
- Unexplained illness
What types of treatment are offered?
Acupuncture
By facilitating the proper flow of Qi throughout the body, acupuncture enhances the process by which energy supports both the body and mind. Acupuncture can be used to promote healing for practically any illness, and is safe to use in conjunction with many other therapies including chiropractic, massage, physical therapy and conventional western medical treatment.
The Acupuncture needles are very thin solid-body filaments, not much thicker than an eyelash. Most patients feel no pain during treatment. The needles are sterile. They are used only once and then properly discarded. Tuina (Chinese massage techniques), Gwa Sha, Cupping or moxibustion are sometimes used conjunction with Acupuncture. These modalities are also used to help to harmonize the body’s flow of energy. We have been particularly successful in using acupuncture for the treatment of pain, digestive problems, neurological disorders, chronic headaches, and many other conditions.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
The value, safety and efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine cannot be overstated. Chinese herbal medicine, which has been practiced for literally thousands of years, has and is still used to treat practically any illness, acute or chronic, from common cold and bronchitis to chronic asthma, from urinary tract infection to cystitis, from food poisoning and stomach flu to chronic IBS. As done since ancient times, Chinese herbs are combined into thoughtfully structured formulas. The formulas are constructed in a way which produces a synergy between the individual herbs, and creates a well-balanced formula capable of producing positive results without negative side effects. When one uses Chinese herbs prescribed by a Chinese herbalist, they are taking part in a tradition that is over 3,000 years old. We offer classic and custom Chinese herbal formulas, which can be used alone or in conjunction with Acupuncture therapy, and are available in liquid extract and tablet form.
Qi Gong instruction
The practice of qi gong is one of the original “branches” of Chinese medicine, and may play an important and empowering role in obtaining and maintaining optimal health. Its practice can greatly help in overcoming illness and malaise. Practicing qi gong and having proper diet and lifestyle habits plays an important role in achieving and maintaining optimal health.
How many treatments will I need?
During an initial course of treatment, one may require frequent treatment in order to alleviate symptoms quickly. As symptoms diminish and disappear, visits become less frequent. Acute or sudden conditions can often be resolved quickly. For chronic conditions, one should expect a longer course of treatment.
How much does it cost, and will my insurance cover treatment?
Payment is expected at the time of service. Presently, there is some insurance coverage available for Acupuncture. As the therapeutic value of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine becomes more widely accepted, coverage is expanding. Please contact your insurance company to check your eligibility. If you do have coverage, you can be provided with a claim form so that you can seek reimbursement. Currently, neither Medicare nor Medicaid offer coverage for Acupuncture. Please call our office for current rates. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Expect your first visit to last about 1 and ½ hours, and about an hour for subsequent visits.
What type of certification is needed to practice Acupuncture and Oriental medicine?
Over forty states have passed legislation pertaining to the practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (A&OM), and most states (including Florida) require NCCAOM certification as a prerequisite to licensure on the state level. NCCAOM certification requires over 2,000 hours of study in Acupuncture and Oriental Medical theory. I strongly recommend that prospective patients seek Acupuncture and Oriental Medical treatment from an NCCAOM certified practitioner. For more information about educational standards and licensure, click on the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine link.
Is Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine safe for kids?
Yes, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is safe and effective for children of all ages, and can be used for a broad range of conditions from common cold and flu to delayed development. A&OM is very effective for many common pediatric conditions such as earache, constipation, and bedwetting.
How does Acupuncture work?
By facilitating the proper flow of Qi throughout the body, Acupuncture enhances the process by which energy supports both the body and mind. Acupuncture is used to guide and promote energy where and when it is needed, and to dislodge and disperse energy when and where it is stagnant. Through stimulation of the various acupuncture points, the body’s electromagnetic field can be manipulated in order to promote healing for practically any illness.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
The Acupuncture needles are a very thin solid-body filaments, not much thicker than an eyelash. Most patients feel no pain during treatment. The needles are sterile. They are used only once and then properly discarded. Acupuncture is safe and can be used in conjunction with many other therapies including conventional western medical treatment.
How and why is Chinese Herbal Medicine used?
Chinese herbs can be used both internally and externally, to treat a broad range of acute and chronic injuries and illnesses. The herbs are almost always combined into thoughtfully structured formulas. They are formulated not only to reinforce their synergistic powers, but also to create a well balanced formula capable of producing dramatic results while minimizing the possibility of side effects. Many “classic” formulas (those created by well-renowned herbalists of the past) are widely available in pill and liquid extract form. Custom formulas can also be created in order to meet the specific needs any individual. Chinese herbs are safe to use when prescribed by a qualified practitioner of Chinese Herbal Medicine, even in conjunction with Western Medicine. However, not all herbs are appropriate for all patients or all conditions, and it can be unsafe to combine certain herbs with other supplements (herbal or otherwise), or detrimental to use certain herbs in order to gain short-term benefit. For these reasons, herbal supplements should never be self-prescribed. Herbal medicine should always be recommended or prescribed by a licensed practitioner who has devoted a significant amount of time to the study of Herbal Medicine. For additional information about Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, please click on their respective links.
