Chinese Holistic Health Center
Acupuncture
Over five thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating needles at specific points on the body, I am able to return the body to its natural balance and promote the body's ability to heal itself.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when I insert them. When I gently stimulate the needles they may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls "De Qi." Patients often describe De Qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 10 to 15 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. I have passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and am licensed by the great State of Ohio Medical Board. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety.
Will the needles hurt?
Acupuncture is a painless experience. Insertion is gentle without feeling the needles enter the body. At times a light pricking sensation may happen. Qi flow has been known to arise at the site of a point as a heavy sensation, trickling, or warmth. These feelings could surface at other areas of the body away from the needle site corresponding to where the chosen meridian flows.
Does it really work?
Chinese Medicine has been proven with empirical evidence over the course of thousands of years to aid in a person’s health and well-being. Research continues today to study its affects on people. More evidence through the scientific method surfaces every year discovering its assistance to a variety of illnesses and common health conditions.
Can I see my western medical doctor at the same time?
Most certainly. It is advised to be in communication with your both your medical doctor and acupuncturist to assure the most comprehensive care possible.
How often do I need to get treatments?
Treatment protocol will be discussed during your first visit depending on the nature of your condition. An acute concern could show improvement after one visit, whereas a more chronic illness could result in treatments over the course of a few weeks to months. Often patient visits will typically be 1 to 2 times per week.
Your First Visit
When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.
After reviewing your intake form, we will discuss your condition, and I will examine your pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine. The acupuncture points I choose will depend on your condition, but you can expect approximately 20 needles. Once the needles are inserted, I will leave you to lie comfortably for 15-20 minutes with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture works by activating the body's own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for many health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. Below are some common conditions I can treat, but please feel free to contact me about your specific health condition.
Pain and Pain Management
* Sports injuries
* Muscle pain
* Back, neck and shoulder pain
* Leg, ankle and foot pain
* Arm, wrist and hand pain
* Knee pain
* Hip pain
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Tennis Elbow
* Repetitive strain injuries
* Jaw pain (TMJ)
* Dental pain
* Sciatica
* Arthritis
* Tendonitis
* Myofascial pain syndrome
* Headaches and migraines
* Postoperative pain
Reproductive Issues
* Infertility
* Increased efficacy of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Digestive Issues& Nausea
* Heartburn, Acid Reflux
* Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
* Chronic indigestion
* Chronic loose stools or constipation
* Peptic ulcer
* Acute and chronic gastritis
* Morning sickness
* Nausea and vomiting
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
* Stress
* Anxiety
* Insomnia
* Depression
Respiratory Complaints
* Sinusitis
* Allergies
Reproductive Issues
* Infertility
* Increased efficacy of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
