logo
Welcome | Mission | Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine | FAQ | Conditions | Biography | Office |
Links | Coupon | Email us | Testimonial | Workshop | Kiiko | Newsletter | Communicty Acupuncture
Foot
Figure1
Plate
Moxa
Ear


"Frequently Asked Questions":
(1) What is Oriental Medicine?

Oriental Medicine (OM) originates from China. It believes that human, society, and environments are all intertwined as parts of natural harmony. Within our bodies, a life force runs through our internal systems to maintain a balance. When our body is out of balance, we get sick. Oriental medicine practitioners strive for regaining our natural ability of healing using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

(2) What is an acupuncture treatment like?

During an initial visit a patient's health history and pertinent information was analyzed. We take radial pulse, palpate abdomen, and ask to look at tongue. This helps form a diagnostic analysis. A recommendation then is made for an acupuncture, Tuina massage, or Chinese herbal treatment.

Acupuncture treatment involves insertion of hair-thin needles. These needles are sterile, single-use, and disposable. Most people feel sensations of heaviness, warmth, tingling or a dull ache. Many find acupuncture treatments to be relaxing.

The initial consultation and treatment usually take 90 minutes. Follow-up treatments typically last for one hour.

(3) What is "community style" acupuncture?

Community style acupuncture (CSA) refers to the actual layout and design of the treatment facility. CSA clinics such as Acuremedy in Danvers, believe affordable ($15 to $35 / treatment) access to treatment allows for the most benefit from treatment. The history of acupuncture clinical sites numerous examples of simple, frequent treatments to maximize the patient's success in treatment.

(4) Why are Community Clinic's rates for treatment less expensive than most other clinics?

Communicty Clinic is a unique clinic design that allows the acupuncturists greater flexibility in treatment options. This gives us the ability to see a larger number of weekly patients, which translates to less expense for each patient.

Back to Top
5) What conditions can you treat?

Chinese medicine treats a very wide variety of conditions. Patients come to NECA for treatment of pain conditions, digestion disorders, women's health, emotional issues, and many other disorders.

(6) Is Oriental Medicine right for me?

There are a lot of disorders, acupuncture and oriental medicine can help. Among various health issues in General Health, practitioners frequently see:
  • Pain Management (back/neck pain, headaches/migraines, joint pain/arthritis, TMJ disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia)
  • Allergies, Asthma, Sinusitis
  • Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Chronic Diarrhea
  • Smoking, Alcohol, Sugar, Overeating
  • Facelift /Facial Rejuvenation
In Women's Health, in particular, acupuncturists also see a lot of:
  • Infertility and IVF Support
  • PMS
  • Premenopausal & Menopausal Symptoms
  • Endometriosis
  • Menstrual Problems (irregular period, heavy flow, cramps, acne, bloating, breast distention)
  • Chronic Pelvic Inflammation
  • Migraines & Headaches Related to the Hormonal Cycle
  • Lack of Libido
  • Fibroids & Cysts in the Uterus and the Breasts
  • Breast Cancer Under Chemo & Radiation (enhance the immune system and reduce the side effects)
  • Morning Sickness
  • Postpartum Depression & Exhaustion
  • Chronic Urinary Tract Infection
Back to Top

(7) Is acupuncture treatment safe?

Acupuncture is very safe. I use sterilized, single-use needles. The risk of adverse effects is extremely low.

(8) Does acupuncture treatment hurt?

Acupuncture needles are much thinner than the regular needles used to inject substances like vaccines or insulin. The needles are so fine, that when an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin many patients feel only a mild pinching sensation.
(9) How does acupuncture treatment work?

Most symptoms or diseases arise because of a disharmony of the body's "qi". Qi is the energy that flows throughout the body in the meridians. From a traditional perspective, qi is responsible for all physiological functioning in the body. Acupuncture helps to adjust the flow and function of the body's qi. Essentially, the stimulation of acupuncture points helps remind the body how to rebalance itself.

Dragon
(10) Why does my acupuncturist look at my tongue or palpate my abdomen?

In Oriental Medicine the inspection of the tongue and palpation of the abdomen are very important. In tongue diagnosis, different areas of the tongue relate to various organ systems in the body. The color, coating, shape and texture of these areas of the tongue yield information about the state of your health. The tongue shows the depth and nature of an imbalance. Different parts of the abdomen pertain to different internal body functions.


Back to Top
(11) How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the duration, severity and nature of your condition. Acute conditions usually require a few treatments. Chronic or long-standing conditions may require a series of six to ten treatments. People respond differently to acupuncture. Some respond quickly and others gradually.

(12) Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Insurance coverage varies greatly. Please check with your insurer if acupuncture services are covered. I will provide you with the necessary documentation to submit claims.



(13) What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese Herbal Medicine uses plants, animal products and minerals to help restore health. The remedy comes in powdered forms, patent medicine (usually pills), or herbal tea. In the United States, it is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to help relieve acute or chronic conditions.

(14) What is an herbal prescription?
Chinese herbal medicine use several herbs in a well balanced formula. A typical formula may have around ten different herbs. The process of combining herbs allows the herbalist to customize a formula that is specific to client's particular needs. The ability to tailor a formula to meet the needs of a particular client is one of the unique benefits of Chinese herbal medicine. Herbal tea works faster than concentrated powders. Pills take a longer period to see the effect, although they are most cost effective to produce.

(15) What are the herbs used in Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine's pharmacopoeia contains a few hundreds of substances. A typical Chinese Herbal pharmacy in this country has about two to three hundred different herbs. Most herbs are derived from the various parts of plants such as roots, leaves, stem, and bark. Cinnamon, ginger, scallions, cloves, orange peels and licorice are among the commonly used herbs.

(16) Is it safe to take herbs with prescription drugs?

Herbs are generally safe. Well trained herbalists are careful in prescribing herbal formula to clients. Massachusetts' Board of Medicine which oversees licensing of Chinese Herbalists are strengthening its guidelines now. While drug/herbal safety is addressed on a case by case basis, herbalists follow principles that help make taking herbs safer. Certain classes of herbs are to be avoided with certain classes of drugs. For example, blood moving herbs are to be avoided with blood thinning drugs like coumadin. Otherwise their similar effects could be too strong. At Acuremedy I tried to be conservative at recommending herbs to patients who take prescription drugs.



TradeMark
Welcome | Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine | FAQ | Conditions | Biography | Office |
Links | Coupon | Email us | Testimonial | Workshop | Kiiko | Newsletter | Communicty Acupuncture