Treatment with Oriental Medicine may include one or more modalities.  The initial visit typically takes up to an hour and a half.  This allows time for a thorough evaluation of your health history, primary and secondary complaints, Oriental Medical diagnosis, and treatment.  Follow up visits are approximately one hour in length. 

During the evaluation, you will be provided with a cloth exam gown to wear.  I will feel the pulse on both wrists, look at the tongue, and palpate different muscle groups and points along the body’s meridian system.  All of these methods provide information about how your body is functioning, and where its excesses or deficiencies are located.  I will explain my assessment to you and the plan for treatment.  Next, you will receive treatment primarily using acupuncture needles.  Other therapies may include moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, or massage.  Learn more about each of these modalities below: 

Acupuncture
Acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel and they are sterile and used only once.  Needles are very fine and are virtually painless upon insertion.  After insertion into selected body points, the needles are stimulated to varying degrees, producing a characteristic sensation that ranges from tingling and distension and heaviness to a slight electrical sensation.  After stimulation, the needles are left in place for 15-30 minutes, at which time you may feel very relaxed and even fall asleep. 

Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the use of a warming herb (Mugwort) over selected points along the body’s meridian system.  There are a number of different methods for applying moxibustion (or “moxa” for short).  Indirect moxa involves holding a lighted stick of the herb over the point to warm it.  With direct moxa, a salve is applied to the skin to protect it, and a thin thread of loose herb is lit directly over the salve to warm the point.  Moxa cones may also be applied to the top of the acupuncture needle to provide warmth through the shaft of the needle. Moxa is used in the treatment of deficiencies, to warm and nourish the body, and to provide extra stimulation to a point.  It is used along with the needles and sometimes on its own. 

Cupping
Cupping involves the application of glass jars that create suction over the skin.  A glass jar is held upside down and a flame is inserted and then quickly removed, creating a vacuum that provides suction when applied to the body.  Cupping is used to remove stasis, spasm, pain and congestion in the body.  It serves to bring circulation of blood and lymph to the area where it is applied.  It is commonly used in the case of muscular tension as well as for internal disorders such as bronchitis and digestive problems.  This process may temporarily leave small round red or pink discoloration on the skin, which generally clears within a few days. 

Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a technique involving rubbing of the skin with a smooth surface (typically a ceramic spoon or lid) in areas where there is congestion or pain.  It promotes healthy circulation to the area, relieving pain and tension, and restoring proper function to the muscles and underlying organ systems.  It is used in the case of common cold, head or ear congestion, and neck and muscle pain.  Small red dots come to the surface and these typically clear within a few days. 

Electro-Acupuncture
Small electrical currents (millicurrents) are sometimes added to the acupuncture needles to create a pronounced effect.  The sensation is typically one of “pulsing,” where you will feel a painless movement of the muscle near the stimulated needle.  It is occasionally used in cases of musculoskeletal pain or stasis of varying types.   

Microcurrent stimulation is effective in treating acute injuries and may also help in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and depression.  It may also be applied to the surface of the face to support facial rejuvenation.  Microcurrent is similar to the body’s own electrical impulses and is generally applied without any sensation.  Facial rejuvenation can be supported quite effectively using this method.  A typical protocol involves 10-12 treatments within a 3-4 week period, followed by periodic maintenance treatments. 

Tui Na Chinese Massage
As an adjunct to acupuncture treatment, Tui Na techniques may be used to stimulate the body’s musculature and circulation.  Tui Na is a form of massage that released muscular tension, opens movement in the joints, and promotes circulation throughout the body’s circulatory and energy systems. 

Herbology (download Herb Instruction Sheet)
Chinese herbs may be administered in conjunction with your acupuncture treatment, or as a stand-alone form of therapy.  Herbal formulas are designed to regulate your body’s functions and are typically tailor-made to your unique condition.  The use of herbs is particularly well-suited in the treatment of some conditions, and less indicated in others.  In many cases herbal therapy accelerates the course of healing and can reduce the number or frequency of acupuncture treatments required. 

Herbal formulas are given in a variety of ways, depending on your needs and preferences.  Traditionally, dried herbs are combined and cooked into a medicinal tea that is taken twice each day.  For some people time is a significant factor and in this case powdered herbs may be given, to stir into water and drink.  Others prefer tableted herbs for their convenience and tastelessness, and this is another option. 

Nutrition
Oriental Medicine considers nutrition and diet to be an integral part of health and wellness.  Whatever condition you are working with, nutritional recommendations can support your healing and at times become the primary form of treatment.  What we eat, how we eat, and when we eat, as well as what supplements we choose, are considered central to maintaining good health.  In modern times we all tend to receive less nourishment in the form of whole, natural foods, and eat a large quantity of processed and fast foods on the go.  We are also exposed to more environmental toxins that deplete our nutritional supplies.  Therefore, nutritional supplements are of greater significance for most people than they used to be in times past.  Supplement recommendations may be given to you to complement your treatment program 

For those involved in weight management, dietary and nutritional support recommendations may provide the essential element in your program.